Page 229 of 315

224It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED engine
oil of the preferred viscosity. Your vehicle's
warranty coverage may not apply if engine damage
is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted
in yellow. To add oil, remove the filler cap and use
a funnel to pour oil into the opening. Be careful not
to overfill the engine. Recheck the oil level after
you finish adding oil.Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil
FilterYour vehicle has an OIL LIFE LEFT function as part
of the Vehicle Message Center (M/C). This device
displays the percent of useful engine oil life left and
when an oil change is required. Use of a
CERTIFIED oil of the preferred viscosity is required
for this device to work properly. Change your
engine oil and oil filter when the message centerdisplaysCHANGE OIL SOON or OIL CHANGE
REQUIRED. If the Message Center malfunctions,
you may determine your oil change interval based
on the following guidelines.
Change your engine oil and oil filter according to
these mileage and time requirements, whichever
occurs first.
File:11fnmc8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:32 1996
Page 251 of 315

246Octane recommendationYour vehicle is designed to use premium gasoline
for optimum performance with an (R+M)/2 octane
rating of 91 or higher. Gasolines with lower octane
ratings can be used, but performance and fuel
economy may decrease. We do not recommend
gasolines labeled as ªpremiumº in high altitude
areas that are sold with octane ratings less than 91.
Typical octane rating labelDo not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily under
most driving conditions on the recommended
octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel qualityIf you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems try a different brand of fuel. If
the condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline specification
to provide information on high quality fuels that
optimize the performance of your vehicle. We
recommend the use of gasolines that meet the
AAMA specification if they are available.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket
products to your fuel tank if you continue to use a
high-quality fuel.
File:11fnmc8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:32 1996
Page 258 of 315

253
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) TestingIn some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II
system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its
battery has just been serviced, the OBD II system is
reset to a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II
system.
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:q
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and go,
city type traffic with at least four idle periods.
q
At least ten minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not be
turned off during these driving modes.
Lights and Bulb ReplacementIt is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:q
headlamps
q
high-mount brakelamp
q
tail lamps
q
brakelamps
q
hazard flasher
q
turn signals
q
license plate lamps
File:11fnmc8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:32 1996
Page 265 of 315

260Cleaning Your VehicleWashing and Polishing Your VehicleWash the outside of your vehicle, including the
underside, with a mild detergent.
DO NOT:q
Wash your vehicle with hot water
q
Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct
sunlight
q
Wash your vehicle while the body is hot
Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the
paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle
as often as necessary to keep it clean.
Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed
to chemical industrial fallout.Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to
a defect inpaint materials or workmanship and
therefore is not covered by warranty. Ford,
however, believes that continual improvement in
customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this
reason, Ford has authorized its dealers to repair, at
no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new
vehicles damaged by environmental fallout within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) of
purchase, whichever comes first. Customers may be
required to bring their vehicle in for inspection by a
Ford representative.
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and
protect the finish.
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum PartsWash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,
fuel, or strong detergents.
File:11fnmc8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:32 1996
Page 271 of 315

266NOTE:Rear axle lube quantities must be replaced
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if the axle
has been submerged in water. Otherwise, the lube
should not be checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or repair required.Vehicle StorageMaintenance TipsIf you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended
period of time (60 days or more), refer to the
following maintenance recommendations to ensure
your vehicle stays in good operating condition.Generalq
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust and
damage.
Bodyq
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease,
oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces, rear
wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent discoloration.
Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
File:12fncs8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:48 1996
Page 273 of 315
268Batteryq
Check and recharge as necessary.
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is
maintained for quick starting. NOTE: If battery
cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to
reset any memory features (eg. radio presets).
Brakesq
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
Tiresq
Maintain recommended air pressures.
Miscellaneousq
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis
pins under vehicle are covered with grease to
prevent rust.
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.
File:12fncs8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:48 1996
Page 277 of 315

273
What Kind of Cases Does the Board
Review?The Board reviews all warranty performance
complaints on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars and
Ford and Mercury light trucks under the new
vehicle limited warranty that have not been
resolved by either a dealer or Ford Motor Company,
except those involving:q
a non-Ford product
q
a non-Ford dealership
q
a vehicle sales transaction
q
request for reimbursement of consequential
expenses. Expenses incidental to the warranty
complaint being reviewed are eligible for
consideration.
q
items not covered by the new vehicle limited
warranty
q
items covered by a service contract
q
alleged liability claims
q
property damage where the damage is
significant when compared to the economic loss
alleged under the warranty dispute
q
cases currently in litigation
q
vehicles not used primarily for family, personal,
or household purposes (except in states where
the Dispute Settlement Board is required to
review commercial vehicles)
Complaints involving vehicles in which applicable
new vehicle limited warranties have expired at
receipt of your application are not eligible. Eligibility
may differ according to state law. For example, see
the unique brochures for California and Wisconsin
purchasers/lessees.
File:14fnhs8.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 15:06:24 1996
Page 296 of 315

295
Index
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock
brake system)............ 11
Accessory position on the ignition.... 83
Accident damage............ 216
Air bag supplemental restraint system . . . 145
and child safety seats......... 151
description............. 145
driver air bag............ 145
indicator light............ 45
operation.............. 147
passenger air bag........... 145
tone generator............ 149
Air cleaner filter
location............... 220
specifications............ 263Air conditioning, electronic automatic
temperature control system....... 69
Air suspension
air ride switch off, message center . . . 37
description............. 175
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 123
Aluminum wheels........... 242
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............ 66
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 228
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description............. 171
see also Brake............ 171
warning light............ 11
Anti-theft lug nuts and key........ 208
File:fnix8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 27 10:02:38 1996