Page 197 of 272

Note: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 listed 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). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the ªcold fullº of ªcold fill rangeº level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding Engine Coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50±50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
²Freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²Boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
²Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
²2.3L engines
Maintenance and care
197
Page 253 of 272

Board membership
The Board consists of:
²three consumer representatives
²a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership representative
Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by
an independent consulting firm. The dealership Board member is chosen
from Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership management, recognized for
their business leadership qualities.
What the Board needs
To have your case reviewed you must complete the application in the
DSB brochure and mail it to the address provided on the application
form. Some states will require you to use certified mail, with return
receipt requested.
Your application is reviewed and, if it is determined to be eligible, you
will receive an acknowledgment indicating:
²the file number assigned to your application
²the toll-free phone number of the DSB's independent administrator
Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company representative will then be
asked to submit statements.
To properly review your case, the Board needs the following information:
²legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair orders
relevant to the case
²the year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed
on your vehicle ownership license
²the date of repair(s) and mileage at the time of occurrence(s)
²the current mileage
²the name of the dealer(s) who sold or serviced the vehicle
²a brief description of your unresolved concern
²a brief summary of the action taken by the dealer(s) and Ford Motor
Company
²the names (if known) of all the people you contacted at the
dealership(s)
²a description of the action you expect to resolve your concern
You will receive a letter of explanation if your application does not
qualify for Board review.
Customer assistance
253
Page 265 of 272

lubrication specifications ......243,
245
refill capacities ........................240
service points ..................186±188
starting after a collision .........159
Engine block heater .................126
Engine oil ..................................189
checking and adding ..............189
dipstick ....................................189
filter, specifications ........193, 240
recommendations ...................193
refill capacities ........................240
specifications ..................243, 245
Exhaust fumes ..........................127
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....215
Fluid capacities .........................240
Foglamps .....................................20
Four-Wheel Drive
vehicles ................................14, 138
control trac ...............................27
description ..............................139
driving off road .......................141
electronic shift ..................27, 139
indicator light .........................139
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................131
Fuel ............................................215
calculating fuel economy .......222
cap .....................................11, 218
capacity ...................................240
choosing the right fuel ...........219
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................225
detergent in fuel .....................221
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................215, 218, 222filter, specifications ........221, 240
fuel pump shut-off switch .....159
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........222
octane rating ...........219, 245±246
quality ......................................220
running out of fuel .................221
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................215
Fuses ..................................161±162
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......11, 218
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................222
Gauges .........................................16
battery voltage gauge ...............19
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........19
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................18
speedometer .............................18
tachometer ................................17
trip odometer ............................18
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................144
calculating ...............................146
definition .................................144
driving with a heavy load ......144
location ....................................144
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................144
calculating .......................144, 146
definition .................................144
driving with a heavy load ......144
location ....................................144
Index
265