
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for maintenance
intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
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“level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and care
217

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of“Regular”unleaded
gasoline.“Premium”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’Choicelogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”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:
•You 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.
•Your“Service Engine Soon”indicator may come on. For more
information on the“Service Engine Soon”indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
Maintenance and care
230

Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2.
Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the“Service Engine Soon/Check Engine”indicator comes on and stays
on after you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
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.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
Maintenance and care
231

Driving under special
conditions ..................................167
mud ..........................................166
sand .........................................166
snow and ice ...........................167
through water .................166, 168
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................194
Emission control system ..........235
Engine ........................................254
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................244
coolant .....................................208
fail-safe coolant ......................213
idle speed control ...................217
lubrication specifications ......251,
254
refill capacities ........................248
service points ..........................203
starting after a collision .........179
Engine block heater .................150
Engine oil ..................................203
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................203
checking and adding ..............203
dipstick ....................................203
filter, specifications ........205, 248
recommendations ...................205
refill capacities ........................248
specifications ..................251, 254
Exhaust fumes ..........................150
F
Fail safe cooling ........................213Floor mats ...................................92
Fluid capacities .........................248
Foglamps .....................................22
Four-Wheel Drive
vehicles ................................14, 163
control trac .......................24, 163
description ..............................164
driving off road .......................165
electronic shift ..................24, 164
indicator light ...........................14
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................158
Fuel ............................................227
calculating fuel economy .......232
cap ...........................................231
capacity ...................................248
choosing the right fuel ...........229
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................235
detergent in fuel .....................230
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................227, 231–232
filter, specifications ........231, 248
fuel pump shut-off switch .....179
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........232
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating ...................229, 254
quality ......................................230
running out of fuel .................230
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................227
Fuses ..................................181–182
G
Garage door opener ..............76, 84
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............231
Index
273

L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................23
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................241
cargo lamps ...............................22
daytime running light ...............21
fog lamps ...................................22
headlamps .................................21
headlamps, flash to pass ..........21
instrument panel, dimming .....22
interior lamps .............82–83, 242
replacing bulbs ...............236–241
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................68
Liftgate ........................................92
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................11
air suspension .........................157
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 153
anti-theft ...................................13
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................13
check coolant ............................13
cruise indicator .........................15
door ajar ....................................14
engine oil pressure ...................13
high beam .................................13
low fuel ......................................10
low washer fluid .......................14
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
speed control ............................73
turn signal indicator .................12
Load limits .................................168
GAWR ......................................168
GVWR ......................................168
trailer towing ..........................168
Loading instructions .................170Locks
autolock ...................................101
childproof ..................................89
doors ..........................................89
Lubricant specifications ...251, 254
Lumbar support, seats .............106
M
Message center .....................19, 78
english/metric button ...............19
menu button .............................20
Mirrors .........................................83
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................83
fold away ...................................91
heated ........................................90
programmable memory ..........100
side view mirrors (power) .......90
Moon roof ....................................77
Motorcraft parts ................231, 248
O
Octane rating ............................229
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................203
Overdrive .....................................75
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................97
Parking brake ............................154
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....248
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................23
Index
275