Ford Freestyle Care and Maintenance

jethrojackson

That looks very similar to the picture they had up for the supposed "Freestyle" filter. When I saw the filter up there it gave hope to the possibility that perhaps the housing was there and that all one had to do was buy the filter and they'd be in business.

By the way, have you bought any thing from those folks. I'm a little hesitant to buy stuff from folks who never return e-mail inquires. I've e-mailed them twice over the past week about the filter and never heard back. Now, I see they've pulled the filter but still no e-mail. Leads me to believe that their customer service isn't quite up to par.

jethrojackson

Just received this message from fordaccessories.com

"Hello I am sorry but that was a mistake. There is not a Filter for the Freestyle."

Mystery solved.

barnstormer64

At least they're honest . . . just slow.

elibruno

Yes- the 3.0 Duratec is the same block used by Jaguar for it's 3.0 S type and X type. Ward's Automotive rated it a couple of years ago as one of the 10 best motors in the world. I have had one Jag and 4 Fords with Duratecs and never had anything but good performance and reliability. One of the reasons that we bought the Freestyle was its engine!

tourist1234

Another poster brought this up and I verified.
Ford has a recall on my 2005 Freestyle.

FIVE HUNDRED, MONTEGO, FREESTYLE FUEL TANK STRAPS Recall Code: 05S37

thought I would pass the news on.

nitromax

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051116/ap_on_re_us/ford_recall

Apparently, the defects were noticed on long term testing of a 500 sedan at 100,000 miles.

I'm not overly concerned, but I will have them fixed at my next check-up.

coldcranker

Does anybody know if Ford has new, revised, updated, more refined software to put on the car's main computer for better gas mileage, etc.? I do know that it is sometimes done by car makers. It would be similar to getting an updated version of Microsoft Word that works better.

I hope they do. There was some vague statements made earlier about someone getting lower RPMs at 70 mph after the dealer re-flashed (put new program on) the engine computer.

saabturboid

I'm a little concerned about Ford's 5W20 oil recommendation. A 20 weight oil does not have nearly the film protection of a 30 or 40 weight oil which helps protect the moving parts of the engine. My concern is Ford's goal is to simply get people through the warranty period and they don't care if engines wear out prematurely down the road. In fact they may like that to happen so people will go buy a new Ford. Another factor is that a lower viscosity oil will provide slightly better fuel economy. With each manufacturer bumping up against the C.A.F.E. standards I suspect Ford specified 5W20 oil to help keep their fleet under the limit. Personally, I plan to use 5W30 Mobil 1 in my Freestyle.

What are others opinions of this?

- Chad

coldcranker

"I'm a little concerned about Ford's 5W20 oil recommendation.........."

You are exactly right about the CAFE standards and Ford's strategy to buy them a little mpg for their fleet averages. I actually saw the legal conformance letter the EPA and Ford both drafted (on the web). The EPA allows the 5w-20 spec on the condition that Ford print "5w-20" on the filler cap and specifiy it in the owner's manual with no wiggle room in their language. Mobil 1 is a good choice, although I'd use Castrol Syntec 0w-30 (has the 30 weight high-temp film) but flows better when cold due to the 0w part. That brand and weight are available at Autozone. That oil is famous for better performance specs amongst all known oils ( google german castrol syntec for more information). Its known as German castrol because it is made there and people in Europe, who change their oil once a year and drive fast on the autobahn, use it.

bobw3

So does this mean that it's better to use 10W30 in our Freestyle. I want to do what's best in the long run for the engine.

passat_2002

No need to obsess about viscosity guys. If Ford Motor recommends 5W-20 for the Duratec, that's good enough for me. Honda has gone to a 5W-20 recommendation on most of their engines too.

saabturboid

I don't think it is obsessing to want to get the best performance and longevity out of ones engine. I'm sure the 5w20 is fine for most conditions and situations when an engine is newer, but as engines wear the gaps between moving parts increase and a 20 weight oil doesn't have as much protection as a heaver weight oil. This eventually will cause the engine to wear out faster than it otherwise would.

