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10The following warning lights and gauges are on the
instrument cluster. All of the warning lights and
gauges alert you to possible problems with your
vehicle.Indicator Lights and ChimesSafety Belt Warning Light and ChimeThis warning light and chime remind you to fasten
your safety belt. The following conditions will take
place:q
If the safety belt is not buckled when the
ignition is turned to the ON position, the chime
will turn on for four (4) to eight (8) seconds
and the light will come on for one to two
minutes.
q
If the safety belt is buckled while the light is on
and the chime is sounding, both the light and
chime will turn off.
q
If the safety belt is buckled before the ignition
is turned to the ON position, neither the light
nor the chime will come on.
Brake System Warning LightThe warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in the
master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is low,
the brake system should be checked by your dealer
or a qualified service technician.
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20These features are controlled by the message center
(M/C) control buttons located to the right of the
instrument cluster.System CheckPressing the SYSTEM CHECK button causes the
M/C to cycle through a status of each of the
systems being monitored. For each of the monitored
systems, the M/C will indicate either an OK
message or a warning message for three seconds.
The sequence of the system check report is as
follows:q
Washer Fluid Level
q
Ride Control
q
Oil Level
q
Engine Coolant Level
q
Voltage Level
q
Engine Temperature
q
Doors Closed (Driver and Right Side)
q
Trunk Closed
q
Exterior Lamps (Head, Front Turn, Brake and
Tail)
q
Distance to Empty
q
Fuel Level
q
Traction Control (if equipped)
System WarningsSystem warnings alert you to possible problems or
malfunctions in your vehicle's operating systems.
There are up to 18 warning messages which can be
displayed by the M/C to show the status of the
monitored systems. The M/C will display the last
selected feature if there are no more warning
messages. This allows you to use the full
functionality of the M/C after you acknowledge the
warning by pressing the RESET button and clearing
the warning message.
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239
Checking the Automatic Transaxle
FluidWith the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
fully applied, start the engine and move the gear
shift selector through all of the gears allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine
running.
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back
into the filler tube and make sure it is fully seated.
Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
NOTE:Your vehicle should not be driven until
some fluid has been added if the fluid level is
below the bottom dimple on the dipstick and the
outside temperature is above50ÊF(10ÊC). Addonly
enough fluid to bring the level above the bottom
hole.If the vehicle has not been driven and the fluid
level is above the bottom dimple on the dipstick, do
not add fluid. Recheck the fluid level after your
vehicle has reached normal operating temperature.
Normal operating temperature is reached after
driving approximately 20 miles (30 km). The fluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the
dipstick.
NOTE:If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds, driven in city traffic
during hot weather, or has been pulling a trailer,
the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow the fluid to cool before checking.
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307
Anti-theft system (continued)
disarming an untriggered system.... 128
disarming a triggered system...... 129
triggering...........126, 128
warning light............ 16
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 280
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 279
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............ 25
Autolamp system (see Headlamps).... 56
Automatic transaxle
driving with............. 177
fluid, adding..........238, 240
fluid, checking.........238, 239
fluid, refill capacities......... 272
fluid, specification.......... 273
B
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery................ 240
acid, treating emergencies....... 241
battery saver............. 126
charging system warning light..... 13
disconnecting............ 216
how to service............ 240
jumping a disabled battery....... 211
maintenance-free........... 240
proper disposal, recycling....... 241
replacement, specifications....... 271
servicing.............. 240
voltage gauge............ 13
when storing your vehicle....... 276
Brake fluid............... 229
brake warning light.......... 10
checking and adding......... 229
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308
description............. 229
specifications............ 273
Brakes................ 171
adjustment............. 171
anti-lock.............. 171
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light........... 11
applying the brakes.......... 171
brake warning light.......... 10
fluid, checking and adding....... 229
fluid, refill capacities......229, 272
fluid, specifications.......... 273
front disc.............. 171
if brakes do not grip well....... 171
master cylinder........... 229
new brake linings........... 5
noise.............171, 172
parking............... 172
power braking............ 171
servicing.............. 229
trailer............... 188
when storing your vehicle....... 276Break-in period.............. 5
Brights (high beams).......... 15
Bulbs, replacing............ 261
halogen............... 261
headlamps.............. 262
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 284
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 285
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 272
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 149
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound
system)............... 32
Catalytic converter........... 258
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . . 35
Chains, tires.............. 250
Changing a tire............. 205
Charging system warning light...... 13
Childproof locks............ 103
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317
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 260
Overdrive............... 181
Overseas offices............ 286
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system............. 124
Parking brake............. 172
operation.............. 172
warning light............ 10
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)....... 271
PCV valve, specifications........ 271
Phone, cellular............. 113
Power features
antenna............... 31
mirrors............... 92
moon roof.............. 91
seats................ 132
windows.............. 105
Power steering
dipstick............... 237
driving with power steering...... 177fluid, checking and adding....... 237
fluid, refill capacity.......... 272
fluid, specifications.......... 273
Prop rod, hood............. 223
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 25
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 273
refill capacity............ 272
Rearview mirror............ 92
Rear window, washer reservoir...... 230
Refill capacities for fluids........ 272
Regulations, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration............ 277
Remote entry system
arming and disarming the
anti-theft system.......... 124
locking/unlocking doors........ 123
opening the trunk.......... 123
panic alarm............. 124
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