Page 9 of 240

Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position to remind you
to fasten your safety belts. For more information,
refer to theSeating and safety restraintschapter.
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.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily
illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON.
If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system serviced immediately.
Anti-theft system
Refer toSecuriLocky
passive anti-theft
systemin theControls
and featureschapter.
Service engine soon
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
computer that monitors
the engine's emission control system. This system is
commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics
System (OBD II). The OBD II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues
to meet government emission standards. The OBD II
system also assists the service technician in properly
servicing your vehicle.
AIR
BAG
THEFT
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
9
Page 171 of 240

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.
Maintenance and care
171
Page 191 of 240

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 ªService Engine Soonº 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 yourWarranty Guidefor complete
emission warranty information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to
pass an I/M test of the on-board diagnostics system.
If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light is
on, refer to the description in theWarning lights
and chimessection of theInstrumentation
chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
Maintenance and care
191
Page 228 of 240

A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........ 88
and child safety
seats ......................... 90
description .............. 88
disposal .................... 93
driver air bag .......... 91
indicator light ..... 9, 92
operation ................. 91
passenger air bag ... 91
Air cleaner filter ..... 206
Air conditioning ........ 20
manual heating and air
conditioning
system ..................... 20
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) ................... 157
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .... 108±109
Anti-theft system
warning light ............. 9
Audio system (see
Radio) ........................ 24
Automatic
transmission ............ 113
driving an automatic
overdrive ............... 115
fluid, adding .......... 167
fluid, checking ...... 167
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 206
fluid,
specification .......... 209
Auxiliary power
point ........................... 60Axle
lubricant
specifications. 208±209
refill capacities ...... 206
traction lok ............ 122
B
Battery ..................... 171
acid, treating
emergencies .......... 171
charging system
warning light ............. 9
jumping a disabled
battery ................... 141
maintenance-free .. 171
replacement,
specifications ........ 206
servicing ................ 171
voltage gauge .......... 17
Belt minder ............... 83
Brakes .............. 108, 110
anti-lock ......... 108±109
anti-lock brake
system (ABS) warning
light .................. 12, 109
brake warning
light .......................... 13
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 155
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 206
fluid,
specifications 208±209
lubricant
specifications 208±209
parking .................. 110
shift interlock ........ 113
Break-in period ........... 3
Index
228
Page 232 of 240

Instrument panel
cleaning ................. 204
cluster ................ 8, 204
lighting up panel and
interior ..................... 19
location of
components ............... 8
J
Jack .......................... 137
positioning ............. 137
storage ................... 137
Jump-starting your
vehicle ...................... 141
K
Keys ..................... 67±69
key in ignition
chime ....................... 13
positions of the
ignition .................... 52
removing from the
ignition .................. 122
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications
chart ...................... 197
cargo lamps ............. 19
daytime running
light .......................... 18
fog lamps ................. 19
headlamps ....... 18, 193
headlamps, flash to
pass .......................... 51
instrument panel,
dimming ................... 19interior
lamps ............... 56, 197
replacing
bulbs .............. 192±196
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...... 51
Lights, warning and
indicator ...................... 8
air bag ........................ 9
anti-lock brakes
(ABS) .............. 12, 109
anti-theft ................... 9
brake ........................ 13
charging system ........ 9
fuel cap light ........... 11
high beam ................. 8
low fuel .................... 11
overdrive off ............ 12
safety belt ................. 9
service engine soon .. 9
traction control
active ....................... 12
turn signal
indicator .................... 8
Load limits ............... 122
GAWR .................... 122
GVWR .................... 122
trailer towing ........ 122
Locks
doors ........................ 57
Lubricant
specifications ... 208±209
Lug nuts,
anti-theft .................. 140
Lumbar support,
seats ........................... 75
Index
232