Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size, speed
rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
Maintenance and care
152
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Do not use tire chains with 38 cm (15 inch) wheel/tire options. Using
chains on this size tire may cause damage to steering, suspension
and/or body components.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
Maintenance and care
153
Manual transaxle .........................97
fluid capacities ........................175
lubricant specifications ..........177
reverse .......................................99
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................172
side view mirrors (power) .......17
Moon roof ....................................49
Motorcraft parts .................158,175
Octane rating ............................156
Odometer .....................................14
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................132
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................55
Parking brake ..............................90
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....175
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................113
Power door locks ........................50
Power steering ............................91
fluid, checking and adding ....142
fluid, refill capacity ................175
fluid, specifications ..........176,177
Radio ............................................18
Relays .................................108,115
Remote entry system ............53,55
illuminated entry ......................57
locking/unlocking doors ...........54
opening the trunk .....................55
panic alarm ...............................55
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................56
replacing the batteries .............55
Roof rack ...................................104
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ................12,63,64,65,66
Safety defects, reporting ..........193
Safety restraints ...........63,64,65,66
belt minder ...............................68
cleaning the safety belts ...71,174
extension assembly ..................67
for adults .........................64,65,66for children ..........................76,77
lap belt ......................................66
warning light
and chime ...................10,12,67,68
Safety seats for children ............78
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............63
Seats ............................................60
child safety seats ......................78
cleaning ............................173,174
Servicing your vehicle ..............125
Spark plugs,
specifications ...............175,177,178
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................176,177
Speed control ..............................43
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle .............84,87
jump starting ..........................119
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................47
Tachometer .................................15
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................36
Tires ......................115,149,150,151
changing ...........................115,116
checking the pressure ............151
replacing ..................................152
rotating ....................................151
snow tires and chains ............152
tire grades ...............................150
treadwear ................................150
Towing .......................................151
wrecker ....................................124
Transaxle
automatic operation .................92
fluid, refill capacities ..............175
lubricant specifications ..........177
manual operation ......................97
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................143
Index
197
