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The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as ªRegularº that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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169
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Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come on. For more
information on the ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
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170
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²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
Maintenance and care
172
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specifications ..................191±192
Exhaust fumes ............................97
F
Floor mats ...................................56
Fluid capacities .........................190
Foglamps .....................................45
Fuel ............................................166
calculating fuel economy .......171
cap .....................................12, 168
capacity ...................................190
choosing the right fuel ...........169
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................174
detergent in fuel .....................170
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................166, 168, 171
filter, specifications ........171, 189
fuel pump shut-off switch .....115
gauge .........................................14
improving fuel economy ........171
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ...........169, 192±193
quality ......................................170
running out of fuel .................170
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................166
Fuses ..................................117, 119
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......12, 168
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................171
Gauges .........................................13
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
fuel gauge ..................................14odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................15
tachometer ................................16
trip odometer ............................16
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................109
definition .................................109
driving with a heavy load ......109
location ....................................109
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................109
calculating ...............................109
definition .................................109
driving with a heavy load ......109
location ....................................109
H
Hazard flashers .........................115
Head restraints ...........................65
Headlamps ...................................44
aiming ..............................181±183
bulb specifications ..................181
daytime running lights .............44
flash to pass ..............................45
high beam ...........................11, 45
replacing bulbs .......................176
turning on and off ....................44
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................38
heater only system ...................38
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................40
Hood ..........................................138
I
Ignition .........................44, 192±193
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..86
Index
211