Emergency seatback release lever
Lift the lever to release the
seatback.
It is not necessary to use the release lever for rear seat entry or exit.
The seatback remains unlocked with normal usage and locks only during
emergency stopping, upon impact, or on steep downhill grades.
Easy access/easy out feature (driver's side only)
This feature automatically moves the driver's seat backward when:
²the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
²the driver's safety belt is buckled
²the ignition switch is turned to OFF.
The seat will move two inches forward (to the original position when:
²the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
²the driver's safety belt is buckled
²the ignition switch is turned to ON.
Auto-Glide seats
This feature automatically moves the seat forward or rearward when the
seatback is tilted forward or rearward to allow ease of entry into the rear
seat.
Seating and safety restraints
69
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
²certain road conditions
²steering maneuvers
²braking
²accelerations
This system maintains the vehicle height at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the air springs to offset
changes in vehicle loads.
The air suspension shut-off switch is
located in the trunk. If this switch is
in the OFF position, the automatic
leveling system will not operate.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is
pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
OFF
Driving
97
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and the vehicle's brake lamps may not be
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears in a steady pattern. Press lightly
on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine can
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission
Understanding gearshift positions
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from position to position. If you do not hold the brake pedal
down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
Driving
98
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10 ±
15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Driving
105
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking and adding automatic transmission fluid
Follow the scheduled service intervals outlined in the ªService Guide.º
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle
and also in theLubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the bottom (cold)
notch on the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above 10ÉC (50ÉF)
(see figure to the right).
Your transmission does not use up fluid. However, it is recommended
that you check the transmission fluid at least twice a year. The fluid level
should be checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperatures
66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 32 km (20 miles) of
driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]) (see figure to the
right).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]) (see figure
to the right).
Maintenance and care
133
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part name Ford part
numberFord
specification
Brake master
cylinderHigh Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake FluidC6AZ-
19542-ABESA-M6C25-A,
DOT 3
Door
weatherstripsSilicone Lubricant C0AZ-19553-
AA and
D7AZ-
19553-AAESR-M13P4-A
Engine coolant Ford Premium
Cooling System
FluidE2FZ-
19549-AAESE-M97B44-A
Engine oil Motorcraft 5W-30
Super Premium
Motor OilXO-5W30-
QSPWSS-M2C153-G
with API
Certification
Mark
Hinges, latches
and striker
platesMulti-Purpose
GreaseDOAZ-
19584-AAESR-M1C159-A
and
ESB-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders Penetrating
LubricantE8AZ-
19A501-BN/A
Power steering
reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Automatic
transmission
(4R70W)Motorcraft
MERCONtVATFXT-5-QM
MERCONtV
Windshield
washer fluid
reservoirUltra-Clear
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-
AC or BCESR-M17P5-A
Rear axle Motorcraft Premium
Rear Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSL-M2C197-A
Capacities and specifications
163
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle .............88,91
Sunvisor .......................................51
Tachometer
mechanical cluster ...................13
Tilt steering wheel ......................42
Tires ....................................137,139
changing ..................................115
checking the pressure ............139
replacing ..................................140
rotating ....................................139
snow tires and chains ............140
treadwear ................................138
Traction control ..........................96
active light ..................................7
check traction control
message ................................25,31
how to enable/disable ..............15
off light ......................................11
Trailer towing ............................104
tips ...........................................106
Transmission .............................133
automatic
operation ...........97,98,99,100,102
fluid, checking and
adding (automatic) ................133Trunk
using the remote entry
system to open .........................59
Turn signal
lever ...........................................41
Universal transmitter ..................47
erasing channels .......................50
operating ...................................49
programming .............................48
Vehicle dimensions ...................164
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................166
Vehicle loading ..........................103
Ventilating your vehicle .............92
Warning chimes .............................6
Wheels
anti-theft lug nuts ..................118
Windows
power windows, operating .......52
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....129
checking and replacing
wiper blades ............................136
operation ...................................41
Wrecker towing .........................122
Index
170
Recommended fuel Unleaded fuel only -
91 octane (R+M/2)
Fuel tank capacity 68.1L (18.0 gallons)
Engine oil capacity (with filter
change)5.7L (6.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
5W30 Super Premium Motor Oil,
Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-G
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity12.0L (12.8 quarts). Use
Motorcraft MERCONtVATF
(part# XT-5-QM), Ford
Specification WSS-M2C202-B
Tire pressure and size 30 psi (measured cold). Refer to
the label located on the front face
of the passenger's door jamb
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel
Coolant capacity 15.1L (16.0 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line in reservoir. Use
Motorcraft MERCONtAT F
Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used for a specific
application. Check the container to verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or
MERCON Vtapproved. Some fluids have been approved as meeting both
MERCONtand MERCONtV requirements and will be labeled as such.
Fluids labeled as meeting only MERCONtor only MERCONtV
requirements must not be used interchangeably. DO NOT mix MERCONt
and MERCONtV. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the
dipstick or on the dipstick handle. Refer to your ªService Guideº to
determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
176