Transmission control indicator light (TCIL)
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive controlin theControls
and Featureschapter, has been
pushed turning the transmission
overdrive function OFF. When the TCIL (the word OFF on the gear
shift) light is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive
mode, refer to theDrivingchapter for transmission function and
operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control
Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
OVERDRIVE
Instrumentation
12
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Maintenance and care
161
Illumination of the ªService Engine Soonº light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and care
181
A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................83
and child safety seats ..............85
description ................................83
disposal ......................................87
driver air bag ............................85
indicator light .....................12, 87
operation ...................................85
passenger air bag .....................85
Air cleaner filter ...............149, 192
Air conditioning ..........................19
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................151
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................102±103
Audio system (see Radio) .........27
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................107
fluid, adding ............................158
fluid, checking ........................158
fluid, refill capacities ..............193
fluid, specification ..................199
Auxiliary power point .................26
Axle
lubricant specifications ..196, 199
refill capacities ........................193
traction lok ..............................105
B
Battery .......................................161
acid, treating emergencies .....161
charging system
warning light .............................12disconnecting ..........................163
jumping a disabled battery ....138
maintenance-free ....................161
replacement, specifications ...192
servicing ..................................161
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder .................................79
Brakes ........................................102
anti-lock ...........................102±103
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 102
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....150
fluid, refill capacities ..............193
fluid, specifications .........196, 199
lubricant specifications ..196, 199
shift interlock ..........................106
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....193
Child safety restraints ................88
child safety belts ......................88
Child safety seats ........................89
in front seat ..............................91
in rear seat ................................91
tether anchorage hardware .....93
Cleaning your vehicle ...............187
engine compartment ..............189
exterior ....................................188
exterior lamps .........................190
instrument cluster lens ..........191
instrument panel ....................190
interior .....................................191
plastic parts ............................190
safety belts ..............................191
washing ....................................187
waxing .....................................188
Index
216
Hood ..........................................145
I
Ignition .................................49, 199
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..89
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................181
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................190
cluster ................................10, 191
lighting up
panel and interior .....................19
location of components ............10
J
Jack ............................................131
positioning ...............................131
storage .....................................131
Jump-starting your vehicle ......138
K
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition ...........49
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................186
cargo lamps ...............................19
daytime running light ...............18
headlamps .................................18
headlamps, flash to pass ..........19
instrument panel, dimming .....19
interior lamps .....................59±60
replacing bulbs ...............182±186Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................50
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 102
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................13
engine oil pressure ...................13
high beam .................................13
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................109
GAWR ......................................109
GVWR ......................................109
trailer towing ..........................109
Loading instructions .................111
Lubricant specifications ...196, 199
Lumbar support, seats ...............68
M
Mirrors
fold away ...................................62
side view mirrors (power) .......61
Motorcraft parts ................176, 192
O
Octane rating ............................174
Odometer .....................................16
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................146
Overdrive .....................................55
Index
219