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Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification or Tire Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size,
speed rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow tires
and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is recommended
that steel wheels are used of the same size and specifications as those
originally installed.
Maintenance and care
191
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Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Use only cable type chains offered by Ford as an accessory or
equivalent. SAE class ªSº or other conventional link type chains may
cause damage to the vehicle's wheel house and/or body.
²Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and cables.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.
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.
Maintenance and care
192
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Servicing your vehicle ..............162
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................222, 226
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................224, 226
Speed control ..............................53
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ........122, 124
jump starting ..........................156
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................58
T
Tachometer .................................15
Tires ...........................152, 188±190
changing ..........................152±153
checking the pressure ............190
replacing ..................................191
rotating ....................................190
snow tires and chains ............191
tire grades ...............................189
treadwear ................................189
Towing .......................................139
recreational towing .................142
trailer towing ..........................139
wrecker ....................................161
Traction control ..................52, 130
active light ..................................8
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............132
fluid, refill capacities ..............223
lubricant specifications ..........226
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................178lubricant specifications ..........224
Trip odometer .............................16
Trunk .........................67, 69, 71, 83
remote release ..........................66
Turn signal ..............................8, 56
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................226
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................229
Vehicle loading ..........................137
Ventilating your vehicle ...........126
W
Warning chimes .....................13±14
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................170
Water, Driving through .............138
Windows
power .........................................62
rear wiper/washer .....................57
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....170
checking and cleaning ....187±188
liftgate reservoir .....................171
operation ...................................56
replacing wiper blades ...........188
Wrecker towing .........................161
Index
248