Ford Freestyle (2007 year). Manual — part 67

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.

Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16-A2.
Do not use any special washer fluid
such as windshield water repellent
type fluid or bug wash. They may
cause squeaking, chatter noise,
streaking and smearing. Refer to the
Maintenance product
specifications and capacities section in this chapter.

State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.

If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40° F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use

washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.

Note: Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.

Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate

Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.

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270

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES

To replace the wiper blades:

1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.

2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.

3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.

Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.

Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and
windshield, refer to Windows and wiper blades in the Cleaning
chapter.

To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.

ENGINE OIL

Checking the engine oil

Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.

1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.

2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.

3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).

4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.

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271

5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).

6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
• If the oil level is within this

range, the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.

• If the oil level is below this

mark, engine oil must be added
to raise the level within the
normal operating range.

• If required, add engine oil to the

engine. Refer to Adding engine
oil in this chapter.

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272

• Do not overfill the engine

with oil. Oil levels above this
mark may cause engine
damage. If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by an
authorized dealer.

7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.

Adding engine oil

1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine
oil in this chapter.

2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.

3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).

4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.

5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.

To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.

Engine oil and filter recommendations

Look for this certification
trademark.

Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.

Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel

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273