
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle).
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake and push the handle
down as far as possible to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
Traction Controlyhelps the driver maintain the stability and steerability
of the vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road
surfaces. The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
The system borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements
already present in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. The system limits front
wheel spin by automatically applying and releasing the front brakes in
conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
front wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
!
BRAKE
Driving
169

The Traction Controlysystem will assist you in making better use of
available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid which
makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice covered
roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation, TRACTION CONTROL OK is
displayed on the message center (if equipped). You may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from the engine compartment and the
engine will not ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow
or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controly
system off with the traction control
switch located on the left hand side
of the radio. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out
or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is
cycled excessively, the brake portion of the system will shut down to
prevent the front brakes from overheating. A limited Traction Controly
function using only engine torque reduction will still control wheels from
over-spinning. When the front brakes have cooled down, the system will
again function normally. Anti-lock braking is not affected by this
condition and will function normally during the cool down period.
If a system fault is detected, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL is displayed
on the message center, the ªT/C OFFº warning indicator lamp is on and
your vehicle should be serviced.
AdvanceTracYStability Enhancement System (if equipped)
The AdvanceTracysystem helps the driver maintain the stability and
steer-ability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking
system (ABS), Traction Controlyand a more advanced function to
further enhance the stability of the vehicle. The system shares many of
the electronic and mechanical elements already present in the Traction
Controlyand ABS systems.
AdvanceTracyconstantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to the
driver's intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
T/C
Driving
170

If you find yourself regularly experiencing AdvanceTracyevents,
you are driving too fast for conditions, you should reduce your
speed, and drive less aggressively. Speed Control should NOT be used
under these conditions. AdvanceTrac is limited by the laws of physics.
It is always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver inputs for the conditions. The occurrence of an AdvanceTracy
event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may cause you to lose control of the
vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal injury or property
damage.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²uneven vehicle loading
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn suspension components
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
Driving
173

Your automatic overdrive transaxle
provides fully automatic operation in
either
(Overdrive) or with the
O/D OFF switch depressed. Driving
with the gearshift lever in
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions.
For manual control start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the
engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P
(Park).
Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position, gradually
release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as necessary.
Understanding gearshift positions
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 firmly 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.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop and
set the parking brake before shifting
into P (Park). Make sure the
gearshift lever is securely latched in
P (Park). This locks the transaxle
and prevent the front wheels from rotating.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
O/D
ON/OFF
P R N D 2 1
Driving
175

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford offers a
complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate
from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available:
²24±hours, seven days a week
²for the Basic warranty period (Canada) or New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period (U.S.) of three years or 60 000 km (36 000 miles),
whichever comes first on Ford and Mercury vehicles, and four years or
80 000 km (50 000 miles) on Lincoln vehicles
Roadside assistance will cover:
²changing a flat tire
²jump-starts
²lock-out assistance
²fuel delivery
²towing of your disabled vehicle up to 56.3 kms (35 miles) from the
point of pickup (this can include to the nearest Ford dealership, or
your selling dealer if within the specified distance.) One tow per
disablement. Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or getting
stuck in the mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply, such
as impound towing or repossession).
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, the card is
found in the Roadside Assistance book in the glove compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States for Ford or Mercury
vehicles, call 1±800±241±3673 or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call
1±800±521±4140. In Canada call 1±800±665±2006.
Should you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford will
reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain information about
reimbursement, call 1±800±241±3673 in the United States for Ford or
Mercury vehicles; or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call 1±800±521±4140.
Call 1±800±665±2006 in Canada.
Roadside emergencies
185

