
3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
4. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the lubricant into a
suitable container. Dispose all used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner following your local authorized standards.
6. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
7. Add enough lubricant through the filler plug opening so that the
lubricant level is up to the bottom of the opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with two Motorcraft maintenance-free batteries
which are mounted in a covered tray and located on the left frame rail.
The covered battery tray, depending upon application, may also have one
or two steps attached.
•Covered battery tray shown.
Battery tray with steps similar.
Maintenance and care
140

•Battery tray with cover removed.
Motorcraft maintenance-free batteries do not normally require adding
additional water. However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte levels. Refer to the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
Make sure the battery cover/shield is reinstalled after the battery
has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the batteries clean
and dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened
to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and care
141

Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
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.
AIR FILTER
When to service
Your vehicle is equipped with an air filter restriction gauge to determine
when to replace the air filter element. It is not possible to determine the
need for service by visually inspecting the air filter.
When the yellow indicator on the air
filter restriction indicator reaches
the red line, the air filter element
should be replaced.
Each time the air filter element is
replaced, reset the air filter
restriction indicator by pressing the
red button.
Maintenance and care
142

Maintenance Operation Frequency - Observation
Check the transmission and
engine mountings (*b)Hard shifting or excessive vibration
Check and adjust transmission
controls (*b)High effort to shift or noisy
transmission
Check fuel pump pressure Insufficient full-throttle power or
backfiring
Clean radiator cap seal. Clean
and inspect the cap surface on
the radiatorWhen the cap does not hold pressure
Check the battery terminals for
corrosionWhenever electrical power supply has
diminished
Tighten the wheel mounting
nuts to the specified torque.
Refer toServicing your
wheels and tiresRequired initially at 804 and 1 609 km
(500 and 1 000 miles). Perform again
at 804 and 1 609 km (500 and 1 000
mile) intervals after each tire
removal/replacement.
*a During maintenance and repair, protect the fuel tube and the hose
assemblies, the power steering lines, and the air brake lines from the
external heat, the acids and the abrasion that could damage the lines.
*b Check for (free) linkage action and ensure that (return) spring
force is adequate to maintain pedal free play.
*c Adjust, repair or replace as required with the same or equivalent
parts.
General maintenance information
189

Air cleaner filter .......................142
Air conditioning ..........................21
Audio system (see Radio) .........26
Automatic transmission ............102
Auxiliary power point .................21
Battery .......................................140
jumping a disabled battery ....125
voltage gauge ............................18
Belt minder .................................67
Brakes ................................82,84,87
anti-lock ......................82,83,84,90
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ............12,83
brake warning light .............10,11
fluid, checking and adding ....131
parking ............................85,87,90
trailer .........................................93
Child safety restraints ................71
child safety belts ......................71
Child safety seats ...................72,73
attaching with tether straps ....75
in front seat ..............................74
in rear seat ................................74
tether anchorage hardware .....76
Cleaning your vehicle ...............164
engine compartment ..............165
exterior ....................................165
exterior lamps .........................166
instrument panel ....................166
instrument panel lens ............167
interior .....................................167
plastic parts ............................166
safety belts ..............................167
washing ....................................164
waxing .....................................164
wheels ......................................165
wiper blades ............................166
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............21
Clock ..................................29,36,45
Clutch ........................................132
fluid ..........................................132Coolant ......................................134
checking and adding ..............134
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................51
Customer Assistance ................114
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................201
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................194
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............200
Getting roadside assistance ...114
Getting the
service you need ....................194
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................203
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................197
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............200
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................20
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................112
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................125
Emission control system ..........176
Engine
check engine/
service engine soon light .........14
cleaning ...................................165
coolant .....................................134
Engine block heater ...................80
Engine fan .................................136
Engine oil ..................................127
checking and adding ..............127
oil pressure gauge ....................19
recommendations ...................129
Exhaust fumes ............................81
Fuel ............................................151
Index
205

calculating
fuel economy ...................112,157
choosing the right fuel ...........152
filling your vehicle with fuel ..151
filter, specifications .........154,155
gauge .........................................16
improving
fuel economy ...................112,157
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................151
Fuses ...................................115,116
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) ..........112,157
Gauges .........................................16
battery voltage gauge ...............18
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................16
engine oil pressure gauge ........19
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................17
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................18
trip odometer ............................18
Hazard flashers .........................115
Headlamps ...................................20
aiming ......................................163
daytime running lights .............20
flash to pass ..............................50
high beam ............................12,50
turning on and off ....................20
warning chime ..........................15
Heating ........................................21
heater only system ...................21
heating and
air conditioning system ............23
Hood ..........................................126
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........49
removing the key ....................101
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) ..................72,73Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................166
cluster ......................................167
lighting up
panel and interior .....................20
location of components ............10
Jump-starting your vehicle ......125
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition ...........49
removing from the ignition ....101
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................20
daytime running light ...............20
headlamps .................................20
headlamps, flash to pass ..........50
instrument panel, dimming .....20
replacing bulbs ..159,160,161,162
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................49
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .......12,83
brake .....................................10,11
charging system ........................10
check coolant ............................14
high beam .................................12
safety belt .................................14
service engine soon ..................14
turn signal indicator .................12
Lubricant specifications ...........169
Maintenance and Care ..............179
Manual transmission ...................97
Mirrors .........................................57
Odometer .....................................17
Parking brake ....................85,87,90
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................119
Power door locks ........................56
Power steering .......................95,96
fluid, checking and adding ....136
Radio ............................................26
Refill capacities for fluids ........168
Index
206