WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
Maintenance and care
193
10. Remove the filter element by
pulling forward on the top surface of
the filter and lifting.
11. Install the new filter (A)
element into the filter retaining
frame (B). Ensure that you insert
the three retaining tabs in the
bottom of the filter frame.
12. Reinstall the filter top cover and
the four (4) screws.
13. Reconnect the washer hose.
14. Position the cowl grille in place.
15. Reinstall the four (4) screw anchors and the four (4) plastic screws.
16. Close the hood.
17. Reinstall the six (6) screws in the cowl grille.
18. Reinstall the wiper arms. Ensure that you reinstall the wiper arms in
the same position.
19. Push the wiper arm downward onto the wiper arm pivot until the
small retaining clip snaps into the locked position.
20. Lower the wiper arm blade onto the windshield surface.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
A
B
Maintenance and care
207
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
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507±BA), Lacquer
Touch-up Paint (#ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or Exterior Acrylic Spray
Lacquer (#ALAZ-19500±XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line.
Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with
your vehicle's specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on
the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
Maintenance and care
228
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
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
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