
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
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 (if equipped)
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.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
187

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................121
and child safety seats ............123
description ..............................121
disposal ....................................125
driver air bag ..........................123
indicator light ...................10, 125
operation .................................123
passenger air bag ...................123
Air cleaner filter ...............192, 220
Air conditioning ..........................29
automatic temperature
control system ..........................32
Air suspension ...........................142
description ..............................142
warning light .............................13
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................179
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................138±139
Audio system (see Radio) .........38
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................144
fluid, adding ............................187
fluid, checking ........................187
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
fluid, specification ..................224
Auxiliary power point ...........72, 88
Axle
lubricant specifications ..223±224
refill capacities ........................221
traction lok ..............................147B
Battery .......................................190
acid, treating emergencies .....190
charging system
warning light .............................13
jumping a disabled battery ....165
maintenance-free ....................190
replacement, specifications ...220
servicing ..................................190
voltage gauge ............................21
Belt minder ...............................117
Brakes ........................................138
anti-lock ...........................138±139
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 139
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....178
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
fluid, specifications .........223±224
lubricant specifications ..223±224
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................71
shift interlock ..........................143
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....221
Cassette tape player ...................57
CD changer .................................67
Certification Label ....................226
Child safety restraints ..............126
child safety belts ....................126
Child safety seats ......................127
attaching with tether straps ..132
in front seat ............................129
in rear seat ......................129, 131
Index
241

Cleaning your vehicle ...............215
engine compartment ..............217
exterior ............................215±216
exterior lamps .........................217
instrument cluster lens ..........218
instrument panel ....................218
interior .....................................219
mirrors .....................................216
plastic parts ............................216
safety belts ..............................219
washing ....................................215
waxing .....................................215
wheels ......................................216
windows ..................................219
wiper blades ............................217
woodtone trim ........................219
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clock ..........................42, 49, 56, 66
Compass, electronic ....................83
calibration .................................84
set zone adjustment .................84
Console ........................................88
Controls
power seat .......................105±106
Coolant
checking and adding ..............179
coolant temperature light ........11
refill capacities ................183, 221
specifications ..................223±224
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................75
Customer Assistance ................153
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................235
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................228
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................234Getting roadside assistance ...153
Getting the service
you need .................................228
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................238
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................230
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................234
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................38
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................187
engine oil .................................175
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........223
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................152
E
Electronic message center .........22
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................165
Emission control system ..........207
Engine ................................224±225
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................9
cleaning ...................................217
coolant .....................................179
fail-safe coolant ......................184
Index
242

idle speed control ...................190
lubrication
specifications ..................223±224
refill capacities ........................221
service points ..........................174
starting after a collision .........154
Engine block heater .................136
Engine oil ..................................175
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................175
checking and adding ..............175
dipstick ....................................175
filter, specifications ........177, 220
recommendations ...................177
refill capacities ........................221
specifications ..................223±224
Exhaust fumes ..........................137
F
Fail safe cooling ........................184
Floor mats ...................................89
Fluid capacities .........................221
Fuel ............................................199
calculating fuel economy .......204
cap .....................................10, 201
capacity ...................................221
choosing the right fuel ...........202
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................207
detergent in fuel .....................203
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................199, 201, 204
filter, specifications ........203, 220
fuel filler door override ............85
fuel filler door release ..............85
fuel pump shut-off switch .....154
gauge .........................................17
improving fuel economy ........204low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ...........202, 224±225
quality ......................................202
running out of fuel .................203
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................199
Fuses ..................................156±157
G
Garage door opener ....................79
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......10, 201
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................204
Gauges .........................................17
battery voltage gauge ...............21
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................20
engine oil pressure gauge ........22
fuel gauge ..................................17
odometer ...................................19
speedometer .............................18
trip odometer ............................20
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................147
definition .................................147
driving with a heavy load ......147
location ....................................147
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................147
calculating ...............................147
definition .................................147
driving with a heavy load ......147
location ....................................147
H
Hazard flashers .........................154
Head restraints .........................103
Index
243