
•Always 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.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and care
189

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The alignment of your headlamps should be checked by a qualified
service technician if:
•Oncoming motorists frequently signal you to deactivate your high
beams, and your high beams are not activated.
•The headlamps do not seem to provide enough light for clear night
vision.
•The headlamp beams are pointed substantially away from a slightly
down and to the right position.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the Customer Assistance chapter for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Remove any exterior accessories (such as antennas) and fold in the side
view mirrors before entering a car wash. If you have wax applied to the
vehicle at a commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the
wiper blades and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades
and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Maintenance and care
208

Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing vehicle. Use
tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield. If you have wax applied at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507–BA), touch-up
paint (#ALBZ-19500–XXXXA), or aerosol paint spray (#ALAZ-19500–
XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line. Please note that the
part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with your vehicle’s
specific coloring. 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.
The brushes used in some automatic car washes may damage the finish
on your wheels. Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
•Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Maintenance and care
209

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-Amipowder. 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.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Maintenance and care
210

Accessory delay ..........................75
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................92
and child safety seats ..............93
description ................................92
disposal ......................................96
driver air bag ............................94
indicator light ......................10,95
operation ...................................94
passenger air bag .....................94
passenger deactivation switch...96
Air cleaner filter .......................212
Air conditioning ..........................24
Ambulance packages ....................3
Automatic transmission ............116
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................117
fluid, refill capacities ..............212
fluid, specification ..................217
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........217
refill capacities ........................212
traction lok ..............................115
Battery .......................................187
acid, treating emergencies .....187
charging system warning light...12
jumping a disabled battery ....163
maintenance-free ....................187
replacement, specifications ...212
servicing ..................................187
voltage gauge ............................16
Brakes ........................................112
anti-lock .....................112,113,114
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................11,113
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....175
fluid, refill capacities ..............212
fluid, specifications ..........215,217
lubricant specifications ...215,217
parking ....................................114
shift interlock ..........................116Break-in period .............................2
Capacities for refilling fluids ....212
CD changer .................................62
Child safety restraints ..............101
child safety belts ....................101
child safety seats ....................102
Child safety seats ......................102
attaching with tether straps ..106
built-in child seat ...................102
in front seat ............................103
in rear seat ..............................103
tether anchorage hardware ...106
Cleaning your vehicle ...............208
engine compartment ..............209
exterior ....................................209
exterior lamps .........................210
instrument panel ....................210
interior .....................................210
plastic parts ............................210
safety belts ..............................211
washing ....................................208
waxing .....................................209
wheels ......................................209
wiper blades ............................210
Clock .............................33,39,49,59
Clutch
fluid ..........................................176
operation while driving ..........119
recommended shift speeds ....120
Compass, electronic ....................19
calibration .................................21
set zone adjustment .................20
Console ........................................76
Controls
power seat .................................83
Coolant ...............................178,180
checking and adding ..............178
refill capacities .................180,212
specifications ...................215,217
Customer Assistance ................223
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................230
Index
236

Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................222
Vehicle loading ..........................132
Ventilating your vehicle ...........111
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................177
Water, Driving through .............134Windows
power .........................................74
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ............189
operation ...................................72
replacing wiper blades ...........189
Wrecker towing .........................168
Index
240