1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L OHV V6 engine,check the
fluid level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range. Do
not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or a 5.0L V8
engine,check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, 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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
Maintenance and care
215
1. Set your parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.
4. The relearning process will automatically complete as you drive the
vehicle.
²The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle quality
of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and care
221
speed control ............................84
turn signal indicator ...................8
Locks
childproof ................................100
Lumbar support, seats ......116,118
Manual transmission
reverse .....................................156
Message center ...........................15
economy button ........................16
english/metric button ..........15,16
reset button ..............................16
system check button ...........17,18
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................98
cleaning ...................................246
heated ......................................101
side view mirrors (power) .....100
Moon roof ....................................89
Motorcraft parts ........................231
Octane rating ............................229
Odometer .....................................13
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................106
Parking brake ............................146
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................184
Power door locks ........................99
Power steering ..........................147
fluid, checking and adding ....213
Radio ...33,34,35,36,37,38,40,41,42,
43,44,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,
53,54,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,
63,64,65,66,67,68
Relays ........................................179
Remote entry system .105,113,114
illuminated entry ....................109
locking/unlocking doors .........106
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................109
replacing the batteries ...........108
Reverse sensing system .............31Roof rack ...................................177
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............11
Safety restraints
cleaning the safety belts .126,246
extension assembly ................125
for children .............................133
warning light and chime ...11,125
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ......120,121,122,123,124
Seats ..........................................116
child safety seats ....................134
cleaning ............................245,246
memory seat ....................107,118
Servicing your vehicle .......200,201
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs, specifications .......247
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart, lubricants .250
Speed control ..............................80
Speedometer ...............................12
Starting your vehicle .........140,142
jump starting ............192,193,195
Steering wheel ............................86
tilting .........................................85
Tachometer .................................13
Tires .............................222,223,224
changing ...........................187,188
checking the pressure ............224
replacing ..................................225
rotating ....................................224
snow tires and chains ............226
tire grades ...............................223
treadwear ................................223
Towing ...........168,173,174,175,176
recreational towing .................176
wrecker ....................................198
Traction-lok rear axle ...............165
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................218
Index
259
