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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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245
q
English: MPG = (total miles)/(gallons used).
q
Metric: L/100K = (liters used) x 100/(total
kilometers)
Comparisons With Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and Transport
Canada (TC) Fuel Economy EstimatesEPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions and
may not reflect the actual conditions you experience
or your style of driving. The EPA fuel economy
estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve
the fuel economy shown.
The following decrease fuel economy:q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
q
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
q
Sudden stops
q
Extended engine idling
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
q
Underinflated tires
q
Heavy loads
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage
racks, bug deflectors, etc.
Self-Service PointersIf you choose to do your own fueling, you should
also perform a few simple maintenance routines.
This extra effort will save you additional money and
contribute to the driving efficiency of your vehicle.
The following procedures require only a tire gauge,
a rag, an oil can spout and windshield washer fluid.q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
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297
Brake fluid
brake warning light.......... 12
checking and adding......... 221
description............. 221
specifications............ 259
Brakes................ 167
adjustment............. 167
anti-lock.............. 167
applying the brakes.......... 167
brake warning light.......... 11
fluid, checking and adding....... 221
fluid, refill capacities......221, 258
fluid, specifications.......... 259
master cylinder........... 221
new brake linings........... 5
noise................ 167
parking............... 168
servicing.............. 167
when storing your vehicle....... 262Break-in period.............. 5
Brights (high beams).......... 13
Bulbs, replacing............ 248
halogen............... 249
headlamps.............. 249
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 270
Canada, warranty information....... 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 271
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 258
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 165
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 141
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound
system)............... 40
Catalytic converter........... 246
Changing a tire............. 192
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305
L
Lamps
autolamp delay system........ 70
checking.............. 248
daytime running light system..... 68
flashing the lamps.......... 76
hazard flashers............ 78
headlamps............. 69
high beams............. 76
interior lamps............ 71
replacing bulbs........... 248
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . 75
Lap belts............... 134
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag............... 14
brake................ 12
charging system........... 15
check engine............ 14
door ajar.............. 32
engine oil pressure.......... 15
hazard warning light......... 78
high beam............. 13low washer fluid........... 31
oil pressure............. 15
overdrive off............. 31
safety belt.............. 13
trunk ajar.............. 32
turn signal indicator......... 17
Load limits
GAWR............... 177
GVWR............... 177
trailer towing............ 179
Lubricant specifications......... 259
Luggage compartment.......... 104
Lug nuts
anti-theft.............. 203
standard.............. 196
tightening sequence......... 194
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306
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet)........... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 211
Master cylinder, brakes......... 221
Memory seat (programmable
memory seat)............ 99
Message center
door ajar.............. 31
low washer fluid........... 31
trunk ajar.............. 32
Mileage, calculating fuel economy..... 244
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview mirror . . . 89
heated............... 101
rearview.............. 89
side view mirrors.......... 100
Moon roof............... 87
Motorcraft parts............ 257
N
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration............ 263
New vehicle break-in........... 5
O
Octane rating............. 241
Odometer
description............. 21
Oil filter.............220, 257
Oil (see Engine oil)........... 218
Oil viscosity.............. 218
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 248
Overseas offices............ 272
P
Panic alarm feature, remote entry system . 112
Parking brake
operation.............. 168
warning light............ 12
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)....... 257
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