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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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231
Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperatures150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC), thefluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the
dipstick. When the vehicle has not been driven, and
outside temperatures are above68ÊF(20ÊC), the
fluid levels should be between the holes on the
dipstick.Adding Automatic Transmission FluidBefore adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Correct type is shown on the
dipstick.
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through the
filler tube to bring the level to the correct area on
the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. If the level is
above the top hole on the dipstick, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified technician.NOTE:Always dispose of used automotive fluids in
a responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about
recycling automotive fluids.
Automatic transmission dipstick
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296Anti-theft system
arming the system.......... 116
description............. 116
disarming an untriggered system.... 118
disarming a triggered system...... 118
triggering............. 118
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 266
Ashtray(s)............... 73
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 265
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............ 33
Autolamp system (see Headlamps).... 70
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..... 173
fluid, adding............. 231
fluid, checking............ 230
fluid, refill capacities......... 258
fluid, specification.......... 259Axle
lubricant specifications........ 259
refill capacities............ 258
B
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery................ 232
battery saver............. 115
charging system warning light..... 15
disconnecting............ 232
how to service............ 232
jumping a disabled battery....... 204
maintenance-free........... 232
proper disposal, recycling....... 232
replacement, specifications....... 257
servicing.............. 232
when storing your vehicle....... 261
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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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311
Transmission
automatic operation......... 173
fluid, checking and adding (automatic) . 230
fluid, refill capacities......... 258
lubricant specifications........ 259
Transmission control switch....... 175
Trunk
trunk ajar warning light........ 32
using the keys to open........ 104
using the remote entry system to open . 111
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 246
Turn signal.............. 75
indicator lights............ 17
lever................ 75
U
Used engine oil, disposal........ 212
V
Variable interval wipers......... 77
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................ 246
Vehicle loading
automatic transmissions........ 178
calculating the load.......... 178
understanding loading information . . . 177
Vehicle storage............. 260
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control)......... 55
Viscosity (see Engine oil)........ 218
Visor (see Sun visor).......... 90
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