Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

northlakes · May 2005

Many moons ago, there were some posts about transmission seal leaks. You might check under your Freebie before you hit the dealer on Monday. Reprogramming won't fix that. Just a thought.

jschreiber · May 2005

thought I'd update on you mileage
Now have 6000 miles on AWD Freestyle
tho I started at hi teens, has gradually improved--in mixed highway, stop and go in Minneapolis including cold weather now at consistent 22-23 MPG since around 4000 miles--not bad

lanbaba · May 2005

Anyone tried it?

bruneau1 · May 2005

I had a chance to do some driving this past weekend. Picked up my Mom from the nursing home and went for a ride which included freeway and country roads. First the good points: fun to drive, plenty peppy, solid feeling, good ride, good steering and brakes, smoooth (cvt), merlot looks terrific in sunlight. Some less positive points: Mom said the top of the dash shines too much in the windshield, wider tires would be better, the stereo's bass is lost in road noise, the rear view mirror is placed too high on the windshield and the conversational mirror blocks its view. Some people have commented on having to slam the doors. Well, yes you do a little, but it's because it's pretty air-tight and the doors feel very solid, not at all like the tinny doors on the Equinox. Our garage is a pretty tight fit- glad we didn't go for the wider Pacifica or Pilot. I found some black tubular device underneath the back of the vehicle which is connected up, but don't know what it is. Any ideas? There is no key entry on the back, but that doesn't bother me. The clock display in the stereo readout sucks. I will add a little portable clock. One thing they should add in the future: make the passenger power seat fully adjustable like the driver's. Many manufacturers neglect this point, including more expensive makes. No leaks yet. More later. Oh, I forgot. Extended Warranty. the dealer wanted to sell me Ford's for $1,900. It's available directly from Ford for $800. Caveat emptor!!

bruneau1 · May 2005

I don't think it's meant to be removed, but you can flip the cover forward from the back in order to provide a flat loading surface.

shortcircuit · May 2005

I removed the second row console on my Limited to make it easy for my kids to access the 3rd row seats. It was quick and easy. Just remove 2 bolts in the front and 2 bolts in the rear and lift out. The only issue you will have is with a little bracket that is welded in the rear floor for mounting the console and some holes in the carpet. I cut a spare floor mat to size and layed over the middle section and works great. I got the spare floor mat from one of the Ford accessories web sites to match the existing carpet color.

mrlizzzard · May 2005

How bout an address for the reduced warranty price?
thx ,
lizzzard

shortcircuit · May 2005

I purchased my Freestyle AWD Limited in Feb, it was built 12/04, and I wish I could say I was one of the happy owners but I can't. I did have the 2nd row door windows tinted to match the rear windows and had body side molding put on to protect against door dings by an auto trim shop - not sure why Ford didn't do these things but the costs was $235 for both. I did have to take it into the shop because of a rattling noise coming from the headliner, turned out to be some loose wires. I can live with the CVT and the power of the current engine but the thing that really annoys me is the engine noise. Personnaly, I don't think that a $30K non-truck vehicle should sound like a cheap truck when accelerating or idling at times. I really can't understand why Ford couldn't have quieted the engine better than they did, I'm sure it is quieter in the 500. The Audiophile stereo system is fine with engine off, but not good when driving.

willie19 · May 2005

Good report after the first ownership drive.Keep it up.Hope you don't find a lot more shortcomings.The Limited model you got is supposed to be the top of the line trim and therefore Ford should have paid a little more attention to the interior design details to make it look more upscale.Sometimes it makes me wonder if all those criticisms about Ford's aggressive cost squeezing on the suppliers is mainly the public perception of cheaper materials used.
As you say the clock display in the stereo sucks, lousy stereo bass,shiny dash reflection,and I hate to say this , that Ford designers did not do a good job and also it could have been remedied at minimal incremental cost.This is the kind of little things that could turn potential buyers off. I also mentioned in a previous post that the cloth material on a cheap Mazda3 is way better quality than on the Freestyle SE & SEL.
Partly because the Mazda3 is built in Japan.
I still think you have a very nice Ltd FWD, so enjoy it, and my criticism is toward Ford as they could have done a much better job.That Padilla guy has to stop being so obsessed with cost cutting and start thinking like the Japanese manufacturers.Because when the visual quality of materials can be seen more buyers will flock to their showrooms.Just because their marketing folks say they have sold their cars without rebates means diddly squat.

