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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Washer fluid
Check the washer fluid
whenever you stop for
fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add
enough fluid to fill the
reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the
reservoir all the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford
specification . Refer toLubricant specificationsin
theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic
compounds may restrict the use of methanol, a
common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold
weather protection without damaging the vehicle's
paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant
reservoir. Washer fluid placed in the cooling
system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should
be checked at the mileage intervals in the scheduled
maintenance guide. The coolant concentration
should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36É C (-34É F).
Coolant concentration testing is possible with a
hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014±R1060).
Maintenance and care
157
Page 174 of 240
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when
they seem less effective. Substances such as tree sap
and some hot wax treatments used by commercial
car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and wiper blades using undiluted
windshield wiper solution or a mild detergent. Rinse
thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm
away from the
windshield and lock
into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an
angle from the wiper
arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the
blade and pull the
wiper blade down
toward the windshield
to remove it from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the wiper arm and press
it into place until a click is heard.
Maintenance and care
174
Page 200 of 240

Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas,
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.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any
surfaces which appear coarse or bumpy. If you have
wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described inCleaning the wiper
blades and windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris
may be repaired with the Ultra Touch Prep and
Finishing Kit (F7AZ-19K507±BA), Lacquer Touch-up
Paint (ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or Exterior Acrylic
Spray Lacquer (ALAZ-19500±XXXXA) from the Ford
Car Care Chemicals line. Please note that the part
numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with your
vehicle's specific coloring. Observe the application
instructions on the products.
Maintenance and care
200
Page 202 of 240

Cleaning the windshield, wiper blades and rear
window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the
wiper blade rubber element with undiluted
windshield washer solution or a mild detergent. To
avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel,
kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could
be caused by substances on the windshield or rear
window such as tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean
the outside of the windshield or rear window with a
non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford Ultra-Clear Spray
Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from
your Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on
glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield or
rear window is clean if beads do not form when you
rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and
wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis,
and blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
Convertible top and padded molding care
To avoid damage to the vinyl top and moldings, use
only an approved Ford cleaner, or equivalent. Do not
use stiff bristle brushes or abrasive materials or
cleaners.
Hot waxes applied by commercial car washes can
affect the cleanability of vinyl material.
Using high water pressure or wand-type car washes
against the convertible top and windows may cause
water leaks and possible seal damage.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean
because grease and dirt buildup keep the engine
warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean
the engine. The high pressure fluid could
penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
Maintenance and care
202
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C
Capacities for refilling
fluids ........................ 206
Cassette tape
player ......................... 34
Certification Label .. 211
Child safety
restraints ................... 94
child safety belts .... 94
Child safety seats ...... 95
attaching with tether
straps ....................... 99
in front seat ............ 97
in rear seat .............. 97
Cleaning your
vehicle ...................... 199
engine
compartment ......... 202
exterior .................. 200
exterior lamps ....... 201
instrument
cluster lens ............ 204
instrument panel .. 204
interior ........... 204±205
mirrors ................... 201
plastic parts .......... 201
safety belts ............ 204
washing .................. 199
waxing ................... 200
wheels .................... 201
windows ................ 204
wiper blades .......... 202
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or
Heating) ..................... 20
Clock .................... 33, 47
Clutch
adjusting ................ 156operation while
driving ................... 119
recommended shift
speeds .................... 120
Console ...................... 59
Controls
power seat ............... 74
Convertible ................ 61
cleaning ................. 202
installation of the
boot .......................... 62
lowering the
convertible top ........ 61
raising the convertible
top ............................ 63
Coolant
checking and
adding .................... 157
refill
capacities ....... 165, 206
specifications. 208±209
Cruise control (see
Speed control) .......... 53
Customer
Assistance ................ 129
Ford accessories for
your vehicle .......... 221
Ford Extended Service
Plan ........................ 212
Getting assistance
outside the U.S. and
Canada ................... 220
Getting roadside
assistance .............. 129
Getting the service
you need ............... 213
Ordering additional
owner's
literature ............... 225
Index
229
Page 235 of 240
Vehicle loading ........ 122
Ventilating your
vehicle ...................... 107
W
Warning chimes ......... 13
Warning lights (see
Lights) ......................... 8
Washer fluid ............ 157
Water, Driving
through .................... 128Windows
power ....................... 56
Windshield washer fluid
and wipers
checking and adding
fluid ........................ 157
checking and
cleaning ................. 174
operation ................. 51
replacing wiper
blades .................... 174
Wrecker towing ....... 146
Index
235