CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide
for the service interval schedules.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25–A. Refer toCapacities and specifications.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
For vehicles equipped with the 6–speed manual transmission,
during normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant or rise slightly. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid
level to the step in the reservoir.
For vehicles equipped with the 5–speed manual transmission,
during normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir will drop
slightly. As this occurs, refill the fluid level to the step in the reservoir.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
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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.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compunds.Wash hands after handling.
For information on transmission operation after the battery has been
disconnected see “Shift strategy” in the driving section.
Because your vehicle’s engine is also electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
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•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
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Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle’s paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories (such as antennas) and fold in the side
view mirrors before entering a car wash. If you have wax applied to the
vehicle at a commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the
wiper blades and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades
and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................80
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................107
and child safety seats ............109
description ..............................107
disposal ....................................111
driver air bag ..........................109
indicator light ...................11, 111
operation .................................109
passenger air bag ...................109
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................112
Air cleaner filter .......217–218, 249
Air conditioning ..........................29
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................206
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................131–132
Audio system (see Radio) ...35, 56
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................137
fluid, adding ............................214
fluid, checking ........................214
fluid, refill capacities ..............249
fluid, specification ..................256
Auxiliary power point ...........29, 83
Axle
lubricant specifications ..253, 256
refill capacities ........................249
traction lok ..............................134
B
Battery .......................................219acid, treating emergencies .....219
charging system
warning light .............................13
jumping a disabled battery ....191
maintenance-free ....................219
replacement, specifications ...249
servicing ..................................219
voltage gauge ............................19
Belt minder ...............................103
Brakes ........................................131
anti-lock ...........................131–132
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........13, 132
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....204
fluid, refill capacities ..............249
fluid, specifications .........253, 256
lubricant specifications ..253, 256
parking ....................................133
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................26
shift interlock ..........................136
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....249
Certification Label ....................261
Child safety restraints ..............117
child safety belts ....................117
Child safety seats ......................118
attaching with tether straps ..122
in front seat ............................119
in rear seat ..............................119
tether anchorage hardware ...122
Cleaning your vehicle ...............243
engine compartment ..............246
exterior ............................244–245
exterior lamps .........................246
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calculating .......................154, 156
definition .................................154
driving with a heavy load ......154
location ....................................154
H
Hazard flashers .........................168
Headlamps ...................................24
aiming ......................................243
autolamp system .......................24
daytime running lights .............25
flash to pass ..............................25
high beam ...........................13, 25
replacing bulbs ...............237–238
turning on and off ....................24
warning chime ..........................15
Heating ........................................29
heater only system ...................29
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................31
Hood ..........................................199
I
Ignition .................................71, 256
removing the key ....................144
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................118
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................236
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................247
cluster ................................10, 247
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................26
location of components ............10J
Jack ............................................179
positioning ...............................179
storage .....................................179
Jump-starting your vehicle ......191
K
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition ...........71
removing from the ignition ....144
L
Lamps
autolamp system ...............24, 237
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................243
cargo lamps ...............................26
daytime running light ...............25
fog lamps ...................................26
headlamps .................................24
headlamps, flash to pass ..........25
instrument panel, dimming .....26
replacing bulbs ...............237–242
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................72
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................11
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....13, 132
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................13
check coolant ............................14
cruise indicator .........................14
door ajar ....................................14
engine oil pressure ...................14
high beam .................................13
low fuel ......................................10
Index
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