fordaplan · May 2005

Just purchased SEL AWD. Planning to install a portable Satellite Radio. Appreciate any comments from anyone who has done this. For example, where did you have the receiver installed?

mrlizzzard · May 2005

Here's what I did:Had an XM skyfi from my last vehicle,put the reciever in the dash storage tray.drilled a hole for wiringin the left lower bottom of the tray.Put the magnetic antenna on the roof at the right rear hatchback hinge,running the wire inside along and behind the plastic molding where the sides and top meet.You will have just enough wire to do that.

Make all the connections and enjoy,close the lid andnoone can see it to steal it and there really wasn't a place for install that I liked.

Now for the sattelite system:If you go XM buy the skifi2 it's better than the skifi1or the roady.You can get the boom box for it and use that in the house or another vehicle.

Now XM is losing NASCAR in2007 soooooooooooooooo if yur a race fan you can do the same setup with Serius and pay 1 $500 lifetime fee(read the fine print).I may do this also but the music is the same and I like the talk stations and the stations that play tv,CNN,MSNBC etc.so I may keep XM,I have a multiyr plan with them.

BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT your Freestyle has a good MP3 player and if you just want music wait on the Sat. radio.I have some MP3's on CD and it's like 10 CD's on one with no monthly fee.Your 6 CD player will actually hold 600+ songs if music is what you want.They play real good for my old ears.

I hope this helps,anything else just holler.
lizzzard

sj freebie · May 2005

Actually, we wanted a rear console but the FWD SEL that we bought had everything we wanted except the console. It came with a plastic cover for the metal bracket that the rear of the console is bolted to. I ordered a shale console from the Ford Parts counter for $229 (versus the Z-plan option price of $82) and it arrived last week. Removing your console would be the reverse of my installation. Flip your seats forward. At the rear of the console are two 10 mm bolts in through the side of the console near the bottom attaching it to that bracket. At the front are two bolts that go straight down in a couple of tabs. That's it, you should lift it clear. Now, to expose the two threaded inserts in the floor, I had to cut three holes in the carpet (pattern supplied). So even with the cover (should you get one), you will have to hide the holes in the carpet.

P.S., the instructions said to throw the cover away. I still have it mainly because I never throw anything away. That comes from being an Air Force brat and moving every year, never getting to keep anything. My childhood was left in garbage cans all over the world.

If you want a shale cover, its yours.

njdevilsrn · May 2005

It has been determined that the Freestyle needs the "Megatronics" replaced - I've been told this is the computer part of the transmission. The dealer ordered the part yesterday, but I received a phone call that the part is back-ordered. They will have to see if they can pull one out of the assembly plant.

Optimistically, I've been told I may have my vehicle back by the end of the week.

By that point, it will be out of service for a week of the two weeks I've owned it.

lumber2 · May 2005

Try and get them to pull one out of a vehicle on the lot.

kjnorman · May 2005

I do not know about reduced warranty prices but you can look at fordwarrantys.com.

bruneau1 · May 2005

Don't get me wrong. Those negative points I mentioned would never keep me from buying this wagon. I don't expect perfection for what we paid. And the interior doesn't look cheap at all. It's simple and elegant. I notice that the new Mercedes suv uses the same kind of air vents as the Ford. Several others,too . They do look cool.

fordaplan · May 2005

I certainly wouldn't have thought of putting it in the storage tray. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm guessing the downside of putting it there would make it difficult to change channels? You're right, there is really no good place to put the receiver.

mrlizzzard · May 2005

BRUNEAU1 WHERE DID YOU FIND EXTENDED WARRANTY ????????

thx

mrlizzzard@yahoo.com

freestylegal · May 2005

I have a lame question...what is that "dummy" pedal thing on the floor underneath the parking brake release? I rest my left foot there when I drive, but none of my other cars had it (all Fords) and my left foot was never uncomfortable from a lack of a resting spot. So, what's it for? :confuse:

tidester · May 2005

So, what's it for?

