Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing
methycyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). Some gasolines
that are not reformulated for low emissions contain the octane-enhancing
additive MMT. Ask your service station operator whether or not the fuel
you plan to purchase contains MMT. If fuels containing MMT are used,
spark plug life and the performance of the emission control devices and
systems may be adversely affected.
Vehicles certified to meet California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are designed to
operate on California reformulated gasolines. If California reformulated
gasoline is not available when you refuel, your vehicle can be operated
on non-California fuels. However, even though your engine will perform
adequately on other gasolines, the performance of the emission control
devices and systems may be adversely affected.
If the incorrect type of fuel is used continually, the ªCheck Engine/
Service Engine Soonº light may illuminate and/or your vehicle may fail an
emissions test. If in the event it is determined that the cause of the
condition is the type of fuel used, repair of damage caused by using a
fuel for which your vehicle was not designed may not be covered by your
warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do
not recommend gasolines labeled as
ªRegularº that are sold with octane
ratings of 86 or lower in high
altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
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129
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. 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.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol, which can damage critical fuel
system components. Damage resulting from the use of methanol may not
be covered by your warranty.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may have an adverse affect
on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel: You may need to crank the engine several
times before the system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
If you run out of fuel, your Check Engine light may come on. For more
information on the Check Engine light, refer to theInstrumentation
chapter.
Calculating fuel economy
To accurately calculate your vehicle's fuel economy:
1. Fill the 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 fuel tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and
record the current mileage reading.
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130
4. Use one of the following equations to calculate fuel economy.
Liters used x 1004Total kilometers traveled
Total miles traveled4Total gallons used
Keep a record for at least one month. This will provide an accurate
estimate of the vehicle's fuel economy.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your ªService Guideº performed according to
the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ªService Guideº are
essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions
system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Lumination of the charging system warning light, ªCheck Engineº light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss
of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
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131
If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have
the dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill
you.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, items, sells,
leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from
working. Information about your vehicle's emission 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.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service
Engine Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights
and Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may
not pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light
on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the OBD-II system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº condition. To
ready the OBD-II system for I/M testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city
and highway driving is necessary as described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and care
132
line. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
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138
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning the engine
Cover the underhood electrical connections and terminals of your vehicle
when cleaning the engine compartment. Avoid spraying or splashing
cleaning solvents or detergent solutions on the terminals and
connections. After the cleaning is completed and with the engine not
running, remove the protective cleaning coverings. Exposing electrical
connections and terminals to cleaning solvents and detergent solutions
over a period of time can corrode them and result in electrical system
damage and malfunctions.
Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. Use glass
cleaner or tar remover if necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades and windshield
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield such as tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of the
windshield with a non-abrasive cleanser such as the non-abrasive
Bon-Amitpowder. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.Do notuse
abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. The
windshield and wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and
blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
Maintenance and care
139
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.6L SOHC V8 engine
Air filter FA-1032
Fuel filter FG-800A
Battery (standard) BXT-59
Battery (optional) BXT-65-650
Oil filter FL-820-S
PCV valve EV-98
Spark plugs* AWSF-32PP
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for
spark plug gap information. If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it
must be reinstalled in the same cylinder. Cylinders No. 1, 2, 3 and 4
have a9PG9suffix and Cylinders No. 5, 6, 7 and 8 have a9P9suffix. If a
spark plug needs to be replaced, use only spark plugs with the service
number suffix letter as shown on the engine decal.
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142
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Capacity
Engine oil (includes
filter change)Motorcraft 5W30 Super
Premium Motor Oil4.7L (5.0 quarts)
Brake fluid High Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidFill to line on
reservoir
Power steering fluid Motorcraft MERCONt
AT FFill to line on
reservoir
Transmission fluid Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F13.1L (13.9 quarts)
Engine coolant
213.3L (14.1 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 71.9L (19.0 gallons)
Rear axle fluid
1Motorcraft SAE 80W90
Rear Axle Lubricant1.8-1.9L (3.75-4.0
pints)
Windshield washer
fluidUltra-Clear Windshield
Washer ConcentrateFill to line on
reservoir
1Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546±A, Ford
specification EST-M2C118±A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 6 mm to
14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole.
Rear axles are considered lubricated for life when the vehicle is used for
normal service. See your ªService Guideº for Severe Duty requirements.
2If your engine coolant is green, use Ford Premium Cooling System
Fluid; if your coolant is orange, use Ford Extended Life Coolant. Refer to
Lubricant Specificationsfor part numbers and specification numbers.
Capacities and specifications
143