Page 123 of 240

²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of
cargo, passengers and optional equipment. The
payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating
minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight
plus payload weight. The GVW is not a limit or a
specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):
Maximum total weight of the base vehicle,
passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on
the Safety Certification Label on the driver's door
pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying
capacity for each axle system. The GAWR is
specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The
combined weight of the towing vehicle (including
passengers and cargo) and the trailer.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):
Maximum combined weight of towing vehicle
(including passengers and cargo) and the trailer.
The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight
that the vehicle is designed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum
weight of a trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow.
The maximum trailer weight rating is determined
by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight of
the driver from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a
trailer the loaded vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is determined
by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer
towing vehicle from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
Driving
123
Page 125 of 240

tongue load of 45 kg (100 lbs.). Do not tow a trailer
until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your
vehicle's engine, transaxle, brakes, tires and
suspension. Inspect these components carefully after
towing.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight exceeds
the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss
of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and
make sure it is properly attached to your vehicle.
See your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer if you
require assistance.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. To
connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning
corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that
the rental agency gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type
trailer brakes are safe if installed properly and
adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Driving
125
Page 127 of 240

Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before
starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle
trailer combination. When turning, make wider
turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and
other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer
attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the
loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles),
thoroughly check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in
hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and
increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and
air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain
combination to tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground (such as behind a recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged due to insufficient
lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities
with rear wheel drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your
vehicle behind a Motorhome. The following
recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
Driving
127
Page 128 of 240

If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56
km/h (35 mph) must be exceeded, you must
disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft
can cause transmission fluid loss, damage to
the driveshaft and internal transmission
components.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water,
especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brake
capability may be limited and if the ignition system
gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also
enter your engine's air intake and severely damage
your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is
unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive
through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims
(for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry
brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the
brake pedal.
Driving through deep water where the
transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
Driving
128
Page 131 of 240
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not
start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
activated.
The fuel pump shut-off
switch is located on
the left side of the
trunk behind teh left
rear tail light and the
trunk liner.
Use the following procedure to reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch by pushing in on the reset button.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a
few seconds and return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical
components in the
vehicle are not
working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown
fuses are identified by a broken wire within the fuse.
15
Roadside emergencies
131
Page 133 of 240
The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
1 20A Cigar Lighter
2 20A Engine Controls
3 Ð Not Used
4 10A RH Low Beam Headlamp
5 15A Instrument Cluster, Traction
Control Switch
6 20A Starter Motor Relay
7 15A GEM, Interior Lamps
8 20A Engine C ontrols
9 Ð Not Used
10 10A LH Low Beam Headlamp
11 15A Back-Up Lamps
12 Ð Not Used
13 15A Electronic Flasher
14 Ð Not Used
15 15A Power Lumbar
16 Ð Not Used
17 15A Speed Control Servo, Shift Lock
Actuator
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR FUSE INFO
4212345
76891011
131214151617
191820212223
252426272829
313032333435
373638394041
43
44
Roadside emergencies
133
Page 134 of 240
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
18 15A Electronic Flasher
19 15A Power Mirror Switch, GEM,
Anti-Theft Relay, Power Door
Locks, Door Ajar Switches
20 15A Convertible Top Switch
21 5A Instrument Cluster and Engine
Control Memory
22 Ð Not Used
23 15A A/C Clutch, Defogger Switch
24 30A Climate Control Blower Motor
25 25A Luggage Compartment Lid
Release
26 30A Wiper/Washer Motor, Wiper
Relays
27 25A Radio
28 15A GEM, Overdrive Cancel Switch
29 15A ABS Module
30 15A DRL Module
31 10A Data Link Connector
32 15A Radio, CD Player, GEM
33 15A Stop Lamp Switch, Speed
Control Deactivation Switch
34 20A Instrument Cluster, CCRM, Data
Link Connector, Securilock
Transceiver Module
35 15A Shift Lock Actuator, PCM, Speed
Control Servo, ABS Module
36 15A Airbag Control Module
37 5A Adjustable Illumination
38 20A Highbeams
39 5A GEM
40 Ð Not Used
41 15A Brake Lamp
42 Ð Not Used
43 20A CB Power Windows
44 Ð Not Used
Roadside emergencies
134
Page 135 of 240
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine
compartment. The power distribution box contains
high-current fuses that protect your vehicle's main
electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before
servicing high current fuses.
Always replace the cover to the Power
Distribution Box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and
reconnected, refer to theBatterysection of the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Roadside emergencies
135