
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the ªService Guideº for
scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Rear anti-lock brake system (RABS)
Rear Anti-lock Brake System (RABS) is standard equipment on this
vehicle. RABS is designed to help you maintain directional stability in
emergency stopping situations. With RABS, the rear brakes are kept from
locking during panic stops; however, the front wheels can lock because
they are not controlled by RABS.
A clicking noise and slight pedal pulsation during RABS braking events
indicates the RABS is functioning. Pedal pulsation coupled with clicking
noise while braking under panic conditions on loose gravel, wet or snowy
roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's RABS. If
the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel
while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
The RABS operates by detecting the onset of rear wheel lockup during
brake applications and compensating for this tendency.
RABS warning lamp
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates if a RABS
fault is detected. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Normal braking is still effective
unless the BRAKE warning lamp is
also illuminated.
!
BRAKE
Driving
103

Using RABS
²In an emergency, applying full pressure may cause the front wheels to
lock.If the front brakes lock, the vehicle cannot be steered.Yo u
should apply the brakes with steadily increasing force, as if
ªsqueezingº the brakes. If you feel the front wheels begin to lock,
momentarily release the pedal and repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with how the RABS
performs. However, avoid unnecessary risks.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensating for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during
hard braking with loss of front braking traction.
ABS warning lamp
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
Driving
104

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. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately).
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
!
BRAKE
!
BRAKE
Driving
105

TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift, it is
possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving
107

²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your maintenance guide and or service guide
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the maintenance guide and or
service 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.
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.
Illumination of the charging system warning light, ªCheck Engineº light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, items, sells,
leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from
working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on the
Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Maintenance and care
187

Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service
Engine Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights
and Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may
not pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light
on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the OBD-II system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº condition. To
ready the OBD-II system for I/M testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city
and highway driving is necessary as described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Foglamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Brakelamps
²Turn signals
²License plate lamp
²Tail lamps
²Back-up lamps
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they can be replaced immediately with
new ones. If a bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the lamp housings and affect lamp performance.
Maintenance and care
188

Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................81
and child safety seats ..............83
description ................................82
disposal ......................................85
indicator light ...........................85
passenger air bag .....................83
passenger deactivation
switch ....................23,86,87,88,89
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .......19,20,21
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .....108,109,110,111,112
Axle
refill capacities ........................200
Battery
voltage gauge ............................15
Brakes ........................................103
anti-lock .....................103,104,105
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................104
fluid, checking and adding ....160
shift interlock ..........................107
Break-in period ..........................2,3
Cargo area shade ........................64
Cargo net .....................................64
CD player ....................................51
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....96
in rear seat ................................93
tether anchorage hardware .....96
Cleaning your vehicle ...............195
engine compartment ..............196
exterior .............................196,199
exterior lamps .........................198
interior .....................................199
plastic parts ............................198
washing ....................................195
waxing .....................................195
wheels ......................................196windows ..................................199
wiper blades ............................198
Clutch
fluid ..........................................161
operation while driving ...112,113
recommended shift speeds ....114
Console ........................................64
Coolant ...............................164,165
checking and adding ..............163
refill capacities ........................165
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................169
Driving under special
conditions ...........................118,119
sand .........................................119
snow and ice ...........................120
through water .........................119
Emission control system ..........186
Engine
check engine/service engine
soon light .................................6,7
coolant .....................................162
idle speed control ...................170
service points ............154,155,156
starting after a collision .........133
Engine block heater .................100
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............158
dipstick ....................................157
specifications ...................157,159
Exhaust fumes ..........................102
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles ..10,115
description .......................116,117
driving off road .......................118
electronic shift ..............22,23,116
indicator light .........................115
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........180
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................186
detergent in fuel .....................182
Index
210

filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................178,180
gauge .........................................12
quality ......................................182
running out of fuel .................183
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................178
Fuses ...................................134,135
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............183,184,185,186
Gauges ....................................11,12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
engine oil pressure gauge ........15
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ..........123,128,129,130
Hazard flashers .........................133
Headlamps
aiming ......................................194
bulb specifications ..................194
high beam ..............................9,16
warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................17
heater only system ..............17,18
Hood ..........................................153
Ignition .......................................204
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................188
Instrument panel ..........................6
cleaning ...................................198
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
positions of the ignition ...........55
Lamps
daytime running light ...............16
fog lamps ...................................16
headlamps .................................16
headlamps, flash to pass ..........17
instrument panel, dimming .....17
interior lamps .........................194replacing
bulbs .....188,189,190,191,192,193
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................55
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............9
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
check coolant ............................10
cruise indicator .........................11
door ajar ....................................10
fuel reset .....................................8
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................8
speed control ............................60
turn signal indicator ...................9
Lumbar support, seats ..........72,73
Manual transmission
reverse .....................................114
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................199
side view mirrors (power) .......63
Motorcraft parts ........................183
Octane rating ............................181
Odometer .....................................14
Overdrive .....................................60
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................65
Parking brake ............................105
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................138
Power door locks ........................63
Power steering ..........................106
fluid, checking and adding ....165
Radio ...24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,
33,34,35,36,37,38,39,41,
42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,51
Relays ........................................134
Remote entry system ..64,68,69,70
illuminated entry ......................67
Index
211