Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
Driving
106
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities 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 engine
coolant concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the maintenance guide and
or service guide for the service
interval schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
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.
Maintenance and care
165
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 2.5L I4
engine3.0L V6
engine4.0L V6
engine3.0L V6 FFV
engine
Air filter FA-1658 FA-1658 FA-1658 FA-1658
Fuel filter FG-986B FG-986B FG-986B FG-991
Battery BXT-59 BXT-59 BXT-59 BXT-59
Oil filter FL-400S FL-400S FL-1A FL-400S
PCV valve EV-227 EV-130 EV-225 EV-130
Spark plugs* AWSF-
32F**AWSF-
32PP***AGSF-
22PP***AGSF-
12PP***
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
** Two spark plugs per cylinder required (eight total).
*** If any spark plug needs to be removed for inspection, it must be
re-installed in the same cylinder. Cylinders No.1, 2 and 3 have a ªPGº
suffix. Cylinders No. 4, 5 and 6 have a ªPº suffix. If any spark plug needs
to be replaced, use only spark plugs with the service part number suffix
letters ªPPº as shown on the engine decal.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication
Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft 5W30
Super Premium
Motor Oil2.5L I4 and 3.0L
V6 engine4.3L
(4.5 quarts)
4.0L V6 engine 4.7L
(5.0 quarts)
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll
Fill to line on
reservoir
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FAll Fill to range on
dipstick
Capacities and specifications
200
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
