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.
Maintenance and care
220
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
•Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
•Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(3 miles).
•Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Certification Label. Tire pressure information can also be found on the
Tire Information label located on the inside of the fuel filler door.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
The following procedure applies to vehicles equipped with single rear
wheels, if your vehicle is equipped with dual rear wheels it is
recommended that only the front wheels be rotated (side to side).
•Four tire rotation
Maintenance and care
224
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
Maintenance and care
227
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2.
Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the “Service Engine Soon/Check Engine” indicator comes on and stays
on after you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
Maintenance and care
231
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Maintenance and care
235
fail-safe coolant ......................211
idle speed control ...................219
lubrication
specifications ..................253, 256
refill capacities ........................249
service points ..........................200
starting after a collision .........168
Engine block heater .................129
Engine oil ..................................201
checking and adding ..............201
dipstick ....................................201
filter, specifications ........203, 249
recommendations ...................203
refill capacities ........................249
specifications ..................253, 256
Exhaust fumes ..........................129
F
Fail safe cooling ........................211
Fluid capacities .........................249
Foglamps .....................................26
Four-Wheel Drive
vehicles ................................13, 145
control trac ...............................27
description ..............................149
driving off road .......................151
electronic shift ..........27, 145, 149
indicator light ...................14, 146
lever operated shift ................147
manual locking hubs ..............146
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................135
Fuel ............................................227
calculating fuel economy .......232
cap ...........................................231
capacity ...................................249
choosing the right fuel ...........229comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................235
detergent in fuel .....................230
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................227, 231–232
filter, specifications ........231, 249
fuel pump shut-off switch .....168
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........232
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating ...................229, 256
quality ......................................230
running out of fuel .................230
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................227
Fuses ..................................170–171
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............231
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................232
Gauges .........................................16
battery voltage gauge ...............19
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........19
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................18
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................18
trip odometer ............................18
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................154
calculating ...............................156
definition .................................154
driving with a heavy load ......154
location ....................................154
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................154
Index
280
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
281
Item Information
Required fuel Unleaded fuel only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity Refer toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
Engine oil (includes
filter change)5.7L (6.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-H.
Tire size and pressure Refer to the Certification Label inside of
driver’s door
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of the
instrument panel.
Coolant capacity Refer toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
Power steering fluid
capacityFill to line on reservoir. Use Motorcraft
MERCONAT F.
Manual transmission
(5-speed)
23.2L (3.4 quarts). Use Synthetic MERCON
AT F.3
Manual transmission
(6-speed)25.5L (5.8 quarts). Use Motorcraft MERCON
AT F.3
Automatic
transmission fluid
capacity
2
16.7L (17.7 quarts). Use Motorcraft MERCON
AT F.4
1
Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
Filling station information
287