
When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle.
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do
not recommend the use of gasolines
labeled as ªRegularº that are sold
with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and care
204

with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers issued the World-wide Fuel Charter that
recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved performance
and emission control system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that
meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when available. Ask
your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel
Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality. These gasolines may contain oxygenates up to 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come on. For more
information on the ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
Maintenance and care
205

ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill Capacities
section of theCapacities and specificationschapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of usable fuel remaining in the
fuel tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of empty reserve varies and should not be relied
upon to increase driving range. When refueling your vehicle after
the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel
the full amount of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to
the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
²Allow three automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
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.
Maintenance and care
207

capacity ...................................222
choosing the right fuel ...........204
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................210
detergent in fuel .....................205
filling your
vehicle with fuel .......202,206,207
filter, specifications .........206,222
fuel pump shut-off switch .....146
gauge .........................................17
improving fuel economy ........207
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating .............204,227,228
quality ......................................205
running out of fuel .................205
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................202
Fuses ...................................147,148
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............206
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................207
Gauges .........................................16
battery voltage gauge ...............19
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........19
fuel gauge ..................................17
odometer ...................................18
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................19
trip odometer ............................18
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....132
calculating ...............................134
definition .................................132
driving with a heavy load ......132
location ....................................132
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............132
calculating ........................132,134
definition .................................132
driving with a heavy load ......132location ....................................132
Hazard flashers .........................146
Headlamps ...................................25
aiming ......................................217
daytime running lights .............25
flash to pass ..............................26
high beam ............................14,25
replacing bulbs ................212,213
turning on and off ....................25
warning chime ..........................16
Heating ........................................27
heater only system ...................27
heating and
air conditioning system ............29
Hood ..........................................174
Ignition ................................227,228
positions of the ignition ...........55
removing the key ....................122
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..98
Inspection/
maintenance (I/M) testing .......211
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................220
cluster .................................10,220
lighting up
panel and interior .....................26
location of components ............10
Jump-starting your vehicle ......166
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............16
positions of the ignition ...........55
removing from the ignition ....122
Lamps
autolamp system .....................212
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................216
cargo lamps ...............................26
daytime running light ...............25
headlamps .................................25
headlamps, flash to pass ..........26
instrument panel, dimming .....26
Index
249