Page 213 of 400

NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake
pedal.
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
4. Release the ignition key when the engine starts.
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may
have been activated. For directions on how to reset the switch
seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however,
slow down after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed
checked.
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have the
vehicle checked.
WARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
Starting
209
Page 214 of 400

WARNING
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.
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures, use
an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option). If your
vehicle does not have this option, it is available thru your dealer.
Engine Block Heater (Canada only)
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a
region where temperatures reach ±10É F (±23É C) or below. An
engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the heater-defrost
system to respond more quickly.
WARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before you
start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours
will not damage the engine, so you can leave it plugged in all night
to start your vehicle the following morning.
What To Do If The Engine Does Not Start
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start even after
a small collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial
jolt. Refer to theRoadside emergenciessection for more information.
210
Page 215 of 400
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle.
The fuel pump shut-off switch reset button is located below the
hood release handle.
WARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
1. Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the fuel pump shut-off
reset button down. If the red button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical or electrical problem.
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
Fuel pump shut-off switch reset button location
Starting
211
Page 246 of 400
To use the hazard flasher:
1. Push the HAZARD switch; you will see the turn signal arrows
flash.
2. To stop the hazard flashers, push the HAZARD switch again.
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered.
The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel pump when
your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeWhat to do if engine does not startin the Index.
Hazard flasher switch location
242
Page 312 of 400

Before you fill your vehicle with fuel, extinguish all lit cigarettes,
other smoking materials, and any open flames.
To fill the tank properly:
1. Remove the fuel filler cap. Proceed to add fuel to the tank
only if your vehicle is on level ground.
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.
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.
4. Replace the fuel cap tightly when you are finished. Turn it
clockwise until you hear at least three clicks. The
ratcheting mechanism allows the fuel cap to be sealed without
overtightening.
5. Push the fuel door closed.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited
by law and could damage your vehicle. The damage may not
be covered by your warranty.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel containing
manganese-based additives such as MMT. Additionally, vehicles
certified to 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
308
Page 315 of 400

with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of
adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
Running Out of Fuel
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
You may need to crank the engine several times before the fuel
system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle, and
can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per 100
Kilometers (L/100K).
Do not calculate fuel economy during your vehicle's break-in
period. This would not be an accurate estimate of how much fuel
your vehicle will normally use.
To calculate fuel economy:
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer
reading.
2. Every time you buy fuel, record the amount (in gallons or
liters) purchased.
3. After at least 3-5 tankfulls, fill the fuel tank and record the
final odometer reading.
4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy:
mEnglish: MPG = (total miles driven)4(gallons used)
Maintenance and Care
311
Page 338 of 400
Engine
mStart the engine every 15 days. Run it at fast idle until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
mWith your foot on the brake, shift the transaxle into all gears
while the engine is running.
Fuel system
mFill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first
automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or
more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system
and may also clog small orifices.
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or expected
storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions on the
label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate
the additive throughout the fuel system.
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will
protect the fuel system's inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow
the instructions packaged with the product.
334
Page 382 of 400

E
Electrical system
circuit breakers......................252
fuses........................243, 244
relays..........................253
Electronic sound system
antenna..........................84
atenna..........................84
tuning the radio......................33
warranty and service information.............51
Emergencies, roadside
assistance........................345
battery acid spills..................268, 295
fuel...........................310
towing..........................272
Emergency brake (parking brake)..............218
Emission control system..................313
catalytic converter....................313
emissions warranty.................313, 314
Engine
check engine warning light................12
does not start....................209, 210
fuel injected engine, starting...............207
fuel pump shut-off switch................210
preparing to start..................207, 207
service points......................341
starting.........................207
starting after a collision.................242
storing your vehicle.................333, 334
Engine block heater.....................210
Engine coolant.......................285
checking and adding...................285
disposal.........................292
drain and flush.....................289
378