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R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. You should always come
to a complete stop before shifting
into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in the N
(Neutral) position, the vehicle can
be started and is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this
position.
(Overdrive) Ð column mounted gearshift with O/D off switch
The(Overdrive) position with
the O/D OFF switchnotdepressed
is the normal driving position for
this automatic overdrive transaxle.
When your vehicle cruises at a
constant speed for any length of time, this fourth gear will increase your
fuel economy.
(Overdrive) may not be
appropriate for certain terrains. If
the transaxle shifts back and forth
between third and fourth gears
while you are driving hilly roads or
if your vehicle requires additional power for climbing hills, press the O/D
OFF switch.
The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the vehicle is
started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when the vehicle was
last shut off.
If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off repeatedly when the
vehicle is started or does not come on when the O/D OFF control is
pressed, it means that there is a transaxle electronic system malfunction.
You should contact your dealer as soon as possible or damage to the
transaxle could occur.
O/D
ON/OFF
Driving
176
Page 243 of 288

²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close 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:
Maintenance and care
243
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exterior ............................252±253
exterior lamps .........................254
instrument cluster lens ..........255
instrument panel ....................255
interior .............................255±257
mirrors .....................................254
plastic parts ............................253
safety belts ..............................256
washing ....................................252
waxing .....................................253
wheels ......................................253
windows ..................................256
wiper blades ............................254
woodtone trim ........................256
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clock ..........................42, 50, 59, 73
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................24
Console ......................................101
overhead ....................................96
Controls
power seat ...............................120
Coolant
checking and adding ..............215
refill capacities ................220, 258
specifications ..................259, 261
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................79
Cupholder(s) .............................123
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................272
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................264
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............271
Getting roadside assistance ...185Getting the
service you need ....................264
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................275
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................267
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............270
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................38
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................222
engine oil .................................211
Doors
door ajar warning .....................13
lubricant specifications ..........259
power sliding ............................98
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................178
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................202
Emission control system ..........243
Engine ........................................261
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................11
cleaning ...................................254
coolant .....................................215
idle speed control ...................227
Index
279