Driving
233
%*
[GF16200(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF16300(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[GF16400(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on each axle system.
*
[GF16500(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is why
it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[GF16600(ALL)01/96]
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific tire pressure.
*
[GF16700(ALL)01/96]
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[GF16800(ALL)01/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
*
[GF16900(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[GF17000(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996
Maintenance and Care
301
*
[MC22900(ALL)08/95]
To replace the wiper blades:
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and into the
lock position.
[MC23100(ALL)01/96]2.
Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Push the
lock pin to release the blade and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it from the arm.
*
[MC23200(ALL)08/95]3.
Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
[MC23300(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040235-B
Replacing the wiper blades
%*
[MC23400(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC23500(ALL)03/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
Always follow these precautions:
*
[MC23600(ALL)02/96]
n
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC23700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996
Maintenance and Care
309
%*
[MC35000(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC35050(ALL)05/96]
Removing the tethered fuel cap
[MC35100(ALL)05/96]1.
Open the fuel door on the driver's side of the vehicle.
[MC35150(ALL)05/96]2.
Slowly unscrew the cap counterclockwise, using caution to
minimize the possibility of fuel spraying.
[MC35200(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040219-C
The tethered fuel cap
*
[MC35250(ALL)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
%*
[MC35300(ALL)01/96
]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
*
[MC35350(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until
it stops before completely removing the cap.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996
310
*
[MC35400(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[MC35450(ALL)01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal condition. It may be
caused by:
*
[MC35500(ALL)01/96]
n
too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions. Service stations
sometimes sell winter grade fuel in the summer.
*
[MC35550(ALL)01/96]
n
pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high altitudes.
*
[MC35600(ALL)01/96]
n
extended periods of idling with the engine RPM increased
above the normal idle range.
*
[MC35650(ALL)01/96]
n
parking the vehicle in full sunlight for extended periods on
extremely hot days.
*
[MC35700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
*
[MC35750(ALL)01/96]
Before you fill your vehicle with fuel, extinguish all lit
cigarettes, other smoking materials, and any open flames.
*
[MC35800(ALL)01/96]
To fill the tank properly:
*
[MC35850(ALL)01/96]1.
Remove the fuel cap. Proceed to add fuel to the tank only if
your vehicle is on level ground.
[MC35900(ALL)01/96]2.
Make sure you pump unleaded fuel and put the nozzle all
the way inside the fuel filler pipe. The fuel tank is normally
full after three automatic shutoffs of the nozzle.
*
[MC35950(ALL)01/96]3.
If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle, clean it off
immediately. The fuel may dull or soften the paint if you do
not wash it off.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996
Maintenance and Care
317
*
[MC38555(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not remove the floor carpet in your vehicle. Emission
controls cause high exhaust temperatures under the floor.
*
[MC38560(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke and loss of oil
pressure. Also watch for the charge warning light, the check
engine light, or the temperature warning light. These sometimes
indicate that the emission system is not working properly.
*
[MC38565(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
%*
[MC38570(ALL)01/96
]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service of the emission
control devices or systems in your new Ford Motor Company
vehicle or engine may be performed at your expense by any
automotive repair establishment or individual using automotive
parts equivalent to those with which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC38575(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases
vehicles, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or
prevent it from working. In some of the United States and in
Canada, vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control
device is removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38580(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
*
[MC38585(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emissions control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996
334
%*
[MC62000(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC62100(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[MC62200(ALL)05/96]
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to clean with
regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the
directions on the container and rinse the tires with plenty of
clean water.
*
[MC62300(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
*
[MC63000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
[MC63100(ALL)04/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than
normal.
*
[MC63200(ALL)01/96]
n
Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to
clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate
sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC63300(ALL)04/96]
n
In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or
fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection
pump with cold water.
*
[MC63400(ALL)04/96]
n
The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water damage.
*
[MC63500(ALL)01/96]
n
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996
396
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
charging system................... 13
check engine..................... 12
door ajar....................... 15
engine oil pressure.................. 14
hazard warning light............... 76,243
high beam...................... 17
low fuel....................... 16
lowoil........................ 14
low washer fluid................... 17
oil pressure...................... 14
rear ABS....................... 10
safety belt...................... 11
service engine soon.................. 12
turn signal indicator.................. 87
Load limits
GAWR....................... 229
GVWR....................... 229
trailer towing.................... 235
Lubricant specifications................ 343
Luggage rack..................... 241
Lug nuts
anti-theft...................... 263
tightening sequence...............260, 267
M
Maintenance (see Servicing).............. 277
Master cylinder, brakes................ 285
Message center, low washer fluid............. 17
Methanol in fuel................... 312
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 314
Mirrors
dual electric remote control............. 111
rearview...................... 110
side view mirrors.................. 110
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996