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Operating tips
²In humid weather, selectbefore driving.
This will reduce fogging on your windshield. After
a few minutes, select any desired position.
²To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle,
don't drive with the climate control system in the
OFF or MAX A/C position.
²Don't put objects under the front seat that will
interfere with the airflow to the back seats.
²Remove any snow,
ice or leaves from
the air intake area
(at the bottom of
the windshield).
²If your vehicle has been parked with the windows
closed during hot weather, the air conditioner will
do a much faster job of cooling if you drive for
two or three minutes with the windows open. This
will force most of the hot, stale air out of the
vehicle. Then operate your air conditioner as you
would normally.
²Do not place objects over the defroster outlets.
These objects can block airflow and reduce your
ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid
placing small objects on top of your instrument
panel. These objects can fall down into the
defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly
damage your climate control system.
Do not place objects on top of the
instrument panel, as these objects may
become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
Controls and features
22
Page 68 of 224

The front and rear outboard safety restraints in the
vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The
front passenger and rear seat outboard safety belts
have two types of locking modes described below:
Vehicle sensitive mode
The vehicle sensitive mode is the normal retractor
mode, allowing free shoulder belt length adjustment
to your movements and locking in response to
vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes
suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle
receives an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph)
or more, the combination safety belts will lock to
help reduce forward movement of the driver and
passengers.
The seat belt system can also be made to lock
manually by quickly pulling on the shoulder belt.
Automatic locking mode
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically
pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any
slack in the shoulder belt.
The automatic locking mode is not available on the
driver safety belt.
When to use the automatic locking mode
²Anytimea child safety seat is installed in a
passenger front or outboard rear seating position
(if equipped). Children 12 years old and under
should be properly restrained in the rear seat
whenever possible. Refer toSafety Restraints for
ChildrenorSafety Seats for Childrenlater in
this chapter.
Seating and safety restraints
68
Page 189 of 224

Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a
vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately.
Follow the directions that come with the cleaner. Do
not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong
detergents when cleaning the seat mounted
side air bag. Such products could contaminate the
side air bag system and affect performance of the
side air bag in a collision.
Woodtone trim
Wipe stains with a soft cloth and a multi-purpose
cleaning solution.
Inside windows
Use Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner
(E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside windows if they
become fogged.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution
recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do
not bleach or dye the belts, because these actions
may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make
sure there are no nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle
has been involved in an accident, refer to theSafety
belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Maintenance and care
189
Page 190 of 224
Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with
water and a mild soap. Wipe the leather again with a
damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry with a soft
cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford
recommends using the Deluxe Leather Care Kit
F8AZ-19G253±AA, which is available from your Ford
Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the
leather and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the
instructions on the cleaner label. Regular cleaning of
your leather upholstery helps maintain its resiliency
and color.
Do not use household cleaning products,
alcohol solutions, solvents or cleaners intended
for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a
vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately. Do
not use household or glass cleaners. These agents
can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap
and water solution if necessary.
Maintenance and care
190