
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.6L SOHC V8 engine
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Air filter assembly
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Battery
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
89123
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Maintenance and care
152

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
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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
164

Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
165

Fluid Ford Part Name Capacity
Rear axle lubricant5Motorcraft SAE
80W-90 Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant1.8L (3.75 pints)6
Windshield washer
fluidUltra-Clear Windshield
Washer ConcentrateFill 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.
2Ensure 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.
3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may
vary based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The
amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the
indication on the dipstick's normal operating range.
4Use 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.
5Rear axles are considered lubricated for life when the vehicle is used
for normal service. See your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for Severe
Duty requirements.
6Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118±A for complete refill
of Traction-Lok rear axle.
For limousine, use 2.4L (5.0 pints) of Motorcraft Synthetic Rear Axle
Lubricant F1TZ-19780-B or equivalent meeting Ford specification
WSL-M2C192-A for complete refill of rear axle.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 6 mm to
14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole.
Capacities and specifications
196

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
Fluid
1
C6AZ-19542-AB ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Door
weatherstripsSilicone
LubricantF7AZ-19G208-BA
and
F5AZ-19553-AAESR-M13P4-A
Engine coolant Ford Premium
Engine CoolantE2FZ-19549-AA
(in Canada,
Motorcraft
CXC-8-B)ESE-M97B44-A
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
OilXO-5W30-QSP WSS-M2C153-G
with API
Certification
Mark
Hinges, latches,
striker plates,
fuel filler door
hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseDOAZ-19584-AA
or
F5AZ-19G209-AAESB-M1C93-B or
ESR-M1C159-A
Lock cylinders Penetrating and
Lock LubricantE8AZ-19A501-B N/A
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Automatic
transmission
(4R70W)Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FXT-5-QM
MERCONtV
Rear Axle
Lubricant
2Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
Capacities and specifications
197

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

Compass, electronic
calibration .................................19
set zone adjustment ............18,19
Console
rear ............................................70
Controls
power seat ............................84,86
steering column ........................60
Coolant
checking and adding ..............157
coolant temperature light ........11
refill capacities .................160,195
specifications ...................197,198
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................56
Customer Assistance ................132
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................209
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................202
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............208
Getting roadside assistance ...132
Getting the
service you need ....................203
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................212
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................205
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............208
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................23
Defrost
rear window ..............................53
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................164
engine oil .................................153
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........197Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................131
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................144
Emission control system ..........182
Engine ........................................198
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................193
coolant .....................................157
fail-safe coolant ......................161
idle speed control ...................166
lubrication
specifications ...................197,198
refill capacities ........................195
service points ..........................152
starting after a collision .........133
Engine block heater .................116
Engine oil ..................................153
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................153
checking and adding ..............153
dipstick ....................................153
filter, specifications .........155,195
recommendations ...................155
refill capacities ........................195
specifications ...................197,198
Exhaust fumes ..........................117
Fail safe cooling ........................161
Floor mats ...................................71
Fluid capacities .........................195
Fuel ............................................174
calculating fuel economy ..20,179
cap ...........................................176
capacity ...................................195
choosing the right fuel ...........177
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................182
detergent in fuel .....................178
filling your
vehicle with fuel .......174,176,179
Index
215

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