light FORD FREESTAR 2006 1.G Owners Manual
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Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as “Regular” that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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•Theindicator may come on. For more information on the “Check
Engine” or the “Service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles-3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than three automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
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•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
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EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
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the description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
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10. Ensure the pads on the bottom
of the air cleaner assembly are
properly seated.
11. Reconnect the outlet tube to the
air cleaner assembly and tighten the
clamp.
12. Reconnect the Mass Air Flow
Sensor electrical connector to the
outlet tube. Make sure the locking
tab on the connector is in “locked”
position.
Note:If hose clamp is not secured properly or Mass Air Flow Sensor
electrical connector is not properly installed the Check Engine light will
illuminate when vehicle is operated.
Note:Do not use oil-impregnated air filter elements. Failure to use the
correct air filter element may result in severe engine damage. The
customer warranty may be voided for any damage to the engine if the
correct air filter element is not used.
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GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Genuine Ford Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford or Ford of Canada dealer.
These quality accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your
automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style
and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory
is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigorous
engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Genuine Ford Accessory found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessory. The accessory will be warranted for whichever provides you
the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that Genuine Ford Accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the authorized dealer are covered for the
full length of your New Vehicle’s Limited Warranty — 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km) (whichever occurs first). Contact your
authorized dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
The following is a list of several Genuine Ford Accessory products. Not
all accessories are available for all models. For a complete listing of the
accessories that are available for your vehicle, please contact your
authorized dealer or visit our online store at:
www.fordaccessoriesstore.com.
Exterior style
Bug shields
Deflectors
Front end covers
Headlamps, fog lights and Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs)
Splash guards
Interior style
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Lifestyle
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
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A
Accessory delay ..........................65
AdvanceTrac ..............................217
Air cleaner filter ...............298, 302
Air filter, cabin ............................42
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................148–149, 157, 159
and child safety seats ............150
description ..............149, 157, 159
disposal ....................................162
driver airbag ............151, 158, 160
indicator light .................157, 162
operation .................151, 158, 160
passenger airbag .....151, 158, 160
side airbag ...............................157
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................280
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................215–216
Anti-theft system ......................107
arming the system ..................108
disarming a triggered
system .....................................108
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 23, 26
Automatic transaxle .................220
fluid, adding ............................296
fluid, checking ........................296
fluid, refill capacities ..............303
fluid, specification ..................306
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................221
Auxiliary power point .................63
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........304
B
Battery .......................................277acid, treating emergencies .....277
jumping a disabled battery ....246
maintenance-free ....................277
replacement, specifications ...302
servicing ..................................277
BeltMinder .................................143
Brakes ........................................215
anti-lock ...........................215–216
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............216
fluid, checking and adding ....296
fluid, refill capacities ..............303
fluid, specifications .........304, 306
lubricant
specifications ..................304, 306
parking ....................................217
shift interlock ..........................220
Bulbs ............................................49
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....303
Cargo net .....................................88
Cassette tape player .......18, 20, 23
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............163
child safety belts ....................163
Child safety seats ......................169
in front seat ............................171
in rear seat ..............................171
tether anchorage hardware ...173
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............265
instrument panel ....................267
interior .....................................267
interior trim ............................267
plastic parts ............................266
washing ....................................264
waxing .....................................264
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cap ...........................................287
capacity ...................................303
choosing the right fuel ...........288
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................293
detergent in fuel .....................289
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................285, 287, 290
filter, specifications ........285, 302
fuel pump shut-off switch .....227
improving fuel economy ........290
octane rating ...................289, 306
quality ......................................289
running out of fuel .................289
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................285
Fuses ..................................228–229
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................72
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............287
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................290
Gauges .........................................15
H
Hazard flashers .........................227
Head restraints .................109, 114
Headlamps ...................................43
aiming ........................................46
autolamp system .......................43
bulb specifications ....................50
daytime running lights .............44
flash to pass ..............................45
high beam .................................44
replacing bulbs .........................51turning on and off ....................43
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................33–34
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................72
Hood ..........................................271
I
Ignition ...............................212, 306
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................169
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................294
Instrument panel ........................63
cleaning ...................................267
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................45
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......246
K
Keyless entry system ...............101
autolock ...................................103
Keys ...........................................106
positions of the ignition .........212
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................43
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................50
daytime running light ...............44
headlamps .................................43
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headlamps, flash to pass ..........45
instrument panel, dimming .....45
interior lamps .....................47–49
replacing bulbs .............49, 51–53
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................47
Liftgate ............................84, 88, 96
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........216
Load limits .................................200
Locks
autolock ...................................103
childproof ..................................93
doors ..........................................91
Low tire warning .........................15
Lubricant specifications ...304, 306
Lug nuts ....................................246
Luggage rack ...............................88
Lumbar support, seats .............113
M
Message center ...........................76
english/metric button ...............78
system check button ................79
warning messages .....................79
Mirrors ...................................55, 66
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................66
fold away ...................................68
heated ........................................67
programmable memory ..........100
side view mirrors (power) .......67
signal .........................................67
Motorcraft parts ........268, 285, 302
O
Octane rating ............................289Oil (see Engine oil) ..................274
Overdrive ...................................221
P
Parking brake ............................217
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....302
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................135
Pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ...............68
Power adjustable foot pedals .....68
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................232
Power door locks ................91, 103
Power liftgate ........................84, 96
Power mirrors .............................67
Power point .................................63
Power steering ..........................219
fluid, checking and adding ....295
fluid, refill capacity ................303
fluid, specifications .........304, 306
Power Windows ...........................65
R
Radio ..........................18, 20, 23, 26
Relays ........................................228
Remote entry system .................95
illuminated entry ................45, 99
locking/unlocking doors .....91, 95
Reverse sensing system ...........223
Roadside assistance ..................226
Roof rack .....................................88
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........147
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