Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADES
Refer toWindshield Wiper Bladesin this section for more information
on rear wiper blades.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Maintenance and care
208
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
Maintenance and care
220
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from your
Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause
scratches. The windshield or rear window is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and wiper
blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
Maintenance and care
230
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
Woodtone trim
Wipe stains with a soft cloth and a multi-purpose cleaning solution.
Cleaning the overhead console
Clean with a damp cloth, then wipe dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the console. The dull
finish in this area helps protect the driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
Inside windows
Use Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside
windows if they become fogged.
Maintenance and care
231
Hood deflectors
Lubricants and oils
Molded splash guards
Molded vinyl floor mats
Rear air deflectors
Side window air deflectors
Touch-up paint
Universal floor mats
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
²When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
²The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
²Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and
other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily
affect your vehicle's operation.)
²Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Customer assistance
248
Accessory delay ..........................91
Air bag supplemental
restraint system .................132,133
and child safety seats ............134
description ..............................133
disposal ....................................137
driver air bag ..........................135
indicator light ......................8,136
operation .................................135
passenger air bag ...................135
Air cleaner filter .........200,201,233
Air conditioning ..........................22
automatic temperature
control system ..........................29
Air filter, cabin ..........................204
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................194
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................152,153
Anti-theft system ......................105
arming the system ..................105
disarming a
triggered system .....................107
disarming an untriggered
system .....................................107
Audio system (see Radio) .........40
Automatic transaxle .................155
driving with .............................156
fluid, adding ............................198
fluid, checking ........................198
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
fluid, specification ..................235
Auxiliary power point .................81
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........234
Battery .......................................201
acid, treating emergencies .....201
charging system warning light ..8
jumping a disabled battery ....180
maintenance-free ....................201
replacement, specifications ...233
servicing ..................................201Brakes ........................................152
anti-lock ............................152,153
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........10,153
brake warning light ....................9
fluid, checking and adding ....192
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
fluid, specifications ..........234,235
lubricant specifications ...234,235
parking ....................................153
shift interlock ..........................155
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....233
Cargo cover ...............................110
Cargo net ............................109,110
CD changer .................................77
Certification Label ....................237
Child safety restraints ..............137
child safety belts ....................137
Child safety seats ......................138
in front seat ............................140
in rear seat .......................140,142
tether anchorage hardware ...144
Cleaning your vehicle ...............227
built-in child seat ...................232
engine compartment ..............229
exterior .............................228,229
exterior lamps .........................229
instrument panel ....................231
instrument panel lens ............231
interior ..............................231,232
mirrors .....................................229
plastic parts ............................229
safety belts ..............................232
washing ....................................227
waxing .....................................228
wheels ......................................228
windows ..................................231
wiper blades ............................230
woodtone trim ........................231
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Index
251
Clock ..................................48,60,71
Console ......................................101
overhead ....................................98
Controls
power seat ...............................113
steering column ........................86
Coolant
checking and adding ..............194
refill capacities .................197,233
specifications ...................234,235
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................82
Customer Assistance ................166
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................245
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................238
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............244
Getting roadside assistance ...166
Getting the
service you need ....................238
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................249
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................241
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............244
Defrost
rear window ..............................40
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................198
engine oil .................................189
Doors
door ajar warning .......................9
lubricant specifications ..........234
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................159
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................180Emission control system ..........220
Engine ........................................235
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................11
cleaning ...................................229
coolant .....................................194
idle speed control ...................201
lubrication
specifications ...................234,235
refill capacities ........................233
service points ..........................188
starting after a collision .........167
Engine block heater .................150
Engine oil ..................................189
checking and adding ..............189
dipstick ....................................189
filter, specifications .........191,233
recommendations ...................191
refill capacities ........................233
specifications ...................234,235
Exhaust fumes ..........................150
Floor mats .................................102
Fluid capacities .........................233
Fuel ............................................212
calculating fuel economy .......217
cap ...........................................214
capacity ...................................233
choosing the right fuel ...........215
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................220
detergent in fuel .....................216
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................212,214,217
filter, specifications .........217,233
fuel pump shut-off switch .....167
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........217
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating ....................216,235
quality ......................................216
running out of fuel .................217
Index
252
replacing ..................................211
rotating ....................................210
snow tires and chains ............212
tire grades ...............................209
treadwear ................................209
Towing ................................162,210
trailer towing ..........................162
wrecker ....................................185
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............155
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
lubricant specifications ..........235
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................198
lubricant specifications ..........234
Trip odometer .............................15
Turn signal .............................10,87
Vehicle dimensions ...................235Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................237
Vehicle loading ..........................160
Ventilating your vehicle ...........151
Warning chimes ......................12,13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................193
Water, Driving through .............159
Windows
power .........................................90
rear wiper/washer .....................88
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers ..........................88
checking and adding fluid .....193
checking and cleaning .....207,208
liftgate reservoir .....................193
operation ...................................87
replacing wiper blades ...........208
Wrecker towing .........................185
Index
255