🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Freestyle

Model Years Covered:

2005, 2006, 2007

Body Style:

Mid-size Crossover SUV / Station Wagon

Platform:

Ford CD3 Platform (shared with Mazda CX-9, Mazda 6)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Ford Freestyle was positioned as a versatile, family-oriented crossover/wagon, offering a blend of car-like handling with SUV practicality and seating capacity. It aimed to capture buyers seeking an alternative to traditional minivans and larger SUVs.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Equinox/Venture, and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Key Features:

Standard 3-row seating, available AWD, comfortable ride, spacious interior, unique styling for its segment.

Manual Value Proposition:

This service manual is an indispensable tool for owners and independent repair shops seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Ford Freestyle. It provides factory-accurate procedures, specifications, and diagrams essential for proper vehicle service, saving time and money compared to guesswork or relying on generic repair guides.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle.

Engine Coverage:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, emission controls.

Transmission Coverage:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) service, repair, and diagnostics.

Drivetrain Coverage:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, including differentials and driveshafts.

Suspension Coverage:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment specifications.

Brakes Coverage:

Brake system diagnosis, repair, ABS, traction control.

Electrical Coverage:

Full electrical system diagnosis, wiring diagrams, lighting, power accessories, body control module (BCM).

Body Coverage:

Body and frame repair, exterior and interior trim, doors, windows, seats.

HVAC Coverage:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system repair and diagnosis.

Diagnostic Coverage:

Troubleshooting procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage.

Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Factory Authorized Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine mechanical (including timing belt/chain), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control systems.

Drivetrain Components:

CVT transmission, power transfer unit (PTU) for AWD models, front and rear drive axles, propeller shafts.

Chassis Systems:

Front and rear suspension (MacPherson struts, multi-link rear), steering system (hydraulic power steering), brake system (front discs, rear discs/drums depending on configuration), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS).

Electrical And Electronic Systems:

Complete vehicle wiring diagrams, starter and charging system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, Body Control Module (BCM) functions, climate control electronics, audio system.

Body And Interior:

Body structure, collision repair information, door mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, seating systems, safety restraints (airbags).

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, tire rotation.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and intermittent faults, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, power balance testing, fuel pressure testing, compression testing.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component removal and installation (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), transmission fluid service, CVT fluid and filter change, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., ball joints, tie rod ends), HVAC component replacement (e.g., blower motor, compressor).

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine overhaul, transmission disassembly and reassembly (where applicable for repair, though CVT is typically replaced or serviced), and major component overhauls.

Specification Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing specifications, valve clearances (if applicable), wheel alignment angles, suspension geometry, electrical component resistance and voltage values.

Technical Depth:

Expert level, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance and troubleshooting to complete engine, transmission, and chassis overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and wiring diagrams for accurate component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes, fully searchable for quick access to specific topics.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for professional printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Completeness:

Complete factory service manual, mirroring the original Ford documentation.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Ford Duratec 35 (3.0L V6)

Engine Type:

3.0L naturally aspirated V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 24-valve

Horsepower:

203 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate for model years)

Torque:

207 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approximate for model years)

Fuel System Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

Oil Capacity Quarts:

6.0 US quarts (with filter change)

Engine Control Module:

PCM (Powertrain Control Module)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), JF010E (Nissan/Jatco design, licensed)

Optional Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available

Cv T Features:

Provides seamless gear ratio changes for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. May include manual mode for driver control.

Cvt Fluid Type:

Mercon SP (or equivalent specified CVT fluid)

Cvt Fluid Capacity Quarts:

Approximately 6.8 US quarts (total capacity, service fill varies)

📐 Dimensions

Length Inches:

198.1

Width Inches:

72.5

Height Inches:

64.8

Wheelbase Inches:

112.9

Ground Clearance Inches:

6.0 (approximate)

Passenger Volume Cubic Feet:

120.9

Seating Capacity:

7 (standard 3-row)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row Cubic Feet:

15.2

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row Cubic Feet:

42.4

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row Cubic Feet:

85.1

Curb Weight Lbs:

3780-4000 (depending on FWD/AWD)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

5500 (approximate)

Towing Capacity Lbs:

2000 (with optional towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating Stars:

4 Stars (for 2006 model year, Frontal/Side ratings may vary)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac) on some trims.

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, inflatable side curtain airbags (optional), 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.

Front Brakes:

Vented discs

Rear Brakes:

Solid discs (or drums on some early configurations)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems with more speakers and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. SYNC system was not available during these model years.

Display Technology:

Basic digital display for climate control and radio information. No central touchscreen infotainment display available.

Driver Assistance Features:

Rear parking sensors were available on higher trims. ABS and Traction Control are standard across most models.

Connectivity Options:

Basic connectivity through auxiliary audio input jack (on some models) for external music players. No Bluetooth streaming or USB connectivity as standard.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval Miles:

7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Cv T Fluid Change Interval Miles:

Refer to manual, often around 60,000-100,000 miles, but dependent on severe usage. Early and frequent changes are often recommended by technicians for CVT longevity.

Engine Air Filter Replacement Interval Miles:

30,000 miles

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval Miles:

15,000-30,000 miles, or annually

Spark Plug Replacement Interval Miles:

100,000 miles (typically iridium plugs)

Coolant Flush Interval Miles:

100,000 miles (for synthetic long-life coolant)

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30, API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A (check owner's manual for exact certification requirements for the specific year).

Coolant Specification:

Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent G12/G12+ compatible antifreeze.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

Mercon V (or equivalent ATF compatible with Ford systems)

Cv T Failure:

The CVT transmission, particularly the JF010E variant, is known for potential issues related to solenoids, valve body wear, and torque converter problems. Regular fluid changes with the correct fluid are crucial for longevity. Early signs can include hesitation, slipping, or overheating.

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Issues:

Intermittent electrical gremlins or module failures can occur, often manifesting as various warning lights or drivability issues. Diagnosis requires specialized scan tools.

Suspension Wear:

Like many vehicles of this era and type, suspension components such as ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links can wear over time, leading to clunks or poor handling.

Rear Wheel Bearing Failures:

Reports of premature rear wheel bearing failure have been noted. Symptoms include humming or grinding noises that increase with vehicle speed.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage Context:

Ford, an American automotive giant with a history dating back to 1903, has a long tradition of producing reliable and practical vehicles for families. The Freestyle represents Ford's effort to adapt to changing consumer preferences for more versatile utility vehicles.

Model Introduction:

The Ford Freestyle was introduced for the 2005 model year as a successor to the Ford Taurus wagon and a more car-based alternative to the Ford Explorer.

Platform Sharing:

It was built on the Ford CD3 platform, which was co-developed with Mazda, allowing for shared engineering and manufacturing efficiencies.

Discontinuation And Replacement:

The Freestyle was produced for only three model years and was replaced by the Ford Taurus X for the 2008 model year, which adopted a more traditional SUV-like appearance and retained the CD3 platform underpinnings.

Production Locations:

Likely produced at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Critically Acclaimed Features:

The Ford Freestyle received praise for its spacious and flexible interior, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive system, making it a practical choice for families. Its unique styling also garnered attention.

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Good ratings in front and side impact tests by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for some model years, though roof strength and rear impact ratings varied. Specific year testing should be consulted.