My theory is that it's a place for those who are accustomed to manual transmissions to place their left foot so that the urge to depress the (missing) clutch pedal is inhibited. It helps to reduce sudden and unexpected emergency braking!

tidester, host

lumber2 · May 2005

To Stop yer from wearin' out the carpet.

fsmmcsi · May 2005

I have resorted to using blocks of wood and such in vehicles which did not have a left foot rest or "dead pedal." Other than extreme cheapness, it is difficult to understand making a vehicle without one.

I also agree that the Freestyle interior, especially in black, is very classy. I generally have purchased cars with tan interiors, but when I sat in a Freestyle with the black interior, I knew instantly that if I bought one it would have that interior.

Although I like many things about the Five Hundred / Montego / Fresstyle, I just never could get comfortable in one due to the lack of a telescoping steering column and the cramped footwells. I also thought there should be more features (e.g. dimming exterior mirror, stability control), at least as options. I just bought a 2005 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited. I wish that the minivan interior looked as nice as that in the Freestyle, but at the rate I drive, I will again be looking for a new vehicle in four or five years.

hwyhobo · May 2005

> Other than extreme cheapness, it is difficult to
> understand making a vehicle without one.

Here is the reason - dead pedal takes space. I have long legs, and with dead pedals, I cannot fully rest my knee. I consider them an annoying intrusion.

northlakes · May 2005

I have successfully completed my journey to turn the back of my Freestyle into a college dorm room carrier and college student transporter. On the way out, 26.2 MPG over 750 miles with the Redfire AWD SEL. On the way back, 24.9 MPG with full load, extra person, and bike on the back. I used the space under the front of the third row seats when flattened to put blankets and towels. Unused, flattened cardboard boxes were used as protection for the cargo floor. The seats are very comfortable for the long journey.

Running into 30 minutes of stop and go traffic on the way back, the temperature gauge did not budge. The CVT was great! It did not complain once. Saw another 6 Freebies on the trip.

By the way, if in Michigan, I recommend the Ford Rouge plant tour. It is best to have reservations from the Henry Ford Museum in advance, but is a worthwhile 2 - 2.5 hours of movies, 4D experience (they include smell), and actually observing them make the F-150 pickups from a catwalk.

lumber2 · May 2005

Mrlizzard, its rude to shout. Maybe you can look at message 3194 for the answer

kjnorman · May 2005

If you register at the FordWarrantys website, they can send you discount coupons in the email. I registered and received a promotional code to receive a discount of $185 good until May 10, against a warranty.

Incidentally, for FreeStyle AWD I costed out a 75,000 mile, 5 year, 0 deductable, first day rental included for:
BaseCare $995 (6yr is $1,020)
ExtraCare $1,145 (6yr is only $1,165)
PremiumCare $1,380

Is it worth paying the extra for PremiumCare, and are there better Ford factory warranties out there?

Kerry.

mmccloskey · May 2005

Greetings:

I posted a msg awhile back regarding the Ford Chrome Exhaust Tips for the Freestyle. I ordered them last week and got them and just completed installing them as per the enclosed instructions. They certainly dress up the tailpipes but the clamps for the chrome tips seem rather large. Most other drivers probably won't notice the clamps (or the chrome tailpipes for that matter) from the drivers seat as they approach the rear of my Freestyle. I am attaching a before/after image for reference.

I have to say that after 1 week of ownership I am pleased with my selection. On the last fueling, I calculated 22.9 mpg which I think is quite good for a new vehicle with a bit over 400 miles. I would imagine I could approach 25mpg as the break-in continues.

