Page 96 of 224
1. Position the child safety seat on
the second row left hand or right
hand bucket seat.
2. Route the child safety tether
strap over the back of the left hand
or right hand second row bucket
seat as shown.
3. Clip the tether strap hook to the
seat pedestal at the location shown.
4. Refer to the instructions in this section underInstalling child safety
seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positionsto
secure the child safety seat.
5. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
Second, Third and Fourth row three passenger bench seats
The tether strap can be attached
directly to the tether bracket
provided on rear rail of seat cushion
frame.
1. For second row 3±Passenger bench seat, place the child safety seat on
the left hand outboard position, the center position, or the right hand
outboard position as desired.
Seating and safety restraints
96
ProCarManuals.com
Page 97 of 224
For third row or fourth row 3±Passenger bench seat, place the child
safety seat on the center position.
2. Route the child safety tether
strap over the back of 3±Passenger
bench seat as shown.
3. Clip the tether strap hook to the
tether bracket mounted under rear
rail of seat cushion frame as shown.
4. Refer to the instructions in this section under installing child safety
seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions to secure the
child safety seat.
5. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
For additional important safety information on the proper use of seat
belts, child seats and infant seats, please read the entireSeating and
Safety Restraintschapter in this Owner's Guide.
Seating and safety restraints
97
ProCarManuals.com
Page 107 of 224

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission
Understanding gearshift positions
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position
locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift
lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into
and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral), the vehicle can be started
and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this gear.
Driving
107
ProCarManuals.com
Page 132 of 224

3. Remove the jack handle from the
right side compartment and insert
the tip of the jack handle through
the access hole and into the tube.
4. Turn the jack handle
counterclockwise until the cable is
slack and the tire can be slid
rearward from under the vehicle.
5. Remove the retainer from the
spare tire.
To stow the cable retainer with the spare removed, turn the jack handle
clockwise until all slack is removed.
To stow the spare tire:
1. Lay the tire on the ground under the rear of the vehicle with the valve
stem facing up.
Stow aluminum wheels with valve stem facing down.
2. Install the retainer through the wheel center.
3. Raise the tire by turning the jack
handle clockwise. Continue until the
lift mechanism ªclicks.º
4. Check that the tire is tightly
seated under the vehicle by pushing
against the tire. Retighten as
necessary.
5. Replace the access cover,
anti-theft bracket and thumb screw.
Use finger pressure only to secure the thumb screw.
Make sure the spare tire and jacking equipment are stowed and
secured in the proper storage location.
Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground.
Roadside emergencies
132
ProCarManuals.com
Page 144 of 224

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
the 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, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in 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 inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and care
144
ProCarManuals.com
Page 145 of 224
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is
located in the center top of the grill.
3. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
HOOD
Maintenance and care
145
ProCarManuals.com
Page 147 of 224
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
147
ProCarManuals.com
Page 149 of 224

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft Part Numbersin theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
Changing the air filter element
1. Disconnect the fresh air inlet tube
from the radiator support.
2. Loosen the clamp that secures
the two halves of the air filter
housing together.
3. Carefully separate the two halves
of the air filter housing.
4. Remove the air filter element
from the housing.
Maintenance and care
149
ProCarManuals.com