2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
199
and also in theLubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage and void the warranty.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
Maintenance and care
212
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
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.
Maintenance and care
214
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Rear axle
3Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantAll 1.4L
(2.9-3.0 pints)
Fuel tank N/A All 68.2L
(18.0 gallons)
Transmission
fluid
4Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FAutomatic
(5R55N)11.2L
(11.9 quarts)5
Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FManual 1.1L
(2.3 pints)6
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant Specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
2Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
3Your vehicle's rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill 6
mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
4Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide to determine
the correct service interval.
5Approximate dry capacity, includes cooler and tubes. Fluid level should
be checked by a qualified service technician.
6Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
Capacities and specifications
248
Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Automatic
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F
3
XT-5-QM MERCONtV
Manual
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT F
3
XT-2-QDX MERCONt
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not
require changing unless the axle has been submerged in water.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Capacities and specifications
250
Ford Multi-Purpose Cleaner*
Motorcraft Car Wash Concentrate
Motorcraft Carlite Glass Cleaner
Ford Spot and Stain Remover*
Ford Super Premium Tire and Trim Dressing
Ford Triple Clean
Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner
* May be sold with the Motorcraft name
FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Ford accessories are available for your vehicle
through your local authorized Lincoln Mercury dealer. These quality
accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive
needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and
aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory is
made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford's rigid
engineering and safety specifications. Ford accessories are warranted for
up to 12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) on all cars unless the
accessory is installed on a new vehicle, then the warranty becomes the
balance of the new vehicle's warranty or the accessories warranty,
whichever is greater. See your dealer for complete warranty information
and availability.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Styled wheel protector locks
Vehicle security systems
Comfort and convenience
Cargo nets
Cargo organizers (trunk)
Cargo trays
Electrochromic compass inside mirror
Engine block heaters
Gear shift knob (woodgrain) Ð manual transmission
Customer assistance
262
headlamps, flash to pass ..........28
instrument panel, dimming .....29
interior lamps .............83,238,239
replacing bulbs .........236,237,238
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................72
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
AdvanceTrac .............................12
air bag ........................................11
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,150
brake ..........................................10
bulb warning .............................12
charging system ........................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................13
high beam ............................10,12
low coolant ..................................8
low fuel ......................................11
low washer fluid .......................12
oil pressure ...............................11
safety belt .................................11
speed control ............................82
steering column lock ................13
transmission PRNDL
indicator ....................................13
turn signal indicator .................10
Load limits .................................167
GAWR ......................................167
GVWR ......................................167
trailer towing ..........................167
Locks
autolock ...................................105
childproof ................................100
doors ..........................................99
Lubricant specifications ....249,251
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................187
Lumbar support, seats .............115
Manual transmission .................163
fluid capacities ........................247
lubricant specifications ..........251
reverse .....................................166Message center ......................16,18
select button .............................17
warning messages .....................21
Mirrors .........................................84
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................83
cleaning ...................................243
heated ........................................30
programmable memory ..........106
side view mirrors (power) .......29
Moon roof ....................................82
Motorcraft parts .................231,247
Octane rating ............................230
Odometer .....................................16
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................198
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ................103
Parking brake ............................150
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....247
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ........................179,182
Power door locks .................99,105
Power steering ...................151,152
fluid, checking and adding ....211
fluid, refill capacity ................247
fluid, specifications ..........249,251
Radio ............................................42
Relays ........................................175
Remote entry system ........101,103
illuminated entry ....................103
locking/unlocking doors ..101,102
opening the trunk ...................103
panic alarm .............................103
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................105
replacing the batteries ...........104
Roof rack ...................................172
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ......................14,117,119
120,121,122,123
Safety defects, reporting ..........265
Index
269
Safety restraints .................117,119
120,121,122,123
belt minder .............................124
cleaning the
safety belts .......................127,245
extension assembly ................127
for adults ............119,120,121,122
for children .............................136
warning light
and chime ......................11,13,124
Safety seats for children ..........137
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............117
Seats ..........................................112
child safety seats ....................137
cleaning ............................245,246
easy access/easyout feature ..115
memory seat ....................106,116
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system .........107,108,109
Select Shift Transmission
(SST) shifter .............................160
Servicing your vehicle ..............195
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................247,251
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................249,251
Speed control ..............................77
Speedometer ...............................15
Starting your vehicle .........144,146
jump starting ..........................188
Steering
speed sensitive .......................152
Steering wheel
controls ......................................74
tilting ...............................13,71,73
Tachometer .................................15
Tilt steering wheel ......................73
Tires .............................184,222,223
changing ...........................184,185
checking the pressure ............223replacing ..................................225
rotating ....................................224
snow tires and chains ............226
tire grades ...............................223
treadwear ................................222
Towing ................................168,223
recreational towing .................172
trailer towing ..........................168
wrecker ....................................194
Traction control ........................152
active light ................................12
Transmission ...............................13
automatic operation ...............155
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................211
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................212
fluid, refill capacities ..............247
lubricant specifications ...249,251
manual operation ...............13,163
Trip odometer .............................16
Trunk .........................................110
remote release ...................30,103
Turn signal ........................10,14,72
Vehicle dimensions ...................251
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................253
Vehicle loading ..........................167
Ventilating your vehicle ...........147
Warning chimes ......................13,14
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Water, Driving through .............166
Windows
power .........................................98
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ............220
operation ...................................72
replacing wiper blades ...........221
Wrecker towing .........................194
Index
270