cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Because your vehicle's engine is also electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. To begin this process:
1. Set your parking brake.
Maintenance and care
187
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the fuel
tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is venting
vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before
completely removing the cap.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
²Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
²Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
²Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as
gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for
hours.
²Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
Maintenance and care
195
²Your ªService Engine Soonº light may come on. For more information
on the ªService Engine Soonº light, refer to theInstrumentation
chapter.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a one-eighth turn
on/off feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator comes on and stays
on when you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap and reinstall it
being careful to align the cap properly.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a genuine
Ford or Motorcraft part. The customer warranty may be void for
any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if a genuine Ford or
Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
Fuel Filter
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filter that is mounted on the
underbody.
Maintenance and care
198
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Flat terrain driving improves fuel economy over hilly roads.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window sticker.
These numbers represent the Range of Km/L (MPG) expected on the
vehicle, depending upon the driver's method of operation and conditions.
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 Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide 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.
Maintenance and care
202
detergent in fuel .....................197
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................195,198
quality ......................................197
running out of fuel .................197
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................195
Fuses ...................................150,151
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) ...199,200,201
Gauges .........................................12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
engine oil pressure gauge ........15
fuel gauge ..................................12
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................135
Hazard flashers .........................149
Headlamps
aiming ......................................209
bulb specifications ..................208
high beam ..............................9,68
warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................56
heater only system ..............56,57
heating and air
conditioning system ............58,60
Hood ..........................................169
Ignition .......................................219
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................203
Instrument panel ..........................6
cleaning ...................................212
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
positions of the ignition ...........61
removing from the ignition ....127
Lamps
autolamp system .......................17
daytime running light ...............16
fog lamps ...................................16headlamps .................................16
headlamps, flash to pass ..........68
instrument panel, dimming .....17
interior lamps ...........................69
replacing bulbs ..204,206,207,208
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................62
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
air suspension .........................119
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............9
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
door ajar ....................................11
engine oil pressure ...................10
fuel reset ...................................11
low fuel ........................................6
safety belt ...................................8
service engine soon ....................7
turn signal indicator ...................9
Lumbar support, seats ..........87,88
Manual transmission
reverse .....................................127
Mirrors
fold away ...................................72
side view mirrors (power) .......71
Motorcraft parts ........................198
Octane rating ............................197
Odometer .....................................13
Overdrive .....................................68
Parking brake ............................117
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................154
Power door locks ..............70,80,81
Power steering ..........................118
fluid,
checking and adding .......181,182
Radio ....19,20,21,22,24,25,26,27,28
29,30,31,33,34,35,36
Relays ........................................150
Remote entry system ............79,80
Index
226
Item Information
Recommended fuel Unleaded fuel only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity-4 x 4 Regular
cab with short wheelbase92.7L (24.5 gallons)
Fuel tank capacity-4 x 2 Regular
cab and all SuperCab with short
wheelbase94.6L (25.0 gallons)
Fuel tank capacity-Long wheelbase 113.6L (30.0 gallons)
Engine oil (includes filter change) 5.7L (6.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
5W30 Super Premium Motor Oil,
Ford specification WSS-M2C153-G.
Tire size and pressure Refer to the Safety Certification
Label inside of drivers's door.
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Coolant capacity
1Refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line on reservoir. Use
Motorcraft MERCONtAT F.
Transmission fluid capacity
2Refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
1Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid (green in color). DO NOT
USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer to
Adding engine coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used for a specific
application. Check the container to verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or
MERCONtV approved. 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 Scheduled Maintenance
Guide to determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
232