Ford Freestyle (2007 year). Manual — part 53

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10°F (-23°C) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the night
before starting the vehicle.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)

adapters.

BRAKES

Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

Refer to Brake system warning
light in the Instrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.

P

!

BRAKE

Driving

214

ABS warning lamp

The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.)

Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated if wheelslip or skidding is detected,
optimizing your stopping distance and allowing you to retain steering
control.

Brake Assist (if equipped as part of the AdvanceTrac

姞 system)

The Brake Assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and
maximizes the amount of brake booster assist, helping the driver to
achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake application is
detected, the system will remain activated as long as the brake pedal is
depressed. The system is deactivated by releasing the brake pedal.

When the system activates, the brake pedal will travel with very little
effort; this is normal.

ABS

P

!

BRAKE

Driving

215

Parking brake

To set the parking brake, pull the
handle up as far as possible. The
BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate
and will remain illuminated until the
parking brake is released.

To release, press and hold the
button, pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.

Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure

that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).

ADVANCETRAC

姞 STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM

(IF EQUIPPED)

The AdvanceTrac

威 system helps the driver maintain the stability and

steer-ability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking
system (ABS) and Traction Control

娂 and a more advanced function to

further enhance the stability of the vehicle.

AdvanceTrac

威 constantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to the

driver’s intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
the vehicle. AdvanceTrac

威 determines whether an engine torque

reduction or brake application is needed to help control the vehicle. If
the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or right, spin out, or slide
sideways, the system will attempt to correct the excessive motion. If the
vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the system will attempt to
increase the turning response of the vehicle.

AdvanceTrac

威 enhances your vehicle’s stability during maneuvers that

require all available tire traction, like in wet/snowy/icy road conditions
and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an emergency
lane-change, the driver will experience better overall vehicle traction,
and have better control of the vehicle.

Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTrac

威 include:

• Accelerating on a slippery surface
• Taking a turn too fast

P

!

BRAKE

Driving

216

• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Hitting a patch of ice
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice

versa

• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
• Hitting a curb while turning
• Cornering at excessive speeds while towing a heavily loaded trailer

(refer to Trailer Towing in this chapter)

The AdvanceTrac

威 system automatically turns on when the engine is

started. However, the system does not function when the vehicle is
traveling in R (Reverse).

If you are operating the speed control system and road conditions
change causing the AdvanceTrac

威 to activate, the AdvanceTrac威 will

disengage the speed control. When driving conditions permit, you can
return to speed control by pressing RESUME. Refer to Speed control in
the Driver controls chapter.

The AdvanceTrac

威 button allows the

driver to control the availability of
the AdvanceTrac

威 system.

AdvanceTrac

威 system status is

indicated by the AdvanceTrac

威

indicator light in the instrument
cluster when the system is
deactivated.

If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac

威 system, the AdvanceTrac威

indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. Have the vehicle
system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.

If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand,
switching off the AdvanceTrac

威 system may be beneficial so the wheels

are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac

威

stability enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will
enhance momentum through the obstacle.

Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTrac

威 performs a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac威

operation you may experience the following:
• A rumble or grinding noise

Driving

217