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Traction ControlYactive
This light momentarily
illuminates when the
ignition is turned to
ON. It also illuminates
when the Traction Controlysystem begins applying
and releasing the brakes and adjusting the engine
characteristics to limit a wheelspin condition. It will
be lit for a minimum of four seconds or for the
duration of the Traction Controlyevent.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position and the engine
is off. If the light remains on, continues to flash or
fails to illuminate, have the system serviced
immediately. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal braking is still
effective unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position and the engine
is off. If brake warning lamp does not illuminate at
this time, seek service immediately. Also illuminates
when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake
fluid level and the brake system should be inspected
immediately.
Check coolant
Illuminates when the
coolant level in the
coolant reservoir is low
ABS
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
10
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Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine
coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at
its proper level the gauge indication will not be
accurate.
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle speed.
²Base instrument
cluster
²Optional instrument
cluster
Odometer
Registers the total
kilometers (miles) of
the vehicle.
10 203020 406080100
120
140
160
180
405060 70
80
90
100
11 0
120
FUEL DOOR MPH km/h
102040608020 40608010 012 0 14 0
160
180
200
220
240
100
120
140
305070 90
110
13 0
150
FUEL DOOR MPH km/h
0
00000 00
4
5
6
7
8 3
2
1RPMX1000
SELECT/RESET
.
Instrumentation
13
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4.6L SOHC V8 engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Power distribution box
4. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
56798
23
4
110
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134
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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid
whenever you stop for
fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add
enough fluid to fill the
reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the
reservoir all the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
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140
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ENGINE COOLANT
²3.8L OHV V6 engine
²4.6L V8 engine
Check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for service interval schedules. Be sure to read and
understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the
recommended interval, the engine coolant reservoir
may become empty. If this occurs, add engine
coolant to the coolant reservoir. For more
information on engine coolant maintenance, refer to
Adding engine coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable;do not
use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer
fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
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141
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Plain water may be added in an emergency, but you
mustreplace it with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and
distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the
next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary,
add enough of a 50/50 mixture of coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the fill line
on the reservoir.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow
these steps to avoid personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off
and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise
until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been
released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise
and remove the cap.
Change your engine coolant according to the
appropriate schedule listed in the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant
which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A, and
use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling
system components.
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143
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Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling
system can hold, refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system
for leaks if you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0
quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to the chart
on the coolant container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is such that the
coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter months. Never
increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60%
will decrease the freeze protection characteristics of
the engine coolant. Vehicles driven year-round in
non-extreme climates should use a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water for optimum
freeze protection.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service
interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
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If your vehicle is
equipped with the
3.8L V6 engine,check
the power steering
fluid level with the
engine at normal
operating temperature.
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. 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 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.
FILL
HOT
Maintenance and care
145