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
5 20A Console Power Point
6 15A Radio, Compact Disc Changer, Remote
Keyless Entry Module, PSD (Power Sliding
Door) Module RH and LH, Rear Seat Radio
Controller (if equipped), Rear Seat
Entertainment Module (if equipped)
7 15A Left Rear Turn Lamp, Right Backup Lamp,
Right Stop Lamp, Right Rear Park Lamp,
Right License Lamp, Left License Lamp, LH
Backup Lamp
8 20A Rear Electronic Module (RHF/RH
Sliding/LH Sliding/Liftgate Door Lock
Motors, Aux. Air Blend Door Motor, Aux.
Air Mode Door Motor)
9 10A Cluster, Powertrain Control Module Relay
(coil)
10 15A Heated Backlite Relay (coil), Speed Control
Module, ABS Module or IVD Module, Heat
Seat Switch (RH/LH) (if equipped), Heated
Seat Module (RH/LH) (if equipped),
Cluster, Front Temp Blend Door Actuator,
Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid, Powertrain
Control Module, Power Sliding Door
Module RH and LH, Reverse Sensing
System, Front A/C Control Head, Steering
Wheel Angle Sensor (if equipped)
11 15A Electric Brake Controller, Brake Shift
Interlock Solenoid, Rear Electronic Module
12 20A Center High-Mount Stop Lamp
13 10A Right Rear Turn Lamp, Left Stop Lamp,
Left Rear Park Lamp
14 10A Autolamp Sensor, Transmission Overdrive
Cancel Switch, Front Electronic Module,
Compass Module, Electrochromatic Mirror,
Power Sliding Door Overhead Console
Switch
15 20A Console Power Point
Roadside emergencies
191

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
16 10A Cluster
17 20A Cigar Lighter/Powerpoint, Datalink
Connector
18 15A LH Quarter Window Motor, RH Quarter
Window Motor, RH Window Switch
Backlighting, RH Lock Switch Backlighting,
Master Control Switch (LH) Backlighting,
Radio, Video Cassette Player, Liquid Crystal
Display, Front Electronic Module
19 10A Starter Interrupt Relay (coil)
20 Ð Not Used
21 Ð Not Used
22 10A LH Heated Mirror, RH Heated Mirror
23 20A Body Powerpoint, Auxiliary Blower Relay
#1 and #2 Coils
24 Ð Not Used
25 10A Radio (Anti-theft)
26 10A Airbag Module, Passenger airbag
deactivated indicator, Passenger Seat
Weight Pressure sensor ECU
27 Ð Not Used
28 10A Cluster
29 Ð Not Used
Relay 1 Ð Switched System Power Relay #4
Relay 2 Ð Accessory Delay Relay
Relay 3 Ð Front Blower Motor Relay
Relay 4 Ð Switched System Power Relay #3
Relay 5 Ð Rear Defrost Relay
Relay 6 Ð Auxiliary Blower Motor Relay
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle's main electrical systems from overloads.
Roadside emergencies
192

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
7 25A* Rear Wiper Motor, Rear Washer Pump, Rear
Wiper Relay (coil)
8 Ð Not Used
9 15A* Right Headlamp (Low and High Beam)
10 15A* Right Front Park Lamp, Right Front Turn
Lamp, Right Front Cornering Lamp, Right
Front Auxiliary Driving Lamp
11 15A* Left Front Park Lamp, Left Front Turn
Lamp, Left Front Cornering Lamp, Left
Front, Auxiliary Driving Lamp
12 15A* Left Headlamp (Low and High Beam)
13 10A* Alternator Field Sense
14 10A* Front Electronic Module (LH Door Lock
Motor)
15 20A* T/T park Lamps
16 20A* T/T Turn Lamps
17 Ð Not Used
18 Ð Not Used
19 15A* AX4S Transaxle, Vapor Management Valve,
A/C Clutch Relay Coil, EGR Control
Solenoid, Engine Fuel Control HO2S #11
Sensor, Engine Fuel Control HO2S #21
Sensor, Catalyst Monitor HO2S #12 Sensor,
Catalyst Monitor HO2S #22 Sensor,
Canister Vent Solenoid, Intake Manifold
Runner Control
20 15A* Ignition Coil, Intake Air Control Valve, Fuel
Injectors #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, Mass Air
Flow Sensor, Fuel Pump Relay Coil, Intake
Manifold Runner Control, HI-Speed Cooling
Fan Relay Coil, LO-Speed Cooling Fan
Relay Coil, Powertrain Control Module,
Passive Anti-Theft Receiver
21 Ð Not Used
22 Ð Not Used
Roadside emergencies
194