In my opinion putting 5W30 full synthetic oil in my Freestyle has the upside of better protection for the engine with little or no downsides. By going with a full synthetic the minimal additional fuel economy gains of a lighter oil are negated. Maybe it just helps me sleep better at night but I guess I feel why wouldn't you?

- Chad

coldcranker

I agree. When I had a high-mileage Windstar, I was using Mobil 1 0w-40 to fill the higher clearances in there. There is a lot of evidence in the engineering world that slightly more viscosity does give more protection under high-load, low-rpm situations. Start-up time is when the most dry scraping happens inside the engine. I was impressed with the German Castrol Syntec 0w-30's pour point (-76 def F) (Autozone sells it in the USA for us) and also Chevron's 0w-30 of about the same. I spoke to a Canadian oil company a few years ago and they said most engine wear comes from start-up wear, not running wear anyway. So something that flows well at low temperatures is really the main thing. Seems like higher viscosity (30) in our case might help us a little during low-rpm, high-torque situations, due to the ability for high visc to maintain the oil film then.

coldcranker

And keep in mind the real reason 5w-20 is specified is because Ford wants to get better corporate average fuel economy to avoid fines from the EPA. I saw the letter the EPA and Ford agreed to, essentially an agreement where Ford said they would call for 5w-20 exclusively in their owner's manual and print it on the oil filler cap in exchange for getting the (about 0.2 mpg per vehicle) higher mpg figures.

passat_2002

So then you're saying that I'll get better gas mileage if I just use the 5W-20 that Ford recommends. Is that it?

coldcranker

Yes, the "20" part means the engine runs with less resistance compared to a 30 weight, and hence uses slightly less gas and gets slightly better performance (horsepower & acceleration). It is slight. I've heard Ford gets about a 0.2 or 0.1 mpg advantage specifying the 20.

coldcranker

"So does this mean that it's better to use 10W30 in our Freestyle. I want to do what's best in the long run for the engine. "

Reply: The 10w part is not good unless the temperature is always above about 40 degrees F. In most N. American areas, its better to use a 0w-30, like Castrol Syntec 0w-30 sold at Autozone, and some Walmarts. The 0w part says it will do the best thats possible at winter temperatures when starting up. The 30 part says it won't thin out quite as much hot as a 20 would. That said, most people would still be OK with Mobil 1 5w-20. Its only the people who want a slight edge that will go with 0w-30 Castrol Syntec.

barnstormer64

Here are the viscosities (in cST) for the various Mobil1 synthetics (at 0C and 100C)

5W-20: 48.3 / 8.8
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_1_5W-20.asp

5W-30: 64.8 / 11.3
http://mobil1.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil1_5W-30.asp

0W-30: 56.0 / 10.3
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil1_0W-30.asp

5W-30 EP: 57.3 / 10.3
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_1_Extended_Performan- ce.asp

blue05

I understand your concerns about the oil's ability to protect, but in 2001 I purchased a Ford Escape 3.0 and I used 5w20 for the last 100,000 miles with no problems . This is something to think about; oil not only lubricates but it also helps cool the engine . A 20 weight oil may disapate heat better and lower under hood temps .

coldcranker

"...A 20 weight oil may disapate heat better and lower under hood temps .

There is some truth to that, although I think its negligible. When a higher viscosity oil shears between metal surfaces, more friction (due to viscosity) is generated, and that is immediately converted to heat energy. Just physics. There's not much difference between a 20 vs. a 30 weight oil, though. That lower mpg we see with a 30 weight is gasoline that is going into generating viscosity-induced internal heat a tad more than using a 20 weight.

blue05

I am not trying to change your mind but check out this site that explains about flow ,bearing clearances and increased oil pressure . If you are using synthetics you can't go wrong.link title

vicenac

I bought (once upon a time) a Honda Accord with 200 k on board. The recommended weight was 10w-40. I decided to put in it Castrol Syntec 5w-50. It was like I put a new engine in there - it drove like a Porsche. However it did not last long.

ideafix

Hi... newbie here. I was trying to plan for the road ahead (I'm picking my new freebie on Friday), and I would like to make an estimate on how much would the service be for it. So far it seems very cheap, but would like to check with you.

