
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 compounds.Wash hands after handling.
To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your automatic
transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an adaptive
learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift smoothness.
It is normal for your transaxle to shift abruptly during the first few
hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive strategy has
been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal
shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
Because your vehicle's engine is 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.
Maintenance and care
228

which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Low tire warning (if equipped)
The low tire warning system is designed to detect a significant loss of
inflation inany one of your tireson your vehicle. The system uses the
Anti-lock brake wheel speed sensors to detect a change in wheel speed
due to tire deflation.
When a tire loses inflation, the low
tire warning system detects the
change and illuminates the low tire
warning indicator light as shown.
If the light remains on while driving,
check the tire pressure refer toªChecking the tire pressureºin this
chapter. The low tire warning indicator light will also illuminate when
using a temporary spare, refer toªChanging the tiresºin this chapter.
The low tire warning system may not detect an under-inflated
tire under all conditions and is not a substitute for manually
checking tires regularly for proper inflation.
The low tire warning system should be reset whenever new tires
are installed, rotated or tire pressures are changed.
To reset the system, turn the
ignition to the ON position, press
and hold the ªTIRE RESETº switch
for three seconds. The low tire
warning indicator light will flash
three times as the low tire warning
system begins to initialize. The
Tire
Reset
Maintenance and care
232

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 theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights frequently:
²Headlamps
²Turn signals
²Cornering lamps (if equipped)
²Auxiliary parking lamps (if equipped)
²High-mount brakelamp
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamps
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be replaced immediately. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Maintenance and care
245

Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized ªD.O.T.º for North America and an
ªEº for Europe to assure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern
and safe visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly
or void the lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn
time.
Function Trade Number
Front park/turn lamps 3157 AK (amber)
Cornering lamps 3156K
Auxiliary parking lamps 912
Headlamps 9007
Rear license plate lamps 168
High-mount brake lamp 921
Rear turn lamps 3156K
Backup lamps 3156K
Brake/tail lamps 3157K
Dome lamp 921
Cargo liftgate lamp T-562
Map lamps/dome 578 (opt)
Stepwell lamp T-562
Front seat footwell 194
Front door mounted courtesy lamp 168
Second row reading lamp 578
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by a qualified service technician.
You will need one E8 Torx socket to make the adjustments.
Maintenance and care
250

5. Locate the vertical adjuster on each headlamp, then use an E8 Torx
socket to turn the adjuster either counterclockwise (to adjust up) or
clockwise (to adjust down) positioning the horizonal edge of the high
intensity light on the horizontal reference line.
6. HORIZONTAL AIM IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND IS
NON-ADJUSTABLE.
7. Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the Customer Assistance chapter for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
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.
Maintenance and care
252

A
Accessory delay ..........................86
AdvanceTrac ..............................170
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........144±145, 149
and child safety seats ............146
description ......................145, 149
disposal ....................................151
driver air bag ..................147, 150
indicator light ...................10, 147
operation .........................147, 150
passenger air bag ...........147, 150
side air bag ..............................149
Air cleaner filter .......................257
Air conditioning ..........................29
Air filter, cabin ..........................224
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................215
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................167±168
Anti-theft system ......................112
arming the system ..................112
disarming a
triggered system .....................113
warning light ...............................9
Audio system (see Radio) ...39, 63
Automatic transaxle .................173
driving with .............................175
fluid, adding ............................222
fluid, checking ........................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............258
fluid, specification ..................261
Auxiliary power point ...............116
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........259B
Battery .......................................227
acid, treating emergencies .....227
charging system warning light ..8
jumping a disabled battery ....202
maintenance-free ....................227
replacement, specifications ...257
servicing ..................................227
Belt minder ...............................140
Brakes ........................................167
anti-lock ...........................167±168
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 168
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....214
fluid, refill capacities ..............258
fluid, specifications .........259, 261
lubricant specifications ..259, 261
parking ....................................168
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............78
shift interlock ..........................173
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....258
Cargo net ...................................118
Certification Label ....................262
Child safety restraints ..............152
child safety belts ....................152
Child safety seats ......................153
in front seat ............................154
in rear seat ......................154, 156
LATCH .....................................161
tether anchorage hardware ...157
Cleaning your vehicle ...............252
engine compartment ..............254
Index
278

daytime running lights .............27
flash to pass ..............................28
high beam ...........................10, 27
replacing bulbs .......................246
turning on and off ....................27
warning chime ..........................14
Heating ........................................29
heater only system ...................29
rear seat controls .....................37
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see
Garage door opener) ......90, 92±94
Hood ..........................................209
I
Ignition .................................79, 261
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................153
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................245
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................255
cluster ..................................8, 255
lighting up panel and interior .28
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ............................................196
positioning ...............................196
storage .....................................196
Jump-starting your vehicle ......202
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................110
locking and unlocking doors ..112programming entry code .......111
Keys ...................................113±115
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition ...........79
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................29
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................250
cargo lamps ...............................28
daytime running light ...............27
headlamps .................................27
headlamps, flash to pass ..........28
instrument panel, dimming .....28
interior lamps .....................95±97
replacing bulbs ...............245±249
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................82
Liftgate ..............................117±118
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 168
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ..........................................10
charging system ..........................8
check engine .............................11
door ajar ....................................13
fuel cap light .............................12
fuel reset ...................................13
high beam ...........................10, 13
low fuel ........................................8
low washer fluid .......................13
oil pressure ...............................10
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt ...................................9
traction control active ................8
traction control off .....................9
turn signal indicator ...................9
Index
281