Regards - M. J. McCloskey - AWD Limited

kjnorman · May 2005

Yep, that clamp is real ugly! :sick:

428cj · May 2005

Will the clamp rotate so it could be tightened at the top of the pipe to hide it more?

mmccloskey · May 2005

Yes the clamps are ugly and seem to detract from the chrome tips which are supposed to enhance that portion of the car. The clamps are welded to the chrome tips and can only be postioned as shown. The instructions show this exact installation. If I were to angle the tips up to hide the clamps then the angle of the tips would be off and look odd. Besides, there are drip holes in the bottom of each tip for consensation to drain. If nothing else, this example should discourage others from buying the genuine Ford Chrome Exhaust tips. My only remedy is to paint the clamps a flat black to help conceal them. Maybe if I drive fast enough the clamps won't be noticed!

M. J. McCloskey

tim156 · May 2005

Thanks for including the photo. Boy, that clamp sure is ugly. Upon closer inspection of my existing tail pipe tips, the tail pipe ends are quite short and the less expensive chrome tips from Auto Zone wouldn't fit, they are 4 or 5 inches long. On my Redfire SE I have added window vents, door edge guard strips, tinted the rear door windows to match the back, and keep it shined up. After seeing your photo I'm going to pass on the tail pipe tips.

willie19 · May 2005

It's a darn shame you have to get the exhaust tips from Ford Accessories and they look like some cheap attachment available at WalMart.That's too bad because if I'm lucky enough to order the Limited FWD to Canada (maybe as an '06) I'll have to accept the standard offering (left pic) and save the extra dough.
While I'm still waiting to order my vehicle I can make comparisons with the Mazda6 Wagon which comes with dual exhausts and bright tips and they look very sharp.Incidentally the Mazda6 Wagon GT-V6 costs about $6K Less than the Freebie Ltd FWD original MSRP, is built in Michigan at the Ford-Mazda AAI plant, and this is a good example that a cheaper Ford family stable mate can trump them as a factory built standard item.
C'mon Ford, dress 'em up in the 2006 models and if you're so hard up for cash then add the incremental cost to MSRP. If Mazda can do it to their Duratec 3L why can't you. Please no excuses about price points.

lulu54usa · May 2005

has anyone had any problems with the "check fuel cap" message coming up on the dash. I have removed and put back on many of times can't seem to get it to go away. :mad:

stumpy_joe · May 2005

Since taking delivery of a Freestyle Limited, I have been unable to get adequate reception on the AM radio. Upon hitting either the accelerator or the brake, I hear loud static coming through the radio. I have returned the car to the dealership on four occasions but they have been unable to diagnose the problem. They replaced the radio on the last visit but this failed to fix the problem.

I travel primarily in suburban locations where AM reception is good. I do not have a problem with the stock radio system in my eight-year old Subaru Legacy. I have also test driven two other Freestyles and have not replicated the problem in either of these vehicles.

I believe the static is caused by electrical interference from the vehicle. The reception is generally good at a stop or at cruising speed but is terrible upon acceleration or braking. I assume upon installation, some sort of shielding or grounding is performed to minimize electrical interference. This does not seem to have been done adequately on my vehicle.

Has anybody else experienced a similar problem?

saram · May 2005

Hi All,

Just wanted to let you know that the Husky Floor Liners are now available for the front and second row seats of the Freestyle. I ordered mine yesterday! I had ordered the cargo area last month and had been waiting on the front and second row to become available. They also make a cargo mat that goes under the third row cargo area for when you have the third row seats up and using them. We usually just keep the seats down and use the space for hauling.

Here's a link so you can go check out the Husky Floor Liners.

http://www.premiermotoring.net

They are definitely worth the money. We put them in all our trucks and it sure saves wear and tear on the carpet and you don't get all the mess of winter on the carpet.

Take care you all!

