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STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help steer
the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or the extreme left for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power
steering pump fluid level.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the
engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could
be caused by any of the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock
feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being
moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON
position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P
(Park) with ignition in the ON position and the
brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to
LOCK, then remove the key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake
pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
Driving
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which
makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary parts and service.
Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out which parts
and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and
service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR
VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing,
jewelry or long hair away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit
material away from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in theBatterysection in
this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
Maintenance and care
133
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
3.8L OHV V6 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
6
1023
4
5
789
1
Maintenance and care
136
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4.6L SOHC V8 engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Power distribution box
4. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain into the oil pan.
56798
23
4
110
Maintenance and care
137
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If your vehicle is
equipped with a 4.6L
V8 engine,check the
power steering fluid
level with the engine at
ambient temperature.
Allow at least one-half
hour after driving for
the power steering
fluid to cool.
1. Start the engine and
allow the engine to
idle.
2. Turn the steering
wheel left and right
several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
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 within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
correct operating range. 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
MAXMIN
Maintenance and care
153
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You can check the fluid without driving if the
ambient temperature is above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However,
if fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition
could result when the vehicle reaches normal
operating temperature.
The transmission fluid
should be in this range
if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC [150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid
should be in this range
if at ambient
temperature (10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
safe range may result
in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible
damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating
condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type
is used. The type of fluid used is normally indicated
on the dipstick and also in theLubricant
specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission
fluid may cause internal transmission
component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments
through the filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs,
excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified
technician.
Maintenance and care
155
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Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Transmission fluid
3Motorcraft
MERCONtVATFAutomatic with
3.8L OHV V6
engine13.1L
(13.9 quarts)4
Automatic with
4.6L SOHC V8
engine12.0L
(12.8 quarts)4
Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FManual with 3.8L
OHV V6 engine2.6L (5.6 pints)5
Manual with 4.6L
SOHC V8 engine3.1L (6.6 pints)5
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 3.8L (4.0 quarts)
1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE
Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer to
Adding engine coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Rear axle lubricants do not need to be checked or changed unless a
leak is suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been
submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time
the rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4
inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole. Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of
Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent meeting Ford
specification EST-M2C118±A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used.
Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on
the dipstick handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to
your Scheduled Maintenance Guide to determine the correct service
interval.
4Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may
vary based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The
amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the
indication on the dipstick's normal operating range.
5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
Capacities and specifications
192
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LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part name Ford part
numberFord
specification
Brake fluid High Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidC6AZ-19542-AB ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Door
weatherstripsSilicone Lubricant F7AZ-19G208-BA
and
F5AZ-19553-AAESR-M13P4-A
Door latch, hood
latch, auxiliary
hood latch, door
hinges, striker
plates, seat tracks
and fuel filler
door hingeMulti-Purpose
GreaseD0AZ-19584-AA
or
F5AZ-19G209-AAESB-M1C93-B or
ESR-M1C159-A
Engine coolant Ford Premium
Engine CoolantE2FZ-19549-AA
(in Canada,
Motorcraft
CXC-8-B)ESE-M97B44-A
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
OilXO-5W30-QSP WSS-M2C153-G
with API
Certification Mark
Lock cylinders Penetrating and
Lock LubricantE8AZ-19A501-B none
Power steering
fluid and
convertible top
fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QM MERCONt
Rear Axle
LubricantMotorcraft SAE
80W-90 Premium
Rear Axle
Lubricant
1
XY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Automatic
transmission fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtVATF
2
XT-5-QM MERCONtV
Manual
transmission fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Disc brake caliper
railsSilicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundD7AZ-19A331-A
(Motorcraft
WA-10)ESE-M1C171-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
Capacities and specifications
193