2000 FORD E SERIES wiper blades

4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Maintenance and care
157

1. Reconnect the primary battery
positive cable.
2. Reconnect the primary battery
ground cable.
3. Unwrap the secondary positive
cable and reconnect to the primary
battery terminal.
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.
Maintenance and care
173

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 UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
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
174

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
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.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
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
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
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 a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. 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.
Maintenance and care
194

²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning non-painted plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover such as Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover (B7A-19520±AA).
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear window
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.
Maintenance and care
196

If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from your
Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause
scratches. The windshield or rear window is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and wiper
blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
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.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Maintenance and care
197

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................88
and child safety seats ..............90
description ................................88
disposal ......................................93
driver air bag ............................90
indicator light ......................12,92
operation ...................................90
passenger air bag .....................90
Air cleaner filter ................155,199
Air conditioning ..........................18
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................158
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................109,110
Audio system (see Radio) .........25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, adding ............................165
fluid, checking ........................165
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specification ..................206
Auxiliary power point .................24
Axle
lubricant specifications ...203,206
refill capacities ........................200
traction lok ..............................113
Battery .......................................167
acid, treating emergencies .....167
charging system
warning light .............................12
disconnecting ..........................170
jumping a disabled battery ....144
maintenance-free ....................167
replacement, specifications ...199
servicing ..................................167
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder .................................84
Brakes ........................................109
anti-lock ............................109,110anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................10,110
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....156
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specifications ..........203,206
lubricant specifications ...203,206
shift interlock ..........................114
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....200
Cassette tape player ...................36
Child safety restraints ................94
child safety belts ......................94
Child safety seats ........................95
in front seat ..............................96
in rear seat ................................96
tether anchorage hardware .....99
Cleaning your vehicle ...............193
engine compartment ..............195
exterior .............................195,198
exterior lamps .........................196
instrument panel ....................197
instrument panel lens ............197
interior .....................................197
plastic parts ............................196
safety belts ..............................198
washing ....................................194
waxing .....................................194
wheels ......................................195
windows ..................................198
wiper blades ............................196
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............18
Clock .............................28,35,45,55
Controls
power seat .................................72
Coolant
checking and adding ..............158
refill capacities .................161,200
specifications ...................203,206
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................59
Index
223

Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................209
Vehicle loading ..........................118
Ventilating your vehicle ...........108
Warning chimes ......................13,14
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................157
Water, Driving through .............126
Windows
power .........................................65Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....157
checking and cleaning ............173
operation ...................................63
replacing wiper blades ...........174
Wrecker towing .........................149
Index
227