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Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled 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.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make 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 ACTIVE is
displayed on the message center. 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 Controlysystem off. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrumentationchapter.
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 Controlyfunction 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 and your vehicle should be serviced.
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.
Driving
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Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Similarly in Canada, you may purchase additional coverage beyond the
basic coverage period by consulting the Ford Roadside Assistance Club
brochure or by calling 1±877±294±CLUB (1±877±294±2582).
HAZARD FLASHER
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The hazard flashers can be operated when the
ignition is off.
²The hazard lights control is
located on top of the steering
column.
²Depress hazard lights control to
activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
RESETTING THE FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FUEL
RESET
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.
The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located behind an access door to the
left of the driver's seat on the
B-pillar.
Roadside emergencies
133
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Use the following procedure to reset the fuel pump shut-off switch.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump shut-off switch by
pushing in on the reset button.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a few seconds and
return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause
severe wire damage and could start a fire.
15
Roadside emergencies
134
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Engine oil ..................................153
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................153
checking and adding ..............153
dipstick ....................................153
filter, specifications ........155, 200
recommendations ...................155
refill capacities ........................200
specifications ..................201±202
Exhaust fumes ..........................115
F
Floor mats ...................................69
Fluid capacities .........................200
Fuel ............................................176
calculating
fuel economy ....................23, 181
cap ...........................................178
capacity ...................................200
choosing the right fuel ...........179
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................184
detergent in fuel .....................180
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................176, 178, 181
filter, specifications ........180, 200
fuel filler door override ............68
fuel filler door release ..............68
fuel pump shut-off switch .....133
gauge .........................................12
improving fuel economy ........181
octane rating ...................179, 202
quality ......................................179
running out of fuel .................180
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................176
Fuses ..................................134±135G
Garage door opener ....................57
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............178
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................181
Gauges .........................................12
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................13
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................13
speedometer .............................13
tachometer ................................13
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....126
definition .................................126
driving with a heavy load ......126
location ....................................126
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............126
calculating ...............................126
definition .................................126
driving with a heavy load ......126
location ....................................126
H
Hazard flashers .........................133
Head restraints ...........................84
Headlamps ...................................25
aiming ..............................192±194
autolamp system .......................26
bulb specifications ..................191
daytime running lights .............25
flash to pass ..............................26
high beam ...........................10, 26
replacing bulbs .......................186
turning on and off ..............10, 25
warning chime ..........................12
Index
220