
14Check Engine Warning LightThis light illuminates when the engine's Emission
Control System requires service. It will also
illuminate when the ignition key is in the ON
position and the engine is off.
Air Bag Readiness LightThe air bag system uses a readiness light and a tone
to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument panel. When
you turn the ignition key to the ON position, this
light will light up for six (6) seconds and then turn
off. This indicates that the system is operating
normally.NOTE:Regularly scheduled maintenance
of the air bag system is not required.
If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash,
remains on, or you hear a beeping sound, have the
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
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Update:Mon Jun 17 13:46:47 1996

58When in AUTOMATIC and weather conditions
require heat, air will be sent to the floor. But, a
feature is included in your EATC to prevent
blowing cold air to the floor if the engine coolant is
not warm enough to allow heating. For a short
time the fan will be at low speed and air directed
to the windshield. In 3-1/2 minutes or less, the fan
speed will start to increase and the airflow will
change to the floor area.
If unusual conditions exist (i.e., window fogging,
etc.), the six manual override buttons allow you to
select special air discharge locations. A thumbwheel
allows you to adjust the fan speed to suit your
needs.
Temperature selectionThe RED and BLUE buttons at the upper left of the
Control are for temperature selection. The RED
button will increase the set temperature and the
BLUE button will lower the set temperature.
Pressing a button and releasing it will change the
set temperature one degree. Holding either button
in will rapidly change the temperature setting in
one degree increments to either65ÊF(18ÊC)
(BLUE) or85ÊF(29ÊC)(RED).Then, the set
temperature will jump 5 Ê and stop at either60ÊF
(16ÊC)which is maximum cooling or90ÊF(32ÊC)
which is maximum heating.
The average temperature range used is between
68ÊF(20ÊC) and78ÊF(26ÊC).Changing the
temperature setting by several degrees outside this
range or overriding to60ÊF(16ÊC) or90ÊF(32ÊC)
will not speed up the heating or cooling process.
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Update:Mon Jun 17 13:49:49 1996

62MAX A/C, etc.), automatic fan control will
continue unless you rotate the fan thumbwheel. To
return to automatic fan control, press the
AUTOMATIC button. The EATC will return to
Automatic operation. If you want to return to any
override function, press the button for that function.
The fan speed will continue to be automatically
controlled.Steering wheel remote control buttonsSome cars have control buttons to the right side of
the center of the steering wheel which allow you to
control some radio and climate control features.
Refer to theSteering Column Controlschapter later
in this owner guide for further information.Manual override buttonsYour EATC has six buttons which allow you to
make special selections. The buttons are located
along the bottom edge of the EATC control and
allow you to determine where the air will be
discharged. Pressing any override button changesthe air discharge location only. It does not affect
the ability of the system to control temperature or
the fan speed. Return to fully Automatic operation
by pushing the AUTOMATIC button.
MAX A/C button
The MAX A/C feature allows for faster cooling
because air is drawn from inside the vehicle. Using
inside air causes the fan to sound louder which is
normal for this selection. The Display window will
change to indicate60ÊF(16ÊC) and MAXA/C. The
fan will run and the airflow will be from the
instrument panel registers. To exit and return to the
previous temperature, push AUTOMATIC or any of
the other five override buttons.
NORM A/C button
When you push this button, you select air
conditioning using outside air. The Display window
will indicate A/C under the selected temperature.
The cooled air will flow from the instrument panel
registers. The fan speed will continue on automatic.
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139
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System consists
of:q
driver and passenger air bag modules (which
include the inflators and air bags),
q
one or more impact and safing sensors,
q
a system diagnostic module,
q
a readiness light and tone,
q
and the electrical wiring which connects the
components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag readiness
light, the air bag power, and the air bag inflators.
Determining if System Is OperationalThe Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a
readiness light and a tone to indicate the condition
of the system. The readiness light is in the
instrument cluster. When you turn the ignition key
to ON, this light will illuminate for approximatelysix (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates
that the system is operating normally. NOTE:
Routine maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.
A problem with the system is indicated by one or
more of the following:
q
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
q
the readiness light will not light immediately
after ignition is turned on,
q
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the problem
and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently,
have the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer
immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not
function properly in the event of a collision.
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166Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:q
your vehicle is raised for service
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an
open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust
the heating or air conditioning system to bring in
outside air.
If you use the Electronic Automatic Climate
Control, set the fan speed selector dial to a medium
or high blower speed with the VENT or FLR & DEF
function buttons pressed.
File:08fntot.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:51:45 1996

170Traction Assist
TM
(If equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional
Traction Assist
TM
system. This system helps prevent
wheel spin in order to improve tire traction and is
an especially useful feature when you drive in hilly
areas or on slippery, icy or snowy roads.
Traction Assist
TM
works automatically by rapidly
applying and releasing the brakes to prevent one or
both of the rear drive wheels from spinning during
acceleration.
During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which most
often occurs during low speed acceleration on
slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard coming from
the engine compartment. This is normal and may
last for a few seconds during the acceleration of the
vehicle.
In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Assist
TM
is fully
effective up to approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function begins to taper
off until it no longer operates above 34 mph
(55 km/h).
If the Traction Assis;
TM
system is cycled excessively,
the system will shut down to prevent the rear
brakes from overheating. A cooling down period is
required to prevent damage to the brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage during
the cooling down period. Anti-Lock braking is not
affected and will function normally during the cool
down period.
After the cool down period, the Traction Assist
TM
function is restored.%Rear Air Suspension SystemYour vehicle is equipped with an automatic load
leveling rear air suspension system. This system
maintains the rear vehicle height at a constant level
by automatically adding air or releasing air from the
rear air springs to offset changes in vehicle loads.
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Update:Mon Jun 17 13:52:03 1996

213
Precautions When Servicing Your
VehicleBe especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle. Here are some general precautions for
your safety:q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly. Always
turn the engine off and let it cool.
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space
with the engine running, unless you are sure
you have enough ventilation.
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported
by a jack only. If you must work under a
vehicle, use safety stands.
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly. To find out how the engine does
this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
Working with the engine off:1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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Update:Mon Jun 17 13:54:56 1996

242Typical 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.
Cleaner AirFord approves the use of gasolines to improve air
quality, including reformulated gasolines that contain
oxygenates such as a maximum of 10% ethanol or
15% MTBE. There should be no more than 5%
methanol with cosolvents and additives to protect
the fuel system.
File:11fnmct.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:54:56 1996