The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Your brake handle may need to be
pulled up slightly to release
pressure before pushing in the
button.
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake and push the handle
down as far as possible to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
Driving
151
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
Maintenance and care
195
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 in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The 5R55N transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
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.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid should be
added by a qualified technician.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is indicated on the transmission fluid pan, extension housing
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
211
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
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
Accessory delay ..........................99
AdvanceTrac ..............................153
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........128,129,133
and child safety seats ............130
description .......................129,133
disposal ....................................136
driver air bag ...................131,134
indicator light .............11,132,135
operation ..........................131,134
passenger air bag ............131,134
side air bag ..............................133
Air cleaner filter ................215,247
Air conditioning ..........................31
automatic temperature
control system ..........................31
Air filter, cabin ..........................217
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................204
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................149,150
Anti-theft system ......................106
arming the system ..................107
disarming a
triggered system .....................107
Audio system (see Radio) .........42
Automatic transmission ............155
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................156
fluid, adding ............................211
fluid, checking ........................211
fluid, refill capacities ..............247
fluid, specification ..................251
Axle
lubricant specifications ...249,251
refill capacities ........................247
Battery .......................................213
acid, treating emergencies .....213
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....188
maintenance-free ....................213replacement, specifications ...247
servicing ..................................213
Belt minder ...............................124
Brakes ........................................149
anti-lock ............................149,150
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........10,150
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....202
fluid, refill capacities ..............247
fluid, specifications ..........249,251
lubricant specifications ...249,251
parking ....................................150
shift interlock ..........................155
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....247
Cassette tape player ...................54
CD changer .................................66
Certification Label ....................253
Child safety restraints ..............136
child safety belts ....................136
Child safety seats ......................137
attaching with tether straps ..141
in front seat ............................139
in rear seat ..............................139
Cleaning your vehicle ...............241
engine compartment ..............244
exterior .............................242,243
exterior lamps .........................243
instrument panel ....................245
instrument panel lens ............245
interior ..............................245,246
mirrors .....................................243
plastic parts ............................243
safety belts ..............................245
washing ....................................241
waxing .....................................242
wheels ......................................243
windows ..................................245
wiper blades ............................243
woodtone trim ........................245
Index
266
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............31
Clock ............................................51
Clutch
fluid ..........................................203
operation while driving ..........163
recommended shift speeds ....164
Console ......................................100
overhead ....................................88
Controls
power seat ...............................113
steering column ........................74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............204
coolant temperature light ..........8
refill capacities .................208,247
specifications ...................249,251
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................77
Customer Assistance ................173
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................261
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................254
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............260
Getting roadside assistance ...173
Getting the
service you need ....................254
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................264
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................257
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............260
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................42
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................211engine oil .................................198
Doors
central unlocking ......................99
door ajar warning .....................13
lubricant specifications ..........249
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................166
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................188
Emission control system ..........235
Engine ........................................251
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........8
cleaning ...................................244
coolant .....................................204
fail-safe coolant ......................209
idle speed control ...................213
lubrication
specifications ...................249,251
refill capacities ........................247
service points ...................197,198
starting after a collision .........174
Engine block heater .................147
Engine fan .................................210
Engine oil ..................................198
checking and adding ..............198
dipstick ....................................198
filter, specifications .........201,247
recommendations ...................201
refill capacities ........................247
specifications ...................249,251
Exhaust fumes ..........................147
Fail safe cooling ........................209
Floor mats .................................100
Fluid capacities .........................247
Foglamps .....................................28
Fuel ............................................227
calculating fuel economy ..18,232
cap ...........................................229
capacity ...................................247
choosing the right fuel ...........229
Index
267