These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner's Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Tether
Anchorage
Brake SystemAnti-Lock Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedTraction Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/RearPower Window Lockout
Introduction
4
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the RUN
position. If the light remains on,
continues to flash or fails to
illuminate, have the system serviced
immediately. 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 the parking brake released.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators flash faster, check for a
burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer
toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and carechapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the RUN
position. Also illuminates if the
parking brake is engaged. If the
brake warning lamp does not
illuminate at these times, or remains on after releasing the parking brake,
seek service immediately.
One of the following conditions may exist:
²low brake fluid level in the reservoir.
²Brake force distribution system failure. The ABS light will also
illuminate if this condition is present.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
10
illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the RUN
position regardless of the fuel level (refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information).
Low washer fluid (if equipped)
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to RUN and when the
windshield washer fluid is low.
Bulb Warning (if equipped)
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the RUN position and one of the
exterior bulbs has burned out.
Traction ControlYactive (if equipped)
Flashes when the Traction Controly
system begins applying and
releasing the brakes and adjusting
the engine characteristics to limit a
wheelspin condition. If the light
remains on, have the system serviced immediately.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
AdvanceTrac (if equipped)
Flashes when the AdvanceTrac
system begins applying and
releasing the brakes and/or adjusting
the engine characteristics to limit a
sideways wheelspin condition. If the
light remains on while the engine is
running, have the system serviced immediately.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Instrumentation
12
Operator Selectable features
These features are controlled by the message center controls located
above the radio.
FUEL
Press this control for the following displays:
²Distance to Empty
²Average Fuel Economy
²Display On/Off
RESET
Press this control to select and reset functions shown in the FUEL,
SETUP and STATUS controls.
SETUP
Press this control for the following displays:
²Language
²Units (English/Metric)
²Autolocks
²Easy Entry/Exit (if equipped)
²Lock Chirp (if equipped)
STATUS
Selecting this function from the STATUS control causes the message
center to cycle through each of the systems being monitored. For each
of the monitored systems, the message center will indicate either an OK
message or a warning message for four seconds.
The sequence of the status check report is as follows:
²oil life in XX%
²AC (cabin) filter XX%
²charging system
²engine temperature
²brake fluid level
²washer fluid level
FUEL
RESET
SETUP
STATUS
Instrumentation
17
Warnings Status
Low brake fluid level Warning returns after
the ignition key is
turned from OFF to
RUN Check tail lamps
Check brake lamps
Check front turn lamps
Check side repeater lamps (if equipped)
Check rear turn lamps
Check traction control (if equipped)
Check advancetrac (if equipped)
Trunk ajar
Low washer fluid
Check AC (cabin) filter
Change oil soon
Oil change required
Data error
ENGINE POWER REDUCED.Displayed when the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and turn off the
engine. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as safely
possible.
PULL OFF ROAD SAFELY.Displayed when the engine is overheating.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine. If this
warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as safely possible.
TURN OFF IGNITION.Displayed when the engine is overheating. Turn
off the engine. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
safely possible.
DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver's door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side door is
not completely closed.
DRIVER'S REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver's rear door
is not completely closed.
PASSENGER REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side
rear door is not completely closed.
CHECK ENGINE TEMP.
Displayed when the engine coolant is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine
Instrumentation
22
and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer toEngine
coolantin theMaintenance and carechapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your dealer as soon as safely possible.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Check the transmission fluid and level. Refer toTransmission
fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your dealer for transmission service as
soon as possible.
CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed when you have approximately 80 km
(50 miles) to empty.
LOW BRAKE FLUID.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toChecking and
adding brake fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter.
CHECK TAIL LAMPS.Displayed when the tail lamps are activated and
at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as safely possible
and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK BRAKE LAMPS.Displayed when the brake lamps are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. The center
high-mount brakelamp is not monitored.
CHECK FRT TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK SIDE REPEATER LAMPS (if equipped).Displayed when
the turn signals are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the
lamps as soon as safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
Instrumentation
23
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