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229
Power Steering FluidCheck the level of the power steering fluid at least
twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid1. Start the engine and let it run until the power
steering fluid reaches normal operating
temperature. The power steering fluid will be at
the right temperature when the engine coolant
temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is
near the center of the NORMAL operating
temperature range.
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
back and forth several times. Make sure that
the cap assembly is installed at this time.
3. Turn the engine off and check the level on the
power steering reservoir.4. The fluid level is viewed through the sight
window on the power steering reservoir. If the
power steering fluid is below the middle line,
add fluid in small amounts, continuously
checking the level. Do not overfill.
Fluid level for power steering
Use only MERCONHATF power steering fluid.
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230If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your
vehicle for a long period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering pump.Automatic Transmission FluidUnder normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since your
vehicle does not use up transmission fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for replacement
intervals. However, if the transmission is not
working properly Ð for instance, the transmission
may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice some
sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid level should be
checked.
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level
at normal operating temperature150ÊF-170ÊF
(66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20 miles (30 km)
of driving. However, if necessary, you can check
the fluid level without having to drive 20 miles
(30 km) to obtain a normal operating temperature if
outside temperatures are above50ÊF(10ÊC).NOTE:If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in city traffic
during hot weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.
Checking the Automatic Transmission
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.
NOTE:Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level is below the bottom hole on the dipstick
and outside temperatures are above50ÊF(10ÊC).
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.
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299
Climate control system
air conditioning........... 55
electronic automatic temperature
control.............. 55
heating............... 55
Clock................. 72
Cold engine starting.......... 162
Combination lap and shoulder belts.... 126
Compact disc radio (see Electronic
sound system)............ 35
Controls, mirrors............ 89
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 224
preparing for storage......... 261
refill capacities............ 258
specifications............ 259
temperature gauge.......... 10Cooling fan.............. 214
Cupholder(s).............. 73
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada............ 270
D
Daytime running light system...... 68
Defects, reporting............ 263
Defrost, windshield........... 63
Dipstick................ 219
automatic transmission fluid...... 230
engine oil.............. 219
power steering fluid......... 229
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 209
Dispute Settlement Board........ 266
Doors................. 96
door ajar warning message....... 31
lubricant specifications........ 259
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307
PCV valve, specifications........ 257
Phone, cellular............. 101
Power features
mirrors............... 89
moon roof.............. 87
seats................ 121
windows.............. 98
Power point electrical outlet....... 73
Power steering
dipstick............... 229
driving with power steering...... 173
fluid, checking and adding....... 229
fluid, refill capacity.......... 258
fluid, specifications.......... 259
servicing.............. 173
Programmable memory seat....... 99
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 33
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 259
refill capacity............ 258
Rearview mirror............ 89
Refill capacities for fluids........ 258
Regulations, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration............ 263
Remote entry system
arming and disarming the
anti-theft system.......... 112
locking/unlocking doors........ 111
opening the trunk.......... 111
panic alarm............. 112
replacement/additional transmitters . . . 114
replacing the batteries........ 114
Reporting safety defects......... 263
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310Steering, power............ 173
Steering wheel
horn................ 79
locking............... 73
tilting............... 80
Storing your vehicle........... 260
Sunroof (moon roof).......... 87
Sun visor............... 90
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 14
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . . . 135
T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 248
cleaning.............. 254
Temperature control (see Climate control) . 55
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints)......... 158
Tilt steering wheel........... 80Tires................. 234
changing.............. 192
checking the pressure......... 234
cleaning............... 255
inspection and maintenance...... 234
replacing.............. 235
rotating............... 234
spare tire.............. 193
storing your vehicle......... 262
tire grades............. 235
treadwear.............. 237
wear bands............. 235
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 179
Towing your vehicle
using wheel dollies.......... 209
with a tow truck........... 209
Traction assist............. 170
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