Page 7 of 224
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Interior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel cap
Introduction
7
ProCarManuals.com
Page 49 of 224

Radio reception factors
Three factors can affect radio reception:
²Distance/strength.The further an FM signal travels, the weaker it is.
The listenable range of the average FM station is approximately 40 km
(24 miles). This range can be affected by ªsignal modulation.º Signal
modulation is a process radio stations use to increase their
strength/volume relative to other stations.
²Terrain.Hills, mountains and tall buildings between your vehicle's
antenna and the radio station signal can cause FM reception problems.
Static can be caused on AM stations by power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering
structure (out of its ªshadowº) returns your reception to normal.
²Station overload.Weak signals are sometimes captured by stronger
signals when you pass a broadcast tower. A stronger signal may
temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play while the weak station
frequency is displayed.
The audio system automatically switches to single channel reception if it
will improve the reception of a station normally received in stereo.
Audio system warranties and service
Refer to the ªWarranty Guideº for audio system warranty information.
If service is necessary, see your dealer or a qualified technician.
POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5.
START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
3
1
2
5
4
Controls and features
49
ProCarManuals.com
Page 104 of 224

The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
parking brake. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the
brakes to wear out quickly and
reduce fuel economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²uneven vehicle loading
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components suspension components
Driving
104
ProCarManuals.com
Page 128 of 224
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
27 5A Radio
28 20A Power Plug
29 Ð Not Used
30 15A Headlamps (High Beam Indicator),
DRL10A
31 10A Right Headlamp (Low Beam), DRL
32 5A Power Mirrors
33 20A E Traveler Power Point #2
34 10A Transmission Range (TR) Sensor
35 30A RKE Module
36 5A (Cluster, A/C, Illumination, Radio),
Steering Column Assembly
37 20A Power Plug
38 10A Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor
39 20A E Traveler Power Point #1
40 30A Modified Vehicle
41 30A Modified Vehicle
42 Ð Not Used
43 20A C.B. Power Windows*
44 Ð Not Used
* Either Fuse 21 or Circuit breaker 43 will be present for power
windows.
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle's main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
Roadside emergencies
128
ProCarManuals.com
Page 131 of 224

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
F Ð IDM Relay (Diesel Only), A/C Clutch
Relay (4.2L Only)
G Ð PCM Relay
H Ð Blower Motor Relay
J Ð Horn Relay
K Ð Fuel Pump Relay
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
Relays
Relays are located in the power distribution box and should be replaced
by qualified technicians.
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Spare tire information
The spare tire for your vehicle is stowed under the rear of your vehicle
(except cutaway and stripped chassis models).
To remove the spare tire:
1. Open both rear doors and remove
thumb screw and anti-theft bracket.
If finger pressure will not remove
the thumb screw, use the lug
wrench to loosen the screw.
2. Remove the access cover from
the rubber strip behind the left
door.
Roadside emergencies
131
ProCarManuals.com
Page 146 of 224
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Engine compartment component locations
Refer to the7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner's Guide Supplementfor diesel engine component locations.
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap (except 4.2L V6 engine)
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Air filter assembly
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Engine oil filler cap (4.2L V6 engine only)
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Brake fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Battery
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
12345678
910
Maintenance and care
146
ProCarManuals.com
Page 156 of 224

If you drive in extremely hot climates, it is still necessary to maintain the
coolant concentration at 50/50 coolant and water.Do not allow the
coolant concentration to fall below 40% coolant.At a concentration
less than 40%, the corrosion protection to your engine and cooling
components may be compromised and permanent damage may result.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The ªfail-safeº distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
²the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
²the
andsymbol will
illuminate.
²theService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
²the engine power will be limited.
²the air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
H
C
Maintenance and care
156
ProCarManuals.com
Page 157 of 224
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
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.
FULL COLD
Maintenance and care
157
ProCarManuals.com