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Have your dealer check the engine cooling system
for leaks if you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0
quart) of engine coolant per month.
If equipped with the 3.8L V6 engine, to
avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from
being released from the engine cooling system,
never remove the radiator cap from the radiator
while the engine is running or hot. Failure to
follow this warning may result in damage to the
engine's cooling system and possible severe
personal injury.
If equipped with the 4.6L V8 engine, to
avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from
being released from the engine cooling system,
never remove the pressure relief cap from the
engine coolant reservoir while the engine is
running or hot. Failure to follow this warning may
result in damage to the engine's cooling system
and possible severe personal injury.
If you must remove the pressure relief cap or
radiator cap (depending upon engine application),
follow these steps to avoid personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off
and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise
until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been
released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise
and remove the cap.
Engine coolant drain and flush
Procedures for draining and flushing the cooling
system can be found in theCar Service Manual,
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147
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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. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning
process.
²The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10
miles) or more to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its
idle trim, the idle quality of your vehicle may
be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new
battery has been installed, the clock and the preset
radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of
automotive batteries
in a responsible
manner. Follow your
local authorized
standards for
disposal. Call your
local authorized
recycling center to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
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
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
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Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up
when filling an ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the
vehicle.
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the
fuel container while filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel
pump handle in the fill position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with
a 1/8 turn on/off feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8
of a turn until it stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with
the notches on the filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator
comes on and stays on when you start the engine,
the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed.
Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align
the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace
it with a fuel filler cap that is designed for
your vehicle. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel
system if the correct genuine Ford or
Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
Maintenance and care
168
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²Turn signals
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamp
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be
replaced immediately. If a bulb is removed for an
extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in OFF position,
then open the hood.
2. At the back of the
headlamp, pull two
retainer pins up to
release the headlamp
assembly.
3. Pull headlamp
assembly forward
disengaging the lamp
from the rear hidden snap retainers to expose the
back of the bulb.
4. Disconnect the
electrical connector
from the bulb by
pulling rearward.
5. Remove the bulb
retaining ring by
rotating it
counterclockwise
(when viewed from the
rear) to free it from
the bulb socket, and slide the ring off the plastic
base. Keep the ring to retain the new bulb.
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6. Without turning,
remove the old bulb
from the lamp
assembly by gently
pulling it straight out of
the lamp assembly.
To install the new bulb:
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully
and keep out of children's reach. Grasp the
bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the
glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb
to break the next time the headlamps are
operated.
1. With the flat side of the new bulb's plastic base
facing upward, insert the glass end of the bulb into
the lamp assembly. You may need to turn the bulb
left or right to align the grooves in the plastic base
with the tabs in the lamp assembly. When the
grooves are aligned, push the bulb into the lamp
assembly until the plastic base contacts the rear of
the lamp assembly.
2. Install the bulb retaining ring over the plastic base
until it contacts the rear of the socket by rotating
clockwise until you feel a ªstop.º
3. Connect the electrical connector into the plastic
base until it snaps, locking it into position.
4. Install the headlamp on vehicle by aligning the
lamp with the rear snap retainers, push to seat and
secure with two retainer pins.
5. Turn the headlamps on and make sure they work
properly. If the headlamp was correctly aligned
before you changed the bulb, you should not need to
align it again.
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp control is in the OFF
position.
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179
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2. Open the hood.
3. At the back of the
headlamp, pull two
retainer pins up to
release the headlamp
assembly.
4. Pull headlamp
assembly forward
disengaging the lamp
from the rear snap retainers to expose the back of
the bulb.
5. Rotate the bulb
socket
counterclockwise and
remove from lamp
assembly.
6. Carefully pull the
bulb straight out from
the socket and push in
the new bulb.
7. To complete installation, follow the removal
procedure in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulbs
1. Open trunk.
2. Inside trunk, locate
access hole under the
rear decklid.
3. Remove the bulb
socket by rotating it 45
degrees and pulling it
out of the lamp
assembly.
4. Carefully pull bulb
straight out of socket and push in new bulb.
5. To complete installation, follow the removal
procedure in reverse order.
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180
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Replacing foglamp bulbs
The halogen bulb contains gas under pressure.
The bulb may shatter if the glass envelope is
scratched or if the bulb is dropped. Handle the
bulb carefully. Grasp the bulb only by its base.
Avoid touching the glass envelope.
1. Rotate the foglamp
bulb counterclockwise
and remove from
foglamp (the rear side
of the foglamp is
shown).
2. Disconnect the
electrical connector
from the foglamp bulb.
3. Connect the electrical connector to the new
foglamp bulb.
4. Install the foglamp bulb in foglamp by rotating
clockwise.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
1. Open trunk and
remove bulb socket
from the trunk lid by
turning
counterclockwise.
2. Pull the bulb straight
out of the socket and
push in the new bulb.
3. Install the bulb socket in trunk lid by turning
clockwise.
Replacing tail lamp/backup bulbs
For bulb replacement, see a dealer or qualified
technician.
Interior bulbs
Check the operation of the following interior bulbs
frequently:
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181
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3. On the wall or
screen you will observe
a light pattern with a
distinct horizonal edge
of high intensity light.
If this edge is not at
the horizontal reference line, the beam will need to
be adjusted.
4. Locate the vertical adjuster on each headlamp,
then usea6mmallen wrench or screwdriver to turn
the adjuster either counterclockwise (to adjust up)
or clockwise (to adjust down) centering the light on
the horizontal reference line.
5. HORIZONTAL AIM IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS
VEHICLE AND IS NON-ADJUSTABLE.
6. Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the Customer Assistance chapter for a list
of Ford-approved cleaners, polishes and waxes.
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.
Maintenance and care
184