P.S. STILL loving our Freestyle.

lumber2 · May 2005

That probably a translation of the OBD2 code P0446, commonly known as a loose gas cap.
Any autozone etc can reset the system which typically comes on after half or so of the tank has emptied. You can buy for $120 a code reader that allows you to clear the codes.
We all mess this one up sometimes.

bruneau1 · May 2005

Go to Ford ESP Extended Warranty. support@fordwarrantys.com There is a dealer that sells at discounted prices. Or call 1-866-379-7095. I tried to do it online, but it didn't work well since the computer didn't have the vin of my FWD Limited. Maybe Ford isn't sure they actually built one. You can buy it within the first 12 months of ownership, so there lots of time.

campbem · May 2005

Hi,

We recently purchased a SEL AWD model. I'd really like to put some splash guards on it to keep the lower cladding cleaner and from being chipped by rocks. We don't live in the city where they have nice roads and no gravel! As best I can tell, nobody makes any molded guards for the Freestyle yet. Has anyone found another style that work and look
nice?

Thanks.

northlakes · May 2005

Joe,

I have not had the issue, but it sounds like the noise filter on the power wires to the Freebie radio is either disconnected or defective. You are picking up spark/ignition RF noise that is normally blocked by the filter. The other thing to have them check is the connector at the antenna to make sure it is not loose. :shades:

jjay · May 2005

Hello - I've asked this question before, but have not really gotten an answer so I'll ask it again. Has anyone been able to find custom carpeted floor mats for the Freestyle? I''m looking for mats to cover the second and third row, and the space in between the two seats in second row.

Thanks.

campbem · May 2005

Crottykg -
Which one did you put on the front and which on the back?
Did it require drilling? How much were they?

Thanks for the info.

Matt

mmccloskey · May 2005

Greetings again:

Those darn clamps on the chrome exhaust tips were really bugging me so I removed the tips, painted the clamps/hardware with some high heat flat black automotive paint and they look much better. I reinstalled them and the clamps blend in much better and are only visable if you really get down there and look at them. I drove the car for over an hour and the finish remained intact. It's too bad that Ford didn't think this one through since I had to go to the extra trouble of camouflaging those clamps. My 2002 Lexus ES300 has the chrome tip and it looks super with no clamp at all. It couldn't be that hard for Ford to design a more descrete method of affixing the tips to the tailpipe.

That's a wrap on the chrome exhaust tip issue - thanks to those who commented. I am really enjoying my Freestyle and have had no issues with it at all. Hopefully this will hold true as the miles accumulate.

Over and Out - M. J. McCloskey

saram · May 2005

Wow, what a difference painting the bracket black did! It is awesome looking now.

lanbaba · May 2005

I got my freestyle AWD Limited last week, and this morning the alarm got trigged off without any sign. I disabled it, and went to the office and was told later the alarm was on again. It did this thing all day today. Any one have heard of this problem or on other vehicles? The only thing I can think of is last night I left the moonroof open for a twn inch gap. :sick:

saram · May 2005

Hi jjay, try going to http://www.premiermotoring.net and search the site for carpeted floor mats. They have all kinds of accessories.

barnstormer64 · May 2005

"I got my freestyle AWD Limited last week, and this morning the alarm got trigged off without any sign. I disabled it, and went to the office and was told later the alarm was on again. It did this thing all day today. Any one have heard of this problem or on other vehicles?"

My 2002 Ford Taurus is doing this. Wish it had happened under warranty.

It's either a bad switch somewhere (door, hood), or possibly a bad BCM (body controle module).

willie19 · May 2005

Very nice touchup.Where there is a will there is a way. I had to look closely to notice the clamp. Great job, now enjoy the ride.

428cj · May 2005

I ordered my alphabet edition Freestyle 12 days ago and am waiting to hear the build date. I was told I would know by early next week.

tim156 · May 2005

Please share your info on splash guards. Where can they be purchased. How much do they cost. How easy to install. I need to know!

jpc99 · May 2005

I had the dealership put on generic ford mud flaps. I really didn't concern myself with looks as much as functionality. You are correct or at least the dealership said they could not find molded / "integrated" flaps for the car. We took the same flaps and looked at how they would fit on the back wheels and they would not work. There is enough of a curve or molding that a generic flap would not attach well or even look like it would be functional.

Ford Freestyle - Taurus X

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