
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
118

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission/transmission
vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission
and cause internal transmission damage.
Driving
131

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.
Maintenance and care
150

Accessory delay ..........................68
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..............98,99,103
and child safety seats ............100
description .........................99,103
disposal ....................................106
driver air bag ...................101,104
indicator light ...............9,102,105
operation ..........................101,104
passenger air bag ............101,104
side air bag ..............................103
Air cleaner filter ................168,195
Air conditioning ..........................24
automatic temperature
control system ..........................24
Air suspension ...........................122
description ..............................122
warning light .............................12
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................157
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................118,119
Audio system (see Radio) .........30
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................124
fluid, adding ............................164
fluid, checking ........................164
fluid, refill capacities ..............195
fluid, specification ..................198
Auxiliary power point .................54
Axle
lubricant specifications ...197,198
refill capacities ........................195
traction lok ..............................126
Battery .......................................166
acid, treating emergencies .....166
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....144
maintenance-free ....................166
replacement, specifications ...195servicing ..................................166
Belt minder .................................94
Brakes ........................................118
anti-lock ............................118,119
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........10,119
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....156
fluid, refill capacities ..............195
fluid, specifications ..........197,198
lubricant specifications ...197,198
shift interlock ..........................123
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....195
Cassette tape player ...................37
CD changer .................................49
Certification Label ....................200
Child safety restraints ..............106
child safety belts ....................106
Child safety seats ......................107
in front seat ............................109
in rear seat ..............................109
ISOFIX attachments .................94
Cleaning your vehicle ...............190
engine compartment ..............193
exterior .............................191,192
exterior lamps .........................192
instrument panel ....................193
interior ..............................194,195
mirrors .....................................192
plastic parts ............................192
safety belts ..............................194
washing ....................................190
waxing .....................................191
wheels ......................................191
windows ..................................194
wiper blades ............................192
woodtone trim ........................194
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............24
Clock ..................................35,48,53
Index
214

air bag ..........................................9
air suspension ...........................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,119
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
high beam .................................10
liftgate ajar ................................12
low coolant ................................11
low washer fluid .......................14
oil pressure ...............................11
safety belt ...................................9
service engine soon ....................8
speed control ............................59
traction control system .......11,13
turn signal indicator .................10
Load limits .................................127
GAWR ......................................127
GVWR ......................................127
trailer towing ..........................127
Locks
autolock .....................................75
childproof ..................................69
doors ..........................................68
Lubricant specifications ....197,198
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................144
Lumbar support, seats ...............87
Message center ...........................16
english/metric button ...............22
reset button ..............................18
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................65
cleaning ...................................192
heated ........................................69
programmable memory ............76
side view mirrors (power) .......68
Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts .................178,195
Octane rating ............................177
Odometer .....................................15Oil (see Engine oil) ..................153
Overdrive ..............................60,125
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ..................73
Parking brake ............................119
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....195
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................138
Power door locks ........................68
Power steering ..........................122
fluid, checking and adding ....163
fluid, refill capacity ................195
fluid, specifications ..........197,198
Radio ............................................30
Relays ........................................134
Remote entry system ............72,73
illuminated entry ......................75
locking/unlocking doors ...........72
opening the trunk .....................73
panic alarm ...............................73
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................75
replacing the batteries .............74
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ................14,89,90,91,92
Safety defects, reporting ..........213
Safety restraints ...........89,90,91,92
belt minder ...............................94
cleaning the safety belts ...98,194
extension assembly ..................94
for adults .........................90,91,92
for children .............................106
lap belt ......................................93
warning light and chime ..9,14,94
Safety seats for children ..........107
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............89
Seats ............................................84
child safety seats ....................107
cleaning ...................................194
easy access/easyout feature ....88
heated ........................................86
Index
217

memory seat ...................69,76,88
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................80,81,82
Servicing your vehicle ..............150
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................195,198
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................197,198
Speed control ..............................56
Speedometer ...............................16
Starting your vehicle .........114,116
jump starting ..........................144
Steering
speed sensitive .......................122
Steering wheel
controls ......................................60
tilting .........................................55
Tilt steering wheel ......................55
Tires ......................140,170,171,172
changing ...........................140,141
checking the pressure ............172
replacing ..................................173
rotating ....................................172
snow tires and chains ............173
tire grades ...............................171
treadwear ................................171
Towing ................................128,172
trailer towing ..........................128
wrecker ....................................149
Traction control ........................120active light ................................13
how to enable/disable ............121
off light ......................................12
Traction-lok rear axle ...............126
Transmission .............................123
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................164
fluid, refill capacities ..............195
lubricant specifications ...197,198
Trunk ...........................................83
remote release .....................66,73
Turn signal ........................10,14,55
Vehicle dimensions ...................198
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................201
Vehicle loading ..........................127
Ventilating your vehicle ...........117
Warning chimes ...........................14
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................157
Water, Driving through .............131
Windows
power .........................................67
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....157
checking and cleaning ............169
operation ...................................56
replacing wiper blades ...........169
Wrecker towing .........................149
Index
218