Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer toBulbsin theMaintenance and carechapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer toSecuriLockypassive
anti-theft systemin theControls
and featureschapter.
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.
Check gage
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high, the engine oil
pressure is low or the fuel gauge is
at or near empty. The ignition must
be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also stay
illuminated after the ignition is turned to the ON position. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gauge, Engine oil pressure gaugeor
Fuel gaugein this chapter for more information.
THEFT
CHECK
GAGE
Instrumentation
11
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.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
Maintenance and care
200
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº 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.
Maintenance and care
219
A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................112
and child safety seats ............114
description ..............................112
disposal ....................................117
driver air bag ..........................115
indicator light ...................10, 117
operation .................................115
passenger air bag ...................115
Air cleaner filter ...............190, 233
Air conditioning ..........................20
rear seat controls .....................23
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................191
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..............................132±133
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) .........27
Automatic transmission ............136
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................137
fluid, adding ............................196
fluid, checking ........................196
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
fluid, specification ..................238
Auxiliary power point .................73
Axle
lubricant specifications ..235, 238
refill capacities ........................233
traction lok ..............................135
B
Battery .......................................200acid, treating emergencies .....200
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....174
maintenance-free ....................200
replacement, specifications ...233
servicing ..................................200
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................108
Brakes ........................................132
anti-lock ...........................132±133
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 133
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....188
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
fluid, specifications .........235, 238
lubricant specifications ..235, 238
parking ....................................133
shift interlock ..........................136
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....233
Cargo cage ...................................76
Cassette tape player ...................37
Certification Label ....................240
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................119
attaching with tether straps ..124
in front seat ............................121
in rear seat ......................121, 123
Cleaning your vehicle ...............227
engine compartment ..............229
exterior ............................228, 232
exterior lamps .........................230
Index
254
driving with a heavy load ......148
location ....................................148
H
Hazard flashers .........................159
Head restraints .....................96, 99
Headlamps ...................................18
aiming ..............................225±226
bulb specifications ..................224
daytime running lights .............18
flash to pass ..............................19
high beam ...........................11, 19
replacing bulbs .......................221
turning on and off ....................18
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................20
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................20
Hood ..........................................183
I
Ignition .................................56, 238
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................119
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................220
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................230
cluster ..................................8, 231
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................19
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ............................................168
positioning ...............................168storage .....................................168
Jump-starting your vehicle ......174
K
Keyless entry system .................88
autolock .....................................91
keypad .......................................88
locking and unlocking doors ....90
programming entry code .........89
Keys .......................................92±94
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........56
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................224
cargo lamps ...............................19
daytime running light ...............18
fog lamps ...................................18
headlamps .................................18
headlamps, flash to pass ..........19
instrument panel, dimming .....19
interior lamps ...................67, 225
replacing bulbs ...............220±224
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................55
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 133
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
fuel cap light ...............................9
Index
257