Segment:
        
        
            Full-size Minivan
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Families, individuals requiring versatile people and cargo transport.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Uplander/Buick Terraza/Pontiac Montana SV6.
        
     
    
    
        
            Powertrain Options:
        
        
            Available V6 engines offering a balance of power and efficiency for its class.
        
     
    
        
            Interior Flexibility:
        
        
            Configurable seating arrangements for passenger and cargo versatility.
        
     
    
        
            Ride Comfort:
        
        
            Designed for a comfortable ride, especially for longer journeys.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Utility:
        
        
            Provides detailed, factory-authorized information essential for maintaining and repairing the Freestar.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Complete overhaul, diagnosis, and repair of all engine components, including timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel, and emission control systems.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Performance:
        
        
            Detailed troubleshooting and diagnosis for engine performance issues, including misfires, rough idling, power loss, and poor fuel economy.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Comprehensive coverage of the 4F50N automatic transmission, including removal, installation, overhaul, diagnosis, and fluid service.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of the hydraulic and anti-lock braking system (ABS), including disc and drum components.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Diagnosis and repair of the power steering system, including pumps, hoses, steering rack, and linkages.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnosis of circuits, lighting, accessories, and charging systems.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Service and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and diagnosis.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Procedures for body repair, panel replacement, door mechanisms, interior trim, and glass service.
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Frame and chassis repair, including body-to-frame mounts and structural components.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections, and tune-up procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex vehicle issues, often using flowcharts and symptom-based guides.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Detailed, step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all vehicle systems.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Advanced diagnostic techniques, including scan tool usage, circuit testing, and component testing procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical testing parameters, and alignment data.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering everything from basic owner-performed maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics and body repairs.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            3.9L V6 (3F)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            3949 cc (232 cubic inches)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            93.5 mm x 90.2 mm (3.68 in x 3.55 in)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            193 hp @ 4,500 RPM (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            245 lb-ft @ 3,250 RPM (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Valvetrain:
        
        
            Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            4.2L V6 (4.2L)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            4172 cc (255 cubic inches)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            202 hp @ 4,000 RPM (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            260 lb-ft @ 3,000 RPM (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline / E85 Flex Fuel (4.2L option)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Pump Pressure:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific PSI
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Management System:
        
        
            Ford EEC-V (or later variant)
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 2.71:1 First, 1.57:1 Second, 1.00:1 Third, 0.69:1 Fourth)
        
     
    
        
            Fluid Type:
        
        
            MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
        
     
    
    
        
            Shifting:
        
        
            Electronically controlled, with overdrive.
        
     
    
        
            Torque Converter Lockup:
        
        
            Variable, controlled by PCM for improved efficiency.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            123.7 inches (3142 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            200.2 inches (5085 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            77.4 inches (1966 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            68.5 inches (1740 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Passenger Volume:
        
        
            Approximately 150-160 cubic feet (varies by configuration)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
        
        
            Approximately 30-40 cubic feet (varies)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
        
        
            Approximately 80-90 cubic feet (varies)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 4,300 - 4,600 lbs (1950 - 2087 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
        
        
            Approx. 5,800 - 6,000 lbs (2630 - 2721 kg)
        
     
    
    
        
            Wheel Bolt Pattern:
        
        
            5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inch)
        
     
    
        
            Standard Tire Size:
        
        
            P225/60R16
        
     
    
        
            Optional Tire Size:
        
        
            P235/55R17 (on some trims)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Driver Crash Test:
        
        
            5-Star (for most model years and configurations, check specific year reports)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Passenger Crash Test:
        
        
            5-Star (for most model years and configurations, check specific year reports)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Driver Crash Test:
        
        
            4-Star (for most model years and configurations, check specific year reports)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Crash Test:
        
        
            4-Star (for most model years and configurations, check specific year reports)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test:
        
        
            Good (for most model years, check specific year reports)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Optional Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Driver and front-passenger airbags
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side Curtain:
        
        
            Optional side-curtain airbags for all rows
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, height-adjustable front belts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, or every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) / 12 months with synthetic oil (refer to manual for precise recommendation based on usage).
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            3.9L V6: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using long-life plugs; 4.2L V6: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using long-life plugs (refer to specific plug type).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), or under severe usage conditions. Filter replacement recommended during fluid service.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 API SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2 certified (check manual for exact Ford specification).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green)
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Ford Power Steering Fluid (or Mercon V ATF)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Reliability:
        
        
            Some reports of issues with the 4F50N transmission, particularly concerning solenoid pack failures or torque converter clutch issues.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Mounts:
        
        
            Premature wear or failure of engine mounts can lead to excessive vibration.
        
     
    
        
            Rear Wheel Bearings:
        
        
            Potential for premature rear wheel bearing failure, especially on earlier models.
        
     
    
        
            Door Latches And Handles:
        
        
            Issues with interior and exterior door latches and handles can occur.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
        
        
            Common failure of HVAC blend door actuators can result in improper air temperature control.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Ford Minivan Legacy:
        
        
            The Freestar is part of Ford's long history in the minivan segment, succeeding the Windstar.
        
     
    
    
        
            Predecessor:
        
        
            Ford Windstar (1995-2003)
        
     
    
        
            Debut:
        
        
            Introduced for the 2004 model year, representing a significant redesign over the Windstar.
        
     
    
        
            Updates:
        
        
            Minor styling updates and feature additions throughout its production run, including available all-wheel-drive in early models (though primarily FWD).
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Oakville Assembly Plant, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
        
     
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            2003-2007 (for model years 2004-2007)