light FORD FREESTYLE 2006 1.G Owners Manual

1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
If coolant reservoir is empty, continue with steps 5–9, if coolant
reservoir level is only slightly low (coolant still in reservoir),
continue to Steps 5 and 6 only.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on
the reservoir.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
7. Pull off metal pin and remove
coolant bleed plug from the
thermostat housing.
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254

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
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
261

•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 two 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.
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
262

•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.
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
264

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.
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
265

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to
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
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor 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 in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
267

A
Accessory delay ..........................67
Air cleaner filter .......................269
Air conditioning ........42, 44, 46, 49
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................132–133, 142, 144
and child safety seats ............134
description ..............133, 142, 144
disposal ....................................147
driver airbag ............135, 142, 145
indicator light .................135, 146
operation .................135, 142, 145
passenger airbag .....135, 142, 145
side airbag ...............................142
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................198
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................251
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................190
Anti-theft system ......................103
arming the system ..................103
disarming a triggered
system .....................................104
Audio system
(see Radio) ............................17, 20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................268
fluid, checking ........................268
fluid, refill capacities ..............270
fluid, specification ..................274
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................195
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........272B
Battery .......................................249
acid, treating emergencies .....249
jumping a disabled battery ....222
maintenance-free ....................249
replacement, specifications ...269
servicing ..................................249
BeltMinder .................................126
Brakes ........................................189
anti-lock ...................................190
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................190
fluid, checking and adding ....268
fluid, refill capacities ..............270
fluid, specifications .........272, 274
lubricant specifications ..272, 274
parking ....................................191
shift interlock ..........................193
Bulbs ............................................56
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....270
Cargo cover .................................89
Cargo net .....................................88
Cassette tape player ...................17
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................214
Child safety restraints ..............147
child safety belts ....................147
Child safety seats ......................151
in front seat ............................152
in rear seat ..............................152
tether anchorage hardware ...155
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............237
instrument panel ....................239
interior .....................................239
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
281

specifications ..................272, 274
Exhaust fumes ..........................189
F
Fluid capacities .........................270
Foglamps .....................................54
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................198
Fuel ............................................257
calculating fuel
economy ............................79, 262
cap ...........................................259
capacity ...................................270
choosing the right fuel ...........260
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................265
detergent in fuel .....................261
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................257, 259, 262
filter, specifications ........257, 269
fuel pump shut-off switch .....206
improving fuel economy ........262
octane rating ...................261, 274
quality ......................................261
running out of fuel .................261
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................257
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......206
Fuses ..........................................207
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................74
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............259
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................262
Gauges .........................................14H
Hazard flashers .........................206
Head restraints .................105, 110
Headlamps ...................................52
aiming ........................................54
autolamp system .......................52
bulb specifications ....................57
daytime running lights .............53
flash to pass ..............................53
high beam .................................53
replacing bulbs .........................57
turning on and off ....................52
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...............40, 42, 44, 46, 49
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................74
Hood ..........................................243
I
Ignition ...............................186, 274
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................151
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................267
Instrument panel ........................63
cleaning ...................................239
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................54
J
Jack ............................................214
positioning ...............................214
storage .....................................214
Jump-starting your vehicle ......222
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
283

K
Keyless entry system .................97
autolock .....................................99
Keys
positions of the ignition .........186
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................52
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
daytime running light ...............53
fog lamps ...................................54
headlamps ...........................52, 57
headlamps, flash to pass ..........53
instrument panel, dimming .....54
interior lamps ...........................56
replacing bulbs ...................56–60
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................56
Liftgate ........................................88
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........190
Load limits .................................176
Locks
autolock .....................................99
childproof ..................................91
doors ..........................................90
Lubricant specifications ...272, 274
Lug nuts ....................................221
Luggage rack ...............................89
Lumbar support, seats .............107
M
Message center ...........................78
english/metric button ...............83system check button ................84
warning messages .....................84
Mirrors ...................................63, 68
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................68
fold away ...................................68
heated ........................................69
side view mirrors (power) .......68
Moon roof ....................................74
Motorcraft parts ........240, 257, 269
N
Navigation system .......................24
O
Octane rating ............................261
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................246
P
Parking brake ............................191
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....269
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................120
Power adjustable foot pedals .....69
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................211
Power door locks ........................90
Power mirrors .............................68
Power point .................................65
Power steering ..........................193
fluid, checking and adding ....267
fluid, refill capacity ................270
fluid, specifications .........272, 274
Power Windows ...........................66
R
Radio ......................................17, 20
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
284

Relays ........................................207
Remote entry system .................92
illuminated entry ................96–97
Reverse sensing system ...........196
Roadside assistance ..................205
Roof rack .....................................89
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........131
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ............118,
122–125
Safety Canopy ...........................144
Safety defects, reporting ..........235
Safety restraints ........118, 122–125
belt minder .............................126
extension assembly ................131
for adults .........................123–125
for children .............................147
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................120
safety belt maintenance .........131
warning light and chime ........126
Safety seats for children ..........151
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................276
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............118
Seats ..........................................105
child safety seats ....................151
front seats ...............105–106, 109
heated ............................44, 46, 49
memory seat .....................93, 110
second row seats ............111, 114
third row seats ........114, 116–117
Servicing your vehicle ..............242Setting the clock
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................21
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........216
Spark plugs, specifications ......269,
274
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................272, 274
Speed control ..............................70
Starting your vehicle ........186–188
jump starting ..........................222
Steering wheel
controls ......................................73
tilting .........................................62
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................62
Tires ...........................161–162, 214
alignment ................................168
care ..........................................166
changing ..................214, 216–217
checking the pressure ............166
inspecting and inflating .........163
label .........................................175
replacing ..................................170
rotating ....................................168
safety practices .......................167
sidewall information ...............170
snow tires and chains ............176
spare tire .................................214
terminology .............................162
tire grades ...............................162
treadwear ........................161, 166
Towing .......................................182
recreational towing .................185
trailer towing ..........................182
wrecker ....................................227
Traction control ........................192
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
285