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 to
Lubricant 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-8-B), or an equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant
provides:
²maximum cooling system efficiency.
²freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
Maintenance and care
169
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the Customer Assistance chapter for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
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
Maintenance and care
204
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover such as Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover (B7A-19520±AA).
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
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.
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.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
²Never apply anything to the drive belt (including belt dressing).
Maintenance and care
206
Accessory delay ..........................76
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........104,105,109
and child safety seats ............106
description .......................105,109
disposal ....................................112
driver air bag ...................107,110
indicator light ...............9,108,111
operation ..........................107,110
passenger air bag ............107,110
side air bag ..............................109
Air cleaner filter .......................209
Air conditioning ..........................24
automatic temperature
control system ..........................24
Air filter, cabin ..........................179
Air suspension ...........................129
description ..............................129
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................169
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................125,126
Anti-theft system ........................79
arming the system ....................79
disarming a triggered system ..80
Audio system (see Radio) .........30
Automatic transaxle .................130
driving with .............................132
fluid, adding ............................174
fluid, checking ........................174
fluid, refill capacities ..............209
fluid, specification ..................211
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........210
Battery .......................................177
acid, treating emergencies .....177
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....156
maintenance-free ....................177
replacement, specifications ...209
servicing ..................................177Belt minder ...............................100
Brakes ........................................125
anti-lock ............................125,126
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........10,126
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....168
fluid, refill capacities ..............209
fluid, specifications ..........210,211
lubricant specifications ...210,211
shift interlock ..........................130
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....209
CD changer .................................42
Certification Label ....................213
Child safety restraints ..............112
child safety belts ....................112
Child safety seats ......................113
attaching with tether straps ..117
in front seat ............................115
in rear seat ..............................115
Cleaning your vehicle ...............204
engine compartment ..............206
exterior ....................................205
exterior lamps .........................206
instrument panel ....................207
instrument panel lens ............207
interior ..............................207,208
mirrors .....................................205
plastic parts ............................205
safety belts ..............................208
washing ....................................204
waxing .....................................204
wheels ......................................205
windows ..................................208
wiper blades ............................206
woodtone trim ........................208
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............24
Clock ............................................30
Compass, electronic ....................69
calibration ............................71,73
Index
226
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............88,89,90
Servicing your vehicle ..............162
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................209,211
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................210,211
Speed control ..............................49
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle .........120,122
jump starting ..........................156
Steering
speed sensitive .......................129
Steering wheel
controls ......................................48
tilting .........................................53
Tachometer .................................13
Tilt steering wheel ......................53
Tires ........152,181,182,183,184,185
changing ...........................152,153
checking the pressure ............185
replacing ..................................186
rotating ....................................185
snow tires and chains ............186
tire grades ...............................184
treadwear ................................184
Towing .......................................185
recreational towing .................140
wrecker ....................................161
Traction control ........................127off light ......................................11
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............130
fluid, refill capacities ..............209
lubricant specifications ..........211
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................174
lubricant specifications ..........210
Trunk ...........................................91
remote release .....................77,82
Turn signal .............................10,48
Vehicle dimensions ...................211
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................213
Vehicle loading ..........................135
Ventilating your vehicle ...........124
Warning chimes ......................11,12
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................169
Water, Driving through .............135
Windows
power .........................................75
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....169
checking and cleaning ............181
operation ...................................47
replacing wiper blades ...........181
Wrecker towing .........................161
Index
230