Considering
5K intervals between oil change and rotate tires (x3 times a year) ~$50 each?
15K inspection (First year) ~$70?
30K air filter change (2nd year) ~$100?
45K inspection (3rd year) ~$70?
60K CVT service (4th year) ~$500?
75K inspection (5th year) ~$70?

That would make about $1560 service for the first 5 years. Are those numbers right, or am I off? I kind of estimated them based on my previous car cost, but the big services were at 7k intervals, not at 15k.

Also, my dealer has a promotion... they put you a sticker on either the windshield or the rear windshield (name?) with their name, and as long as you have it, they give you free oil changes. I wonder if it is worth it (the sticker is not BIG but it is not small either). Don't know, depending on the price of the oil change, if I can save, say, 150 bucks per year, I guess I'll keep it... In the long run (say those 5 years) would bring the service cost down to about $810.

What do you think about my estimates. Please let me know if I'm far off on those numbers. :confuse:

Also, is there any service that I should be considering that is not included in the service / warranty?

Thanks a lot for your help!

saabturboid

Does the Ford Duratec 3.0 engine in our Freestyles have a timing chain or belt? Does it ever require changing, and if so at what intervals?

- Chad

coldcranker

ideafix,
I'd say the CVT service is about $200, not $500, as all that is done is fluid and filter, and Ford knows most will go to a Ford dealership to do it, so the cost is $200, when it really is probably a $50 job wholesale.

coldcranker

saabturboid,
Timing chain. You can see it to your left when you remove the oil filler cap.

coldcranker

saabturboid,
It (metal chain) never requires scheduled changing. I would estimate it will wear out between 100,000 to 300,000 miles.

nibyak

$$$ Maintenance per year

I got my 2006 AWD on 21 January. It came with a free 25,000-mile normal service contract from Ford. It also came with the remote start, free again. The dealer said it was a promo from Ford. I don't know if it is still applicable. I also drive many many miles per year. The first Oil and tire rotation was done a few weeks ago at 5000 miles. It didn't cost anything because of the service contract, but the price on the invoice was $52.00. I'll do the oil change and tire rotation myself when the contract is up. I'm currently averaging a little less than 1000 miles per week so I'll reach your third year service milestones by the end of this year. Your numbers look pretty good to me, although I'm not sure what the CVT service will run. The problem with my dealer is that they really haven't sold too many Freestyles and aren't too familiar with them. They sell 80% trucks. I live in a rural area and all of the dealers within 30 miles of me had two Freestyles each on their lots. I also bought the ESP for 100,000 miles and three years. I'll reach 100K in less than three years but that’s the least amount of time you can purchase on the 100K plan. I hope to keep it for 3 years if it lasts that long. I haven't had any problems yet. I like the way it rides, stops, and even they way it accelerates. The only thing I'm concerned about is the amount of brake dust on the rear wheels. It just seems excessive but I can live with it if the brakes don't crap out too early. The original brakes on our Ford Focus only went 20K before they were into the rotors. The automatic climate control thing seems a bit confusing also. It heats and cools just fine but it seams that you can get it into many configurations that just aren't explained in the owners manual. So I guess I'll be one of the first to check out the reliability of the 2006s and I'll be sure to let everyone know if there are or aren't any problems in the future as I rack up the miles.

tmltml2

I was going to purchase a Freestyle, with a Ford Extended Warranty, but when I read the warranty fine print, I did not see that the Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) was covered by even their most expensive and comprehensive Premium Care plan. This is a new technology, and I don't know what the Mean Time Before Failure is, nor what it would cost to completely replace it if it broke. Any Comments?

pnewby

Did the fine print exclude the CVT? The most expensive warranty covers everything that's not excluded, so what made you think it wasn't coverd? Even the least expensive warranty covers the drive train, and I believe the CVT is part of that. Only transmission parts I've ever seen excluded are the clutch and pressure plate on a manual.

tmltml2

"PremiumCare plan is so complete that we generally only discuss what's not covered!"

