Alternator/generator/regulator Problems of Ford Freestyle

All engine lights come on at various times with no working gauges, but car drives. Withing past year, had instrument cluster replaced 2 times, alternator replaced twice, injector coils & spark plugs, cleaned/replaced, battery replaced, throttle body assembly & gasket, . Had diagnosed at 2 Ford dealers in different states and neither can figure out what is causing all the dashboard lights to stay on. Both dealers were adament it was the instrument cluster, which clearly it is not since the error lights are still on. Have been told it could be electrical or rcm, but there is no way to test for either. Dealer wants me to foot the (hourly / union) labor rate while they try to figure it out. Currently car is currently with local mechanic who is going over the car to figure it out. Nothing has been determined yet.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford Freestyle 🔎.

The first week of June 2017, we were having issues with the electrical in our Freestyle. The lighting would dim and brighten on and off while the car was running and there was almost a pulse in the rev of the engine. We took the vehicle into our local mechanic and had to have our alternator replaced. In July 2017, we were driving to meet with friends for breakfast and the Freestyle stopped running a couple car lengths away from a major intersection. We, again, replaced the alternator and this time the battery had a dead cell and needed replaced as well. We noticed nothing to alert us to the electrical issue this time, no pulsing or change in the lighting. We have not used the Freestyle much over the winter because we noticed the pulsing and light issues again and when we took it into our mechanic, they couldn't replicate the issue. We also have a second vehicle and did not need to use it much. We started it a couple of times to try and prevent any issues, but could not get it to start at all this week and when we tired to jump start it, we could only get it to run when it was hooked to our second vehicle. The Freestyle was towed to the shop today and we are currently having the third alternator installed and a second battery. The mechanic is looking into the issue further, due to the number of times we have been in for these issues. We hope to find a resolution to this issue.

See all problems of the 2006 Ford Freestyle 🔎.

Problems started after the battery and alternator were changed back in November 2017. First, the battery light and check charging system went on right after the Ford dealer changed the battery and alternator. We were told that the electrical output was fine despite the warning light. Since then several alternators were changed by the dealer but the warning light remained and the dealer does not know how to fix this. Today while driving (streets and highway) the dashboard (instrument cluster) went off and on and all gauges went to zero and back on after a while during driving. There was a kick to the engine every time this happened. My backlights went crazy (including reverse lights) while driving forward on streets/highway. Turning lights were also affected. Other drivers alerted me today. This is a danger to us and others. I fear the engine could eventually get affected too. There are many posts online with identical issues and Ford does not appear to be willing or able to solve this.

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that when the vehicles turned on the the vehicles heating fan would alter in speeds despite the heat temperature being adjusted while the headlamps fluctuate simultaneously. The contact took the vehicle to christian brothers Ford inc dealership located at 1975 highway 2 east crookston, mn 56716; 218-281-1338 who diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired two separate times within a months time frame. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000. Gl.

When trying to start car. All instruments go out and battery light goes out. Nothing works. Interior lights,locks heat radio. Has been in shop 6 times and have battery replaced alternator twice. Cluster repaired and Smart junction box. Car is still not fixed. Has been a complete nightmare . They said had TSB out for it and it would have fixed. Didnt. Please help. Am a mother and grandmother who needs reliable car and cannot have this to keep happening . Everytime I get back from mechanic it will work for 3 days. Then dies again. Last time it broke which was yesterday it workrd for over 2 weeks.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power. In addition, the instrument panel stopped working and all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Alternator replaced by firestone three times in two weeks span, and then Ford dealer changed alternator two times in two weeks span, problem remains same in the vehicle. Problem appears randomly, no dash board display only battery glows when I start car.

This vehicle looses complete power while driving. Runs sluggish and hesitates. . Took it to the dealership for possible recall (throttle body) dealer says not the issue need to replace alternator, and transmission, etc. . Called Ford motor company customer service for assistance to see if this was a known issue.

We had problems with it revving up wanted to go forward when parking. We had the throttle body cleaned , helped for a little while. Problems with the air conditioning had compressor replaced, then starting having electrical problems (failure safe mode engine would shut down) while driving . Had alternator replaced because all electrical starting shutting down and turning off while driving also transmisson was trying to go in reverse while driving reverse lights would come on very dangerous. Replaced body computer still didn't fix the problem to afraid to drive it . It was paid off but no one could fix the problems, how can you have a vehicle that no one can fix,we have been informed that Ford knew of these problems but would do nothing about them. Very disappointed we really liked the car when we got it.

I have a 2005 sel Freestyle with about 130k miles on it. This morning while driving to work with speed of 55mph all of a sudden the abs and awd lights came on and the message center displayed "check traction control" and "awd malfunction", then entire panel went dark (rpm, gas, oil, speed and odometer). I noticed that the gauges were making a ticking noise at that time as well. I pulled off the main hwy and shut car off, I then tried to restart the car. All of the gauges lit up again, but car would not start, acted like battery/alternator was shot. Had to get it towed home and was late to work. Not sure where to start to solve the issue, have seen too many posts with the same issues. I think that Ford needs to step up and take the appropriate steps to recall these vehicles before fatalities begin.

We have had this car for over two years now. In those two years our instrument cluster has been replaced by the Ford dealer 4 times now. When driving the instrument cluster goes off and sends fuel shutoff codes to the fuel system which causes the vehicle to shake. Other items replaced were the onboard computer and alternator. The computer has been reprogrammed once, but no help. I have seen the technical release for this issue, but this has been a huge safety concern for my family. When the car starts to shake and you are doing 65/70 mph it could cause an accident.

I owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The instrument cluster sporadically shuts down and you are unable to see the speedometer, odometer or any gauges on the dashboard for about 10 seconds. The problem recurs several times a day. The answer I have received is that my car is receiving a surge of energy causing this malfunction. My vehicle has completely shorted out at this point and my lights on the inside of the vehicle and dashboard flicker, but the motor is not attempting to start. Hoping it is a blown fuse but maybe the alternator.

2005 Ford Freestyle complete shutoff of electrical system including turn signals. This is the second problem. The first was the surging that everybody is complaning about. After a wrong diagnosis and replacing the throttle body and pcm, the whole problem was fixed by replacing the alternator. My concern is the complete shutoff of electrical system is a safety issue. This second problem is current.

The car began to jerk and lurch, and engine speed abruptly slowed after about (3) hours of highway driving (from vermont to new hampshire). A trouble light (wrench icon) appeared. Engine rpms fluctuated, but vehicle would not respond to the gas pedal. Pulled over, waited a few minutes, restarted the car. Trouble light was no longer on, and the vehicle was fine and normal for the rest of the ride home. Brought car to portsmouth Ford, who could not find any problem. Second incident, January 2011: highway drive back to new hampshire from connecticut. Same problem. Abrupt and alarming drop in car speed. No throttle control. Erratic engine rpm performance. Attempted to pull off interstate highway to a safe area. Waited 5 minutes. Re-started the engine. Trouble light gone, engine performed fine, and no issue the rest of the trip. Brought the car for transmission service to valvoline, then to dowling Ford where the vehicle was purchased. Third incident, March 2011: after (2) hours of highway driving abrupt drop in engine speed while attempting to merge on interstate 84. Lost throttle control. Near collision with a tractor-trailer in bad weather while trying to get out of the way and off the highway. Frightening experience. Brought car to bob thomas Ford in hamden, connecticut for a transmission program update and complete transmission service. Dealer could not find a problem with the vehicle. Fourth incident, June 24, 2011: again on I-84 in the rain after 2. 5 hours of highway cruising. Radical loss of engine power and vehicle speed. My daughter barely avoided a collision attempting to maneuver off the highway in heavy traffic with erratic throttle control. Daughter called me in a panic, crying. Waited off the highway a few minutes, re-started, and was fine. Car no longer used on the highway, just locally. The consumer also stated the alternator failed. Updated portable 08/23/11.

I was driving my car (pulling out of a mall) approaching the highway, I stopped for traffic to clear. With my foot on the brake, my car suddenly leapt forward toward traffic. Thinking that maybe I didn't have my brake pedal pushed hard enough (scaring me) I pushed my foot harder on the brake pedal. But the car kept lurching forward. Luckily the traffic cleared & I proceeded onto the highway. Then, the car didn't seem to move, so I pressed the gas pedal a little harder. The car acted like it was in neutral, then moved forward very slowly. I pushed the gas pedal harder, and again, the car acted like it was in neutral, then finally moved forward very slowly. Traffic was coming from behind so I kept going forward. Luckily the Ford dealership was just a couple blocks away (around the corner). So I drove it very carefully straight to the dealership service department. At most I was going about 30-35 miles per hour. The dealership says the problem is the throttle body needs to be replaced. They have to order parts. Luckily my extended warranty is in effect, so it's supposed to be covered, except for a $100. Deductible. (plus we"ll need to pay charges to have the parts shipped ASAP). Today, my husband checked online and found that this has been an ongoing problem with Ford Freestyle's. This is absolutely dangerous! my car could easily have lurched out into heavy 40-45 mile per hr traffic, if I hadn't had fast reflexes! or if I had pulled out in front of the higher speed traffic I could have been hit from behind! my car has only about 37,000 miles. I've had about four incidences of electrical problems with it. First, they replaced my alternator. Then my battery. Then my instrument cluster panels & (in the dashboard) airconditioning panels. At least they're the things that I know they've done (because the don't tell you all the things they've fixed or replaced). I don"t know if these things are connected. Also according to the internet, these parts have be hard to find.

Re-experiencing electrical instrument cluster problems. Battery and alternator replaced 6/2008 when car dead in driveway. 8 months later 4/2009 electrical gauges fail and reset and same local mechanic replaced fuses. Two months later 6/2009 gauges continue to fail and reset leading dealer, referencing TSB, to replace with new instrument cluster. Luckily covered under extended warranty. Mileage then 63,000. In last year the car running fine until month ago June /July 2010 when electrical gauges continuously stopping and resetting on highway with and without a/c running mostly within first 30 minutes of driving. Also, subtle engine delay and fanlike sounds coming from underneath experienced during and after these episodes. While on vacation with these problems, two local mechanics suggested bad alternator but took to another NY Ford dealer who diagnosed and replaced alleged leaking battery which was only 2 yr old battery. Of course, did not correct problem. Symptoms of electrical failure and reset are daily now and external lights dimming on off. Calling back original dealer for diagnosis and next steps. Extended warranty now expired. Very concerned that car electrical power will shut down on highway while traveling with 3 children. 76,000 miles.

The instrument panel flips on and off at random intervals causing the car to jump into "safe mode". If this occurs at high speed the car bucks and becomes uncontrollable until it slows down below 40mph. In a possible related issue the battery light continuously flickers on and off even with a brand new battery installed. The alternator appears to charge when ever it feel like it and not continuously. There are so many electrical issues in this car I will not let anyone in my family drive or ride in it. With on 64000 miles on the vehicle none of these problems should be occurring. I fear a major accident each day I get in and drive it work.

Consumer was able to pull the vehicle off the road until the local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the cause of the fire was the alternator.