Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Market Role:
Designed as Ford's primary minivan offering, replacing the Windstar. Targeted at families and individuals needing versatile passenger and cargo hauling capabilities.
Key Competitors:
Chrysler Town & Country/Voyager, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Uplander/Pontiac Montana SV6.
Platform Sharing:
Shared its platform with the Ford Freestyle and later the Ford Taurus X, indicating a crossover-like chassis design compared to traditional body-on-frame minivans.
Drivetrain Options:
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.
Years Covered:
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Regions Covered:
North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) - typical for factory service manuals
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2000+ (This is an estimate based on typical comprehensive factory service manuals for this vehicle class and era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Shop Manual
Format:
Digital (Likely PDF or similar electronic format), potentially printable
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (PCM, sensors, actuators), fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic), driveline components.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheels, tires, driveline.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), climate control, body control modules (BCM), audio systems, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, seats, HVAC system components, body seals, paint and corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance schedules, oil change procedures, fluid checks and replacements, filter changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair Overhaul:
Engine component repair and overhaul (e.g., cylinder heads, pistons, crankshafts), transmission overhaul, brake component replacement (calipers, rotors, pads), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings), steering component repair.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems, symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, wiring schematic interpretation for electrical fault finding.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical specifications (voltages, resistances), diagnostic specifications (e.g., fuel pressure, sensor readings), component tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Digital Format Details:
Likely high-resolution PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing. May include bookmarking and hyperlinking for easier navigation.
Print Quality Suitability:
Designed for clear reproduction if printed, with legible text and high-quality diagrams/illustrations.
Binding Type If Printed:
Typically perfect bound or spiral bound for durability in a workshop environment.
Paper Type If Printed:
Durable, possibly coated paper to withstand workshop conditions and frequent handling.
Engine Code And Displacement:
3.9L V6 (Ford "Collarbone" Cologne V6) - GZ
Engine Liter Displacement:
3.9 Liters (3949 cc)
Engine Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 102.1 mm (Approximate)
Engine Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (Typical for this V6)
Horsepower Peak:
201 hp @ 5200 rpm (for 3.9L V6)
Torque Peak:
232 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm (for 3.9L V6)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane)
Engine Designation Notes:
This 3.9L V6 was a derivative of Ford's modular V6 engine family, designed for a balance of power and refinement in the minivan segment.
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Model Code:
4F50N (Commonly used by Ford for this application)
Optional Transmission:
None explicitly offered for the Freestar model within these years.
Drivetrain Integration:
Integrated with both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Mercon V (Recommended)
Length:
Approximately 202.4 inches (varies slightly by trim)
Width:
Approximately 77.9 inches
Height:
Approximately 67.8 inches (without roof rack)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 30.2 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approximately 82.3 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approximately 140.5 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,400 - 4,700 lbs (varies by drivetrain and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approximately 5,900 - 6,200 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Rating:
5 Stars (Driver & Passenger) - Frontal Impact (for certain configurations/years)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
4 Stars (Front & Rear Passenger) - Side Impact (for certain configurations/years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available, often standard on AWD models
Electronic Stability Control:
No Electronic Stability Control (ESC) offered during these model years for the Freestar, a notable omission compared to some competitors.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, available side-impact airbags for front and second-row occupants.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, with driver and front passenger pretensioners.
Audio System Options:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio capability. Higher trims offered premium audio systems (e.g., Shaker).
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat entertainment system with DVD player and screen available on select trims.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors (Reverse Sensing System) available on higher trims.
OBD Ii Port:
Standard OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) port located under the dashboard for diagnostic scanning.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (or based on Ford's "Intelligent Oil Life Monitor" system if equipped).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (using specified Motorcraft Platinum or equivalent plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 100,000 miles or under severe usage conditions.
Engine Oil Type Capacity:
5W-20 (SAE) Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic, 5 US Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change for 3.9L V6.
Coolant Type Capacity:
Ford Premium Gold Coolant (or equivalent meeting specification WSS-M97B51-A1), approximately 12.5 US Quarts (11.8 Liters) for 3.9L V6.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (Heavy Duty) meeting specification WSS-M6C65-A1.
Transmission Problems:
Occasional reports of torque converter shudder or premature wear, particularly under heavy use. Solenoid issues can also occur.
Engine Issues:
While generally reliable, some reports of intake manifold gasket leaks and occasional sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor) may be found.
Suspension Components:
Wear on front suspension components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can occur due to vehicle weight and mileage.
Power Sliding Door Mechanisms:
The powered sliding door mechanisms are complex and can be prone to issues with motors, cables, or sensors over time.
Ford Minivan History:
Ford has a long history in the minivan segment, starting with the Aerostar and followed by the highly successful Windstar. The Freestar was intended as a modernization and replacement for the Windstar.
Windstar Replacement:
The Freestar debuted for the 2004 model year, replacing the Ford Windstar. It featured a redesigned exterior and interior.
Platform Transition:
The Freestar marked a shift in Ford's minivan strategy by utilizing a front-wheel-drive car-based platform, aligning it with vehicles like the Freestyle.
Manufacturing Plant:
Oakville Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Production End Year:
2007
Successor Model:
Ford Flex (which was based on the Ford CD3 platform shared with the Mazda 6 and Lincoln MKX/MKZ)
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Comprehensive technical documentation for maintenance, repair, and operation