Sucker line.

A part is covered if it is listed, and the CVT is NOT listed.
http://www.fordwarrantys.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plansPremiumCare

stevedebi

"A part is covered if it is listed, and the CVT is NOT listed. "

No transmission is listed at all, CVT or otherwise! What is wrong with Ford? Don't they trust their transmissions?

I had a Honda extended warranty that covered everything except the noted exceptions (not a sucker line, this was printed on the warranty).

barnstormer64

I would have to say that the CVT *is* covered.

The "list" is simply this:

"Below are Examples of the Extensive Component Coverage of the Ford ESP PREMIUMCARE Plan"

That means that the list is NOT inclusive. It's just examples.

Here are the specific exclusions:

"Components Not Covered by Ford ESP PremiumCare Mechanical:
Service adjustments/cleaning; battery/cables, belts, hoses, Brakes (front hub, drums, shoes, lining, disc rotors and pads); coolant; exhaust system (including catalytic converter); lights (bulbs, sealed beam and lenses); filters, fluids, lubricants, manual clutch disc, shock absorbers, spark plugs/wires; squeaks and rattles, tires, tune-ups, wheel balancing, wheel alignment, wheel studs, wiper blades. "

stevedebi

"I would have to say that the CVT *is* covered. "

Makes sense to me, but I would think they should list something as big as a CVT...

nitromax

Wha?
The link you had was directly to the Freestyle warranty correct?

Under the examples of parts covered....did anybody venture to look under the engine compmonents?

Transmission
All internal parts
Governor assembly
Kickdown linkage
Release hubs and bearings
Seals and gaskets
Torque converter
Transfer case, including internal parts
Transmission case
Transmission linkage
Transmission module, external
Transmission mounts
Vacuum module

From that sheet it sure does look like the CVT is covered. It's part of the drive train and drive trains are always covered.

pnewby

Thanks nitromax, you beat me to it. Like I said, never heard of an extended warranty not covering the drive train. I have heard of some warranty companies refusing to cover anything, but they weren't offered by the manufacturer. Seems as though Edmunds used to have one listed on all car listings. Gold something or the other, and when I researched that one, it most always had a reason for exempting coverage.
PS- I've had lots of luck buying the Premium warranty from Ford, guess I'm just a lucky "sucker" huh?

vicenac

I remember a post where someone had their CVT replaced by Ford under the regular warranty, because metal scrapes were found by the dealer inside

saabturboid

How do I reset the oil life monitor? I have hit the reset button when the oil life monitor displays, and even tried holding it down. It does seem to reset, however the next time I start the Freestyle it is back to where it was before.

I can't find anything about it in the manual. It seems Ford only wants people coming to the dealership for oil changes.

- Chad

stevedebi

Hit and hold the reset button while the oil life monitor is displayed. My FS was delivered with the monitor at 22% or so, I reset it first thing.

stevedebi

Oops, missed the word "transmission" on that link...

bruneau1

Even some parts included in the exclusion list are included in the emissions warranty, like the catalytic converter. There are three warranties, basic, emissions, extended.

lwandjw

I have an SEL with the gray cladding. The paint code is TF but the dealer can not find that code. The fancy computer display for my VIN does not show the cladding touchup paint either.

saabturboid

Has anyone here worn out their stock Continentals yet? If so, at what mileage did you have to replace them?

