3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
184
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
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.
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
194
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.
To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your automatic
transmission electronically controls the shift quality by using an adaptive
learning strategy. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal
shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
If the shift quality does not improve within a few hundred
kilometers (miles) of operation, or if the downshifts and other
throttle conditions do not function normally, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
Because your vehicle's engine is also 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. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. With your foot on the brake pedal and with the A/C on, put the
vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
Maintenance and care
198
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Foglamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Brakelamps
²Parking lamps
²Turn signals
²License plate lamp
²Tail lamps
²Back-up lamps
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they can be replaced immediately with
new ones. If a bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the lamp housings and affect lamp performance.
Maintenance and care
215
Accessory delay ..........................78
Air bag supplemental
restraint system .................114,118
and child safety seats ............116
description .......................114,118
disposal .............................118,121
driver air bag ...................116,119
indicator light ...............9,118,120
operation ..........................116,119
passenger air bag ............116,119
side air bag ..............................118
Air cleaner filter .........199,200,226
Air conditioning ..........................51
automatic temperature
control system ..........................54
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................60
Air suspension ...........................138
description ..............................138
warning light .............................12
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................187
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................134,135
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Armrests ......................................94
Audio system (see Radio) .........25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................142
fluid, adding ............................194
fluid, checking ........................194
fluid, refill capacities ..............226
fluid, specification ..................232
Auxiliary power point .................24
Axle
lubricant specifications ...229,232
refill capacities ........................226
traction lok ..............................139
Battery .......................................197acid, treating emergencies .....197
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....175
maintenance-free ....................197
replacement, specifications ...226
servicing ..................................197
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................110
Brakes ........................................134
anti-lock ............................134,135
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................10,135
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....186
fluid, refill capacities ..............226
fluid, specifications ..........229,232
lubricant specifications ...229,232
parking ....................................136
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............21
shift interlock ..........................141
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....226
Cassette tape player ...................25
CD changer .................................47
Certification Label ....................234
Child safety restraints ..............122
child safety belts ....................122
Child safety seats ......................123
in front seat ............................124
in rear seat .......................124,127
tether anchorage hardware ...128
Cleaning your vehicle ...............221
engine compartment ..............222
exterior ....................................222
exterior lamps .........................223
instrument panel ....................224
instrument panel lens ............224
interior ..............................224,225
plastic parts ............................223
safety belts ..............................225
Index
248
lighting up
panel and interior .....................20
location of components ..............8
Jump-starting your vehicle ......175
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................89
locking and unlocking doors ....91
programming entry code .........90
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........62
Lamps
autolamp system .......................20
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................219
cargo lamps ...............................20
daytime running light ...............19
fog lamps ...................................20
headlamps .................................19
headlamps, flash to pass ..........19
instrument panel, dimming .....20
interior lamps ...............75,76,220
replacing
bulbs ............215,216,217,218,219
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................63
Liftgate ........................................81
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ..........................................9
air suspension .........................139
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,135
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
cruise indicator .........................12
door ajar ....................................12
engine oil pressure ...................11
high beam .................................11
low fuel ........................................8
low washer fluid .......................12
safety belt .................................10service engine soon ....................8
turn signal indicator .................10
Load limits .................................149
GAWR ......................................149
GVWR ......................................149
trailer towing ..........................149
Loading instructions .................151
Locks
autolock .....................................89
childproof ..................................78
doors ..........................................78
Lubricant specifications ....229,232
Lumbar support, seats ...............92
Message center ......................17,71
english/metric button ...............17
menu button .............................17
Mirrors .........................................76
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................76
fold away ...................................80
heated ........................................79
programmable memory ............88
side view mirrors (power) .......79
Moon roof ....................................70
Motorcraft parts .................210,226
Octane rating ............................208
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................183
Overdrive .....................................68
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................85
Parking brake ............................136
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....226
Pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ...............21
Power adjustable foot pedals .....21
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................166
Power door locks ...................78,89
Power steering ...................137,138
fluid, checking and adding ....193
fluid, refill capacity ................226
Index
251