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For a warm engine: Do not hold the key in the START position for more
than five (5) seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start within five (5) seconds on the first try, turn
the key to the OFF position. Wait a few seconds
after the starter stops, then try again.
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon
as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage
the starter or flood the engine.
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and put the
gearshift lever in gear. Release the parking brake.
Slowly release the brake pedal and drive away in the
normal manner.
NOTE:Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transaxle that has an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake
pedal.If the engine does not start after two
attempts:
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position,
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off may have been triggered. For directions
on how to reset the switch see Fuel Pump Shut-
Off Switch later in this chapter.
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/! WARNINGTo prevent electrical shock, do not use yourheater with ungrounded electrical systemsor two-pronged (cheater) adapters.For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not damage
the engine, so you can plug it in at night to start
your vehicle the following morning.If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start After a Collision
Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device intended to stop the fuel pump
when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. The switch is on the left side of the
trunk.
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Lug nut key Anti-theft lug nutThe anti-theftft lug nut and key
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make sure
that you hold the key square to the lug nut. If you
hold the key on an angle, you may damage the key
and the lug nut.
Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and
apply pressure on the key with the wrench. Turn the
wrench in a counterclockwise direction to remove
the lug nut.
210Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the lug
nut wrench over the lug nut key and, while applying
pressure on the key, install the lug nut.
If the Engine Cranks But Does Not
Start or Does Not Start After a
Collision
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have
had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may
have been triggered. The shut-off switch is a device
that stops the fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.
For information on how to check and reset the fuel
pump shut-off switch, see Fuel pump shut-off switch
in the Index.
Page 241 of 320
Fuel door release - manual override
1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove the
cap carefully and slowly by turning it
counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn. If a hissing
sound is heard, wait until it stops, then continue
turning until the cap is free./!\ WARNINGIf the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you hear ahissing sound, wait until it stops beforecompletely removing the cap.2.Make sure that you pump premium unleaded
fuel and put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe.
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your
vehicle, clean it off immediately. The fuel may
dull or soften the paint if you do not wash it off.
3. Replace the fuel cap completely when you are
finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until it is
tight. It will click when it is fully tightened.
4. Push the fuel door closed.
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Page 244 of 320

Avoid breathing vapors while refueling. If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with soap
and water. If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact
lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes,
and seek medical attention.
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small
amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-
term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors has
caused cancer in laboratory animals.
if you are taking the medication "Antabuse" or
other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a gasoline-
methanol blend, may cause the same kind of adverse
reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In
sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or
sickness could result. Consult a physician promptly
if you experience an adverse reaction.
242Running Out of Fuel
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on modern
powertrain components.
You may need to crank the engine several times
before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from the
tank to the engine.
If the engine does not start, check the fuel pump
shut-off switch and reset as required. See Fuel pump
shut-off switch in the Index./!\ WARNINGNever pour fuel in the throttle body orattempt to start the engine with the aircleaner removed. Doing so could result infire and personal injury.
Page 277 of 320
Fuse
LocationMaxi-Fuse
Amp RatingDescription22Not used23Relay
· HI beam headlamps relay2420A
· Fuel pump2520A
· Thermactor pump26Relay
· EATC blower motor relay2730A
· PCM
· STC28Not used29Relay
· Horns relay30Relay
· Powertrain control module
relayChecking and Replacing Fuses
If you need to check a fuse, follow these steps:
1. Find the fuse panel underneath the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column.
Squeeze together the two areas indicated by
the arrows and pull down to remove the
cover.
2. Find the fuse you want to check (fuses are
numbered on the fuse panel) and remove it
with the fuse pulling tool that is provided.
3. Check the fuse to see if it is blown. Look
through the clear side of the fuse to see if the
metal wire inside is separated. If it is, the fuse
should be replaced.
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Engine Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature. With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
Fuel system Fill fuel tank with high-quahty, premium
unleaded fuel until the first automatic shutoff of
the fuel pump nozzle.
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may deteriorate
due to oxidation. This can damage rubber and
other polymers in the fuel system and may also
clog small orifices.Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60 days.
Follow the instructions on the label. The vehicle
should then be operated at idle speed to circulate
the additive throughout the fuel system.
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner surfaces
from corrosion. Follow the instructions packaged
with the product.
Cooling system Protect against freezing temperatures.
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labels Air Bag warning Child Seat Label Child seat installation precautions Fuel Pump Shut-Off Safety Compliance Certification Label manufacturer, GVWR*
GAWR** Vehicle Identification Servicing or warranty Information Number Child Proof Lock Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating **Gross Axle Weight Rating
297