Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (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 area for normal operating temperature (H) or ambient
temperature (C).
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, 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]).
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
148
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), 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.
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.
Maintenance and care
151
detergent in fuel .....................161
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................157,159
quality ......................................160
running out of fuel .................161
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................157
Fuses ...................................121,122
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............161,162,163,164
Gauges .........................................12
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................14
speedometer .............................13
trip odometer ............................15
Hazard flashers .........................120
Head restraints ......................80,81
Headlamps
aiming ......................................170
bulb specifications ..................170
high beam ..............................9,24
Heating ........................................26
heating and air
conditioning system ............26,27
Hood ..........................................137
Ignition .......................................177
Inspection/maintenanc e(I/M)
testing ........................................166
Instrument panel ..........................6
cleaning ...................................173
Keyless entry system
keypad .......................................77
programmin gentry
code .................................77,78,79
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........56
Lamps
autolamp system .......................25daytime running light ...............25
headlamps .................................24
headlamps, flash to pass ..........24
instrument panel, dimming .....24
interior lamps .........................169
replacing bulbs ..166,167,168,169
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...................55,56
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag ..........................................8
air suspension ...........................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........9,22
brake .......................................8,23
charging system ..........................9
low coolant ................................10
low fuel ........................................6
oil pressure .................................9
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................8
speed control ............................61
traction control active .........11,22
turn signal indicator ...................9
Locks
childproof ..................................70
Lumbar support, seats ...............84
Message center ...........................17
reset button .........................17,18
select button .............................18
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................65
side view mirrors (power) .......69
Motorcraft parts ........................161
Octane rating ............................160
Overdrive .....................................57
Parking brake ............................107
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................124
Power door locks ...................69,72
Power steering ...................110,111
fluid, checking and adding ....147
Index
194