
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not
touch them after inflation.
If the air bag is deployed,the air bag will not function again
and must be replaced immediately.If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
The SRS consists of:
²driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and
air bags),
²one or more impact and safing sensors, passenger air bag deactivation
switch and diagnostic monitor (RCM)
²a readiness light and tone,
²and the electrical wiring which connects the components.
The RCM (restraints control module) monitors its own internal circuits
and the supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the
passenger air bag deactivation switch, the impact sensors, the system
wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and
the air bag ignitors).
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses readiness lights in the instrument cluster and the
passenger air bag deactivate switch or a tone to indicate the condition of
the system. Refer to theAir bag readinesssection in the
Instrumentationchapter orPassenger air bag deactivate switch
section in this chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not
required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
²The readiness lights will either
flash or stay lit.
²The readiness lights will not
illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.
²A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
Seating and safety restraints
87

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles
(including pretensioners)
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local
dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.
Passenger air bag ON/OFF switch
An air bag ON/OFF switch
has been installed in this
vehicle. Before driving,always
look at the face of the switch to
be sure the switch is in the proper
position in accordance with these
instructions and warnings. Failure
to put the switch in a proper
position can increase the risk of
serious injury or death in a
collision.
Turning the passenger air bag off
1. Insert the ignition key, turn the
switch to OFF position and hold in
OFF position while removing the
key.
2. When the ignition is turned to the
ON position the OFF light
illuminates briefly, momentarily
shuts off and then turns back on.
This indicates that the passenger air
bag is deactivated.
ON
OFF
OFF
PASSENGER AIRBAG
ON
OFF
OFF
PASSENGER AIRBAG
Seating and safety restraints
88

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Rear anti-lock brake system (RABS)
Rear Anti-lock Brake System (RABS) is standard equipment on this
vehicle. RABS is designed to help you maintain directional stability in
emergency stopping situations. With RABS, the rear brakes are kept from
locking during panic stops; however, the front wheels can lock because
they are not controlled by RABS.
A clicking noise and slight pedal pulsation during RABS braking events
indicates the RABS is functioning. Pedal pulsation coupled with clicking
noise while braking under panic conditions on loose gravel, wet or snowy
roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's RABS. If
the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel
while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
The RABS operates by detecting the onset of rear wheel lockup during
brake applications and compensating for this tendency.
RABS warning lamp
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
Driving
106

With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Using RABS
²In an emergency, applying full pressure may cause the front wheels to
lock.If the front brakes lock, the vehicle cannot be steered.Yo u
should apply the brakes with steadily increasing force, as if
ªsqueezingº the brakes. If you feel the front wheels begin to lock,
momentarily release the pedal and repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with how the RABS
performs. However, avoid unnecessary risks.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
!
BRAKE
Driving
107

ABS warning lampABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
!
BRAKE
BRAKE
RELEASE
Driving
108

If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
Maintenance and care
196

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................84
and child safety seats ..............85
description ................................84
disposal ......................................88
driver air bag ............................86
indicator light ......................10,87
operation ...................................86
passenger air bag .....................86
passenger
deactivation switch ..............25,88
Air cleaner filter .......................209
Air conditioning ..........................19
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................21
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................168
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................107,108
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) .........26
Automatic transmission ............111
driving an automatic
overdrive ..........................112,114
fluid, adding ............................173
fluid, checking ........................173
fluid, refill capacities ..............209
fluid, specification ..................214
Auxiliary power point .................25
Axle
lubricant specifications ...212,214
refill capacities ........................209
traction lok ..............................124
Battery .......................................178
acid, treating emergencies .....178
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....152
maintenance-free ....................178
replacement, specifications ...209servicing ..................................178
voltage gauge ............................17
Belt minder .................................80
Brakes ........................................106
anti-lock .....................106,107,108
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................10,108
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....166
fluid, refill capacities ..............209
fluid, specifications ..........212,214
lubricant specifications ...212,214
parking ....................................108
shift interlock ..........................111
Break-in period .............................2
Capacities for refilling fluids ....209
Cargo area shade ........................63
Cargo net .....................................63
Certification Label ....................217
Child safety restraints ................93
child safety belts ......................93
Child safety seats ........................94
attaching with tether straps ....99
in front seat ..............................96
in rear seat ................................96
tether anchorage hardware .....99
Cleaning your vehicle ...............203
engine compartment ..............204
exterior .............................204,207
exterior lamps .........................206
instrument panel ....................207
instrument panel lens ............207
interior .....................................207
mirrors .....................................208
plastic parts ............................206
safety belts ..............................207
washing ....................................203
waxing .....................................203
wheels ......................................204
windows ..................................208
wiper blades ............................206
Index
231

Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............19
Clock .............................29,36,42,51
Clutch
fluid ..........................................167
operation while driving ..........116
recommended shift speeds ....118
Console ........................................63
Coolant
checking and adding ..............168
refill capacities .................172,209
specifications ...................212,214
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................55
Customer Assistance ................137
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................225
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................218
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................224
Getting roadside assistance ...137
Getting the
service you need ....................218
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................229
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................221
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............224
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................18
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................173
engine oil .................................163
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........212
Driveline universal
joint and slip yoke ....................177Driving under
special conditions ..............122,123
mud ..........................................122
sand .........................................122
snow and ice ...........................123
through water ..................122,124
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................152
Emission control system ..........195
Engine .................................214,215
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........8
cleaning ...................................204
coolant .....................................168
idle speed control ...................178
lubrication
specifications ...................212,214
refill capacities ........................209
service points ............160,161,162
starting after a collision .........138
Engine block heater .................104
Engine oil ..................................163
checking and adding ..............163
dipstick ....................................163
filter, specifications .........165,209
recommendations ...................165
refill capacities ........................209
specifications ...................212,214
Exhaust fumes ..........................105
Fluid capacities .........................209
Foglamps .....................................18
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles ..12,119
control trac ...............................24
description ..............................119
driving off road .......................121
electronic shift ...................24,119
indicator light .........................119
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................110
Fuel ............................................186
calculating fuel economy .......192
cap ...........................................188
Index
232