CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL HOT range. 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 FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in 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 been
Maintenance and care
173
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Ethanol has less energy per gallon than gasoline. Fuel economy will
decrease as the percentage of ethanol used is increased.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
Maintenance and care
193
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.
6. Without turning, remove the old
bulb by gently pulling it straight
back 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 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. Install the electrical connector into the plastic base until it snaps,
locking it into position.
4. 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.
Maintenance and care
198
Replacing high-mount brakelamp and cargo lamp bulbs
The replacement of the high-mount brakelamp bulb and cargo lamp bulb
is basically the same. This procedure covers the high-mount brakelamp
bulb.
To remove the brakelamp assembly:
1. Remove the two screws and lamp
assembly from vehicle.
2. Remove the bulb socket from
lamp assembly by rotating it
counterclockwise.
3. Carefully pull bulb straight out of
socket and push in the new bulb.
To install the brakelamp assembly:
1. Install the bulb socket into the
lamp assembly by rotating
clockwise.
2. Install the lamp assembly on the vehicle and secure with two screws.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
The license plate bulbs are located
behind the rear bumper. To change
the license plate lamp bulbs:
1. Reach behind the rear bumper to
locate the bulb socket.
2. Twist the socket counterclockwise
and remove.
3. Pull out the old bulb from socket
and push in the new bulb.
4. Install the bulb socket in lamp
assembly by turning it clockwise.
Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs must
be marked with an authorized ªD.O.T.º for North America and an ªEº for
Europe to assure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern and safe
visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly or void the
lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn time.
Maintenance and care
201
Ford Extended Service Plan
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP
is an optional service contract which is backed by Ford Motor Company
or Ford Motor Service Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in
Canada). It provides the following:
²benefits during the warranty period depending on the plan you
purchase (such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain
maintenance and wear items)
²protection against repair costs after your Bumper to Bumper Warranty
expires
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford and Lincoln/
Mercury and Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans available in
various time, distance and deductible combinations which can be tailored
to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental coverage. (In Hawaii, rules vary. See your
dealer for details.)
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,000 participating Ford or Lincoln/Mercury and Ford of
Canada dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Please contact
your dealer for further information. Since this information is subject to
change, please ask your dealer for complete details about Ford Extended
Service Plan coverage options.
Getting the service you need
At home
Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada have authorized dealerships to
service your vehicle. When you need warranty repairs your selling dealer
would like you to return to it for that service, but you may also take your
vehicle to another Ford Motor Company or Ford of Canada dealership
authorized for warranty repairs. Certain warranty repairs require special
training though, so not all dealers are authorized to perform all warranty
repairs. That means that depending on the warranty repair needed, the
vehicle may need to be taken to another dealer. If a particular dealership
can not assist you, then contact the Customer Assistance Center.
Customer assistance
218
capacity ...................................209
choosing the right fuel ...........189
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................195
detergent in fuel .....................191
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................186,188,192
filter, specifications .........192,209
fuel pump shut-off switch .....138
gauge .........................................14
improving fuel economy ........192
octane rating .............190,214,215
quality ......................................190
running out of fuel .................191
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................186
Fuses ...................................140,141
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............188
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................192
Gauges .........................................14
battery voltage gauge ...............17
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........17
fuel gauge ..................................14
odometer ...................................16
speedometer .............................16
tachometer ................................15
trip odometer ............................16
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....125
calculating ...............................127
definition .................................125
driving with a heavy load ......125
location ....................................125
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............125
calculating ........................125,127
definition .................................125
driving with a heavy load ......125
location ....................................125Hazard flashers .........................138
Headlamps ...................................18
aiming ......................................202
bulb specifications ..................201
daytime running lights .............18
flash to pass ..............................19
high beam ............................11,18
replacing bulbs .......................197
turning on and off ....................18
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................19
heater only system ...................19
Hood ..........................................159
Ignition ................................214,215
positions of the ignition ...........54
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..94
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................196
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................207
cluster ...................................8,207
lighting up
panel and interior .....................19
location of components ..............8
Jump-starting your vehicle ......152
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........54
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................201
cargo lamps ...............................19
daytime running light ...............18
fog lamps ...................................18
headlamps .................................18
headlamps, flash to pass ..........19
instrument panel, dimming .....19
interior lamps .........................202
replacing bulbs ..197,199,200,201
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................54
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
Index
233