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4. Check