WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid
whenever you stop for
fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add
enough fluid to fill the
reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the
reservoir all the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford
specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic
compounds may restrict the use of methanol, a
common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold
weather protection without damaging the vehicle's
paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine
coolant reservoir. Washer fluid placed in the
cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine's cooling system has been factory-filled
with a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and Ford
Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10), or an equivalent
premium engine coolant that meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A.
Maintenance and care
143
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
Maintenance and care
159
windshield wiper solution or a mild detergent. Rinse
thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm
away from the
windshield and lock
into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an
angle from the wiper
arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the
blade and pull the
wiper blade down
toward the windshield
to remove it from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the wiper arm and press
it into place until a click is heard.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
New vehicles are fitted
with tires that have a
rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades.
The Quality grades can
be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by
standards that the United States Department of
Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for
use on passenger cars. They do not apply to deep
Maintenance and care
160
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such
as bird droppings should be washed and sponged off
as soon as possible. Deposits not removed promptly
can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas,
before entering a car wash. If you have wax applied
to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described inCleaning the wiper
blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry
them.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce
minor scratches and paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This
could be every three or four months, depending on
operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a
cleaning fluid with a clean cloth to remove any bugs
before waxing your vehicle. Use tar remover to
remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any
surfaces which appear coarse or bumpy. If you have
wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described inCleaning the wiper
blades and windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris
may be repaired with the Ultra Touch Prep and
Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507±BA), Lacquer
Touch-up Paint (#ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or Exterior
Acrylic Spray Lacquer (#ALAZ-19500±XXXXA) from
the Ford Car Care Chemicals line. Please note that
the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary
with your vehicle's specific coloring. Observe the
application instructions on the products.
Maintenance and care
185
Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear
window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the
wiper blade rubber element with undiluted
windshield washer solution or a mild detergent. To
avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel,
kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could
be caused by substances on the windshield or rear
window such as tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean
the outside of the windshield or rear window with a
non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford Ultra-Clear Spray
Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from
your Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on
glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield or
rear window is clean if beads do not form when you
rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and
wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis,
and blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
Convertible top and padded molding care
To avoid damage to the vinyl top and moldings, use
only an approved Ford cleaner, or equivalent. Do not
use stiff bristle brushes or abrasive materials or
cleaners.
Hot waxes applied by commercial car washes can
affect the cleanability of vinyl material.
Using high water pressure or wand-type car washes
against the convertible top and windows may cause
water leaks and possible seal damage.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean
because grease and dirt buildup keep the engine
warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean
the engine. The high pressure fluid could
penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
Maintenance and care
187
Cleaning
your vehicle ............. 184
engine
compartment ......... 187
exterior ........... 185,186
exterior lamps ....... 186
instrument panel .. 188
instrument
panel lens .............. 188
interior ............ 189,190
mirrors ................... 186
plastic parts .......... 186
safety belts ............ 189
washing .................. 184
waxing ................... 185
wheels .................... 186
windows ................ 189
wiper blades .......... 187
woodtone trim ...... 189
Climate control
(see Air conditioning
or Heating) ................ 20
Clock .......................... 34
Clutch
adjusting ................ 142
operation
while driving ......... 106
recommended
shift speeds ........... 107
Console ...................... 47
Controls
power seat ............... 63
Convertible ................ 48
cleaning ................. 187
installation
of the boot .............. 49
lowering the
convertible top ........ 48
raising the
convertible top ........ 51Coolant
checking
and adding ............ 143
low coolant light ..... 12
refill
capacities ........ 150,191
specifications.. 193,194
Cruise control (see
Speed control) .......... 42
Customer
Assistance ................ 116
Ford accessories for
your vehicle .......... 206
Ford Extended
Service Plan .......... 197
Getting assistance
outside the U.S.
and Canada ........... 205
Getting roadside
assistance .............. 116
Getting the service
you need ............... 198
Ordering
additional owner's
literature ............... 210
The Dispute
Settlement
Board ..................... 200
Utilizing the
Mediation/
Arbitration
Program ................. 204
Daytime running
lamps (see Lamps) ... 18
Defrost
rear window ............ 19
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid... 153
engine oil ............... 137
Index
213
Windshield washer fluid
and wipers
checking and adding
fluid ........................ 143
checking
and cleaning .......... 159operation ................. 40
replacing
wiper blades .......... 160
Wrecker towing ....... 132
Index
218