Page 7 of 244
Instrumentation
7
High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on.
Charging system
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. The light also illuminates
when the battery is not charging
properly and the vehicle may
require electrical system service.
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROLAir bag secondary warning
Flashes periodically when there is a
malfunction with the air bag
system.
For more information, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Safety belt
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to fasten
the safety belts. For more
information, refer to
Safety belt
indicator light and warning
chime
in the Seating and safety
restraints
chapter.Alternative design
Alternative design
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 7
Page 9 of 244

Instrumentation
9
O/D Off indicator
(Automatic transaxle only)
Illuminates and remains
illuminated when the transaxle
control switch (TCS) on the side of
the gearshift lever is pressed and
overdrive is turned off. For details,
refer to the
Driving chapter.
Indicates the status of the
transaxle and will flash steadily if a
malfunction is detected. If the
flashing persists, have your
transaxle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified service technician as
soon as possible.
If the condition persists, your
transaxle may be damaged.
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
Low coolant (if equipped)
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. Illuminates when the engine
coolant level is low. Refer to the
Maintenance and care chapter to
check the engine coolant level.
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
If the light stays on for more than
three (3) seconds after the ignition
is turned to the ON position or
stays on continuously while you are
driving, have the traction control
system checked by a qualified
technician as soon as possible.
For more information, refer to
Traction Controlin the Driving
chapter.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 9
Page 17 of 244
Instrumentation
17
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps are
on, the ignition is off (and the key
is not in the ignition) and the
driverÕs door is open.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the
off/lock or accessory position and
the driverÕs door is open.
Safety belt warning chime
For information on the safety belt
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Testing the warning and
indicator lights and chimes
Turn the ignition key to the on
position without starting the
engine. The following warning and
indicator lights will illuminate
briefly: charging system, safety belt
(does not illuminate, if the driverÕs
safety belt is fastened), traction
control, ABS, brake, low coolant,
low fuel, engine oil pressure, check
engine and air bag readiness.
If any of these lights do not
illuminate, see your dealer or
qualified service technician.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 17
Page 176 of 244

Maintenance and care
176
Battery
Your vehicle may be equipped with
a Motorcraft maintenance-free
battery. The Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery normally
does not require additional water
during its life of service. However,
for severe service usage or in high
temperature climates, refer to the
maintenance guide and or service
guide for additional information.
Keep the electrolyte in each cell up
to the ÒlevelÓ indicator. Do not
overfill the battery cell.
For longer, trouble-free operation,
keep the top of the battery clean
and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. The fluid level
should be in the crosshatched area
on the dipstick.
7. If necessary, add fluid in .25 litre
(1/2 pint) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
8. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transaxle
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 176