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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
depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
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 brakelamps 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 may
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
Pull the gearshift lever towards you and downward to move the
automatic gearshift.
Driving
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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.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift in R (Reverse),
the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in N (Neutral),
the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this gear.
Overdrive
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the gearshift lever.
The O/D OFF indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Drive
Activate by pressing the transmission control switch on the gearshift
lever with the gearshift in the Drive position. The O/D OFF indicator
light will illuminate in the instrument cluster. Transmission operates in
O/D
ON/OFF
Driving
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²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of
the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. It does not come
from the factory fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are available
through Ford or Mercury/Lincoln dealers. Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least 3 200 km (2 000 miles).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
The amount of weight your loaded trailer should be no more than 907 kg
(2 000 lbs.).
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
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.
Driving
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (truck)/wheel rims (car).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by avoiding:
²lack of regular, scheduled maintenance.
²excessive speed.
²rapid acceleration.
²extended idle.
Driving
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Standard fuse amperage rating and color
Fuse rating Color
5 amp Tan
7.5 amp Brown
10 amp Red
15 amp Light blue
20 amp Yellow
20 amp fuse link Light blue
25 amp Natural
30 amp Light green
30 amp fuse link Pink
40 amp fuse link Green
50 amp fuse link Red
60 amp fuse link Yellow
80 amp fuse link Black
100 amp fuse link Dark blue
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
Roadside emergencies
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
8 15A Lighting Control Module, Power Mirrors,
Remote Keyless Entry, Clock Memory,
Radio Memory, Electronic Automatic
Temperature Control (EATC), Power Seats,
Power Windows, SecuriLock
9 30A Blower Motor, A/C-Heater Mode Switch
10 10A Air Bag Module
11 5A Radio
12 18A CB Lighting Control Module, Flash-to-Pass,
Main Light Switch
13 15A Air Bag Module, Warning Lamps, Analog
Cluster Gauges and Indicators, Electronic
Automatic Transmission, Lighting Control
Module, Front Control Unit
14 20A CB Window/Door Lock Control, Driver's Door
Module, One Touch Down
15 10A Anti-Lock Brakes, Charge Indicator
16 20A Cigar Lighter, Emergency Flasher Relays
17 10A Power Mirrors, Rear Defrost
18 10A Air Bag Module, Digital Instrument Cluster
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle's main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
Always replace the cover to the Power Distribution Box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
Roadside emergencies
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a ªService Guideº which makes tracking routine service
easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, avoid wearing loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair that could get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in
theBatterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and care
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2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is on
the right side of the engine
compartment and is highlighted with
a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
113