We've previously heard that the 18" Pirelli's with a treadwear rating of 400 only lasted about 24,000 miles, but I'm curious about the 17" Continentals. They have a treadwear rating of 360 and theoretically should last fewer miles, but in reality I bet they last longer.

- Chad

bobw3

I have 31K miles on mine and they're still fine.

freestylegal

I had my oil changed at the local dealership today. Got roundly scolded for not having the "big 30k mile" service done, that my transmission has to be serviced or my warranty could be voided. Well, I'm female, I'm blonde, but I do know where my scheduled maintenance booklet is. I took it to the guy and said "please show me where it says my transmission has to be done." Well, he couldn't of course-arrgghhh. Why do they do stuff like that???

Okay, rant over. But, I have 39,000K on my tires (bought my SEL FWD in Jan 05) and am getting ready to replace them. The tread measured 3/32--kinda bald, right? This same dweeb said I had only three tires to choose from: the original Continentals ($91 ea.), Hankook ($99 ea.), and Michelins ($129 ea.). Is this true? How are these prices?

I hear lots of complaints about the stock tires, but I haven't been displeased, actually. I would get more mileage on my Expedition tires, but they were bigger so I guess that would make sense.

Advice would be most welcome. Thanks.

passat_2002

Unless you love your dealer, (and it doesn't sound like you do)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?width=215%2F&ratio=65&diameter=17&sor- - - - tCode=49581&minSpeedRating=S&ratio=65&width=215%2F&diameter=17&minLoad=S&vehicle- - - - Search=true&startIndex=0&search=true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&speed_ratin- - - - g=SR&speed_rating=TR&speed_rating=UR&speed_rating=HR&speed_rating=VR&speed_ratin- - - - g=ZR&speed_rating=WR&speed_rating=YR&RunFlat=All&x=52&y=6

Notice the "original" Conti's are $48.00 plus shipping. Take 'em to you local tire store and ask them to mount them for you. Big savings over the $91.00/tire the dealer wants.

If you want to experiment a little, try the Goodyear's or Bridgestone's. They both have had positive reviews on the Freestyle.

If you want the piece of mind of dealing with someone locally.. then I urge you to shop around for a better price. $91.00 sounds real high for the stock Conti. The dealer will match any local price.

By the way... good for you for calling the service representative's bluff. These guys are flat wrong half the time. Not unique to Ford either. It's pandemic in the industry. I loved your story.

passat_2002

Took my Freestyle in to the dealership of purchase for the "fuel tank straps" recall the other day. As I was talking to the service advisor I asked if they would rotate my tires as long as the car was going to be "airborne" on the lift anyway. He said sure.. "that'll be $19.95 for the rotation". I asked if that was the standard fee, and he said yes. I then asked what the rotation would cost if I had purchased the tires at his dealership. "Then it would be free" he said. Hmmmnn.. so if I spend $250.00 on tires, the rotation is free. But if I spend $27,000 on the entire vehicle, then rotations are $19.95. "Is that it?" I said. "Yes", he said, "that's right". By now he appeared somewhat miffed that I would dare bring this up. I decided to back down and authorized the work.

I paid the $19.95 and drove off into the sunset shaking my head. Not an experience that will bring me back for my next car.

cmuniz

When you compare prices be sure they it includes mounting and balancing the tires. Some tire stores will quote you a price for the complete package, while dealers and others will quote you a price for the tires and then add balancing and mounting charges to that. Also most tire stores will include lifetime balancing and rotation in their pricing. In other words be sure you are comparing apples to apples.

I am not a big fan of Goodyear tires but have heard that their new Comfortread tires are quite good.

bobw3

Mine are fine too at 32K miles, but it's been mostly highway driving. And they tried to get me to do a transmission service for the 30K service, and I showed them that in the manual the transmission service is at 60K.

barnstormer64

I was planning on doing the transmission service at 30k anyway. Perhaps even 20k. 60k just seems like a VERY long time between fluid changes.