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.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always 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.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and care
156
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.
INFORMATION ABOUT TIRE QUALITY GRADES
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have their Tire Quality Grade
(described below) molded into the
tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards
that the United States Department
of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic tires for use on
passenger cars. They do not apply
to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Maintenance and care
157
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, 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.
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 and tar 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
touch-up paint, repair foil or aerosol paint spray from the Ford Car Care
Chemicals line. 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.
Maintenance and care
177
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-Amitpowder. 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 seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
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.
Maintenance and care
179
Accessory delay ..........................67
Air bag supplemental
restraint system .....................91,95
and child safety seats ..............92
description ...........................91,95
disposal ......................................98
driver air bag .......................93,96
indicator light ...................7,94,97
operation ..............................93,96
passenger air bag ................93,96
Air cleaner filter .......................181
Air conditioning ..........................22
automatic temperature
control system ..........................22
Air suspension ...........................113
air leveling disabled warning,
message center .......................113
air ride switch off warning,
message center .......................113
check air ride system
warning, message center .......113
check air suspension warning,
message center .......................113
description ..............................113
warning light ...........................113
Anti-theft system ..............77,78,79
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, refill capacities ..............181
fluid, specification ..................184
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........184
refill capacities ........................181
traction lok ..............................117
Battery .......................................154
acid, treating emergencies .....154
jumping a disabled battery ....135
maintenance-free ....................154
replacement, specifications ...181
servicing ..................................154
Brakes ........................................109anti-lock ............................109,110
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ............8,110
brake warning light ....................8
fluid, checking and adding ....146
fluid, refill capacities ..............181
fluid, specifications ..........182,184
lubricant specifications ...182,184
shift interlock ..........................114
Break-in period .............................2
Capacities for refilling fluids ....181
CD changer .................................48
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
child safety seats ......................99
Child safety seats ........................99
attaching with tether straps ..103
built-in child seat .....................99
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
tether anchorage hardware ...104
Cleaning your vehicle ...............176
engine compartment ..............178
exterior .............................177,180
exterior lamps .........................179
instrument panel ....................179
interior ..............................179,180
mirrors .....................................180
plastic parts ............................178
safety belts ..............................180
washing ....................................176
waxing .....................................177
wheels ......................................177
windows ..................................180
wiper blades ............................179
Clock ............................................52
Compass, electronic
calibration .................................17
set zone adjustment .................16
Controls ........................60,61,62,63
power seat ............................80,82
steering column ........................59
Index
200
Transmission .............................114
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................152
fluid, refill capacities ..............181
lubricant specifications ..........184
Trunk
remote release .....................65,71
Turn signal ...............................8,54
Vehicle dimensions ...................184
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................186
Vehicle loading ..........................118
Ventilating your vehicle ...........108Warning chimes ...........................12
Warning lights (see Lights) .........6
Washer fluid ..............................147
Water, Driving through .............122
Wheels
anti-theft lug nuts ..................134
Windows ......................................66
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ............156
operation ...................................55
replacing wiper blades ...........157
Wrecker towing .........................140
Index
204