2000 FORD EXCURSION wiper blades

Brake system fluid should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain
optimum braking performance, especially under heavy-duty driving
conditions such as frequent steep grades or heavy loads. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval.
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.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine's cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10), or an equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
Maintenance and care
165

TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer's specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off the
ground, such as when changing a tire.
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
179

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.
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADES
Refer toWindshield Wiper Bladesin this section for more information
on rear wiper blades.
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).
Maintenance and care
180

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) and fold in the side
view mirrors 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
200

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.
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.
Maintenance and care
202

exterior ....................................201
exterior lamps .........................202
instrument cluster lens ..........202
instrument panel ....................202
interior .....................................203
plastic parts ............................201
safety belts ..............................203
washing ....................................200
waxing .....................................200
wheels ......................................201
wiper blades ............................202
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock ............................................36
Compass, electronic ....................60
calibration .................................62
set zone adjustment .................61
Console ........................................64
overhead ..............................55±57
Controls
power seat .................................75
Coolant
checking and adding ..............165
refill capacities ................169, 204
specifications ..................207, 209
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................45
Customer Assistance ................136
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................219
Ford Extended Service Plan...212
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................218
Getting roadside assistance ...136
Getting the service you need..212
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................223
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................215Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............218
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................18
Defrost
rear window ..............................26
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid...172
engine oil .................................160
Doors
door ajar warning .....................13
lubricant specifications ..........207
Driving under special
conditions ..........................123±124
sand .........................................124
snow and ice ...........................125
through water .................124, 128
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................151
Emission control system ..........192
Engine ........................................209
check engine/service engine
soon light ................................8±9
cleaning ...................................201
coolant .....................................165
diesel ...........................................3
fail-safe coolant ......................170
idle speed control ...................175
lubrication
specifications ..................207, 209
refill capacities ........................204
service points ..........................160
starting after a collision .........137
Index
226

Seats ............................................74
child safety seats ....................101
cleaning ...................................203
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...................70±72
Servicing your vehicle ..............158
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................204, 209
Special notice ................................3
diesel-powered vehicles .............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................207, 209
Speed control ..............................45
Speedometer ...............................15
Starting your vehicle ........108, 110
jump starting ..........................151
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................49
T
Tachometer .................................17
Tires ...........................146, 180±182
changing ..........................146±147
checking the pressure ............182
replacing ..................................183
rotating ....................................182
snow tires and chains ............184
tire grades ...............................181
treadwear ................................181
Towing .......................................182
recreational towing .................133
wrecker ....................................157
Traction-lok rear axle ...............179Transfer case
fluid checking .........................174
Transmission .............................115
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................172
fluid, refill capacities ..............204
lubricant specifications ..207, 209
Transmission control
indicator light ..............................11
Trip odometer .............................16
Turn signal ............................12, 44
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................209
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................211
Vehicle loading ..........................125
Ventilating your vehicle ...........111
W
Warning chimes ...........................14
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................165
Water, Driving through .............128
Windows
power .........................................52
rear wiper/washer .....................50
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....165
checking and cleaning ....179±180
liftgate reservoir .....................165
operation ...................................49
replacing wiper blades ...........180
Wrecker towing .........................157
Index
230