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the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems.
This process is very sensitive to driving conditions
and very fast acting. The rear wheels ªsearchº for
optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your
vehicle to make better use of available traction on
slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid which
makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on
snow, ice covered and gravel roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation, the traction
control active light will illuminate, you may hear an
electric motor type of sound coming from the engine
compartment and the engine will not ªrev-upº when
you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
The Traction Controlyon/off switch, located in front
of the gearshift, illuminates when the system is OFF.
The Traction Controlysystem will revert to the ON
position every time the ignition is turned OFF and
ON.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a
very slippery road surface, try switching the Traction
Controlysystem off. This may allow excess wheel
spin to ªdigº the vehicle out and enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help steer
the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or the extreme left for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power
steering pump fluid level.
Driving
92
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HAZARD FLASHER
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle
breakdown, approaching danger, etc. The hazard
flashers can be operated when the ignition is off.
²The hazard lights
control is located on
top of the steering
column.
²
Depress hazard lights
control to activate all
hazard flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not
start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to
stop the electric fuel pump when your vehicle has
been involved in a substantial jolt.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch by pushing in the reset button.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a
few seconds and return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
Roadside emergencies
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The fuel pump shut-off
switch is located on
the left side of the
trunk behind the trunk
liner.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical
components in the
vehicle are not
working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown
fuses are identified by a broken wire within the fuse.
Check the appropriate fuses before replacing any
electrical components.
Always replace a fuse with one that has the
specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with
a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
Roadside emergencies
109
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
7 30A** Secondary Air Injection
(3.8L only)
8 50A** ABS Module
9 20A** Auxiliary Power Point
10 30A** Parklamps
11 30A** Rear Window Defrost
Control
12 40A** Power Windows, Power
Locks
13 Ð Not Used
14 20A* Fuel Pump
15 10A* Radio
16 20A* Horn
17 20A* Anti-Lock Brake System
18 25A* Power Seats
19 Ð Not Used
20 20A* Generator
21 Ð Not Used
22 Ð Not Used
23 Ð Not Used
24 20A*
A/C Pressure (3.8L only)
25 Ð Not Used
26 30A** PCM
27 20A** DRL Module, Foglamp
Relay
28 25A CB Convertible Top
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease your
speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly
move to a safe place on the side of the road.
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ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended
(particularly in the United States) because it may
cause these problems to become more pronounced.
If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association
(AAMA) issued a fuel specification to provide
information on high quality fuels that optimize the
performance of your vehicle. We recommend the use
of fuels 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 air
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air
quality, including reformulated gasolines that contain
oxygenates up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may
have an adverse affect on modern powertrain
components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to crank the engine several times
before the system starts to pump fuel from the
tank to the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº light may come on.
For more information on the ªService Engine
Soonº light, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Fuel Filter
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filter that is
mounted on the underbody.
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician. Refer to the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Maintenance and care
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Filling the tank
For consistent results:
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium
Ð high) each time the tank is filled.
²Allow three automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use the recommended octane rating of a
known quality gasoline, preferably a national
brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have
the vehicle facing the same direction each time
you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the
same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling
method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial
odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of
fuel added (in liters or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the
fuel tank and record the current kilometer (mileage)
reading.
4. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to
determine fuel economy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the
type of driving (city or highway). This will provide
an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel economy.
Additionally, keeping records during summer and
winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower
fuel economy.
Maintenance and care
160