
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the maintence guide and or maintence guide and or service
guide for the appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil .
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marksthe oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
157

4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in 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 FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your maintenance guide and or service 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.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal and room temperature.
Maintenance and care
166

Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving. However, you can check the fluid without driving if the
outside temperatures are above 10ÉC (50ÉF). If fluid is added at this
time, an overfill condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal
operating temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle
and also in theLubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Maintenance and care
167

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 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.
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.
Maintenance and care
171

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication
Capacity
Transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT F5-speed manual 2.65L
(2.8 quarts)
Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 2.5L engine9.3L
(9.8 quarts)
4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 3.0L or 4.0L
engine9.5L
(10.0 quarts)
4x4 vehicles
with automatic9.8L
(10.3 quarts)
Engine coolant
12.5L I4 engine
without A/C6.2L
(6.5 quarts)
2.5L I4 engine
with A/C6.8L
(7.2 quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
without A/C9.0L
(9.5 quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with A/C9.6L
(10.2 quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
without A/C7.4L
(7.8 quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
with A/C8.1L
(8.6 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A Regular cab
(Short wheel
base)62.4L
(16.5 gallons)
Regular cab
(Long wheel
base)75.7L
(20.0 gallons)
SuperCab 73.8L
(19.5 gallons)
Transfer Case
FluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT F4x4 Vehicles 1.2L
(1.25 quarts)
Capacities and specifications
201

ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Power steering
fluid, transfer
case fluid and
transmission
fluid (manual)Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Automatic
transmission
(4R44E and
5R55E)Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FXT-5-QM
MERCONtV
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AB ESR-M17P5-A
1Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546±A, Ford
specification EST-M2C118±A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
ENGINE DATA
Engine2.5L I4
engine3.0L V6
engine3.0L FFV
V6 engine4.0L V6
engine
Cubic inches 153 182 182 245
Horsepower 119 @ 5000
rpm150 @ 5000
rpm150 @ 5000
rpm (on
E85)160 @ 4200
rpm
Torque 146 lb.-ft.
@ 3000
rpm185 lb.-ft. @
3750 rpm190 lb.-ft. @
3750 rpm
(on E85)225 lb.-ft. @
2750 rpm
Recommended
fuel87 octane 87 octane 87 octane or
Ethanol (E
85)87 octane
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Capacities and specifications
204

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

locking/unlocking doors ...........65
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................67
replacing the batteries .............66
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................11
Safety restraints
cleaning the safety belts ...81,199
extension assembly ..................80
for children ..........................90,91
lap belt .................................78,79
warning light and chime .....11,80
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ................73,74,75,76,77
Seats ............................................71
child safety seats ......................92
Servicing your vehicle .......152,153
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs, specifications .......200
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart, lubricants .202
Speed control ..............................56
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ......97,98,100
jump starting ............146,147,149
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................61
Tachometer .................................13
Tires .............................173,174,175
changing .............141,142,143,144
checking the pressure ............175replacing ..................................176
rotating ....................................175
snow tires and chains ............177
tire grades ...............................174
treadwear ................................174
Towing
recreational towing ..........130,131
wrecker ....................................151
Traction-lok rear axle ...............120
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................169
Transmission ......................107,166
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ......................166,167
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................168
manual operation ....................112
Trip odometer .............................14
Vehicle dimensions ...................205
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................208
Vehicle loading ..........................121
camper bodies ........................132
Ventilating your vehicle ...........102
Warning chimes .............................6
Washer fluid ..............................162
Water, Driving through .............121
Windows .................................62,63
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ............172
operation ...................................62
replacing wiper blades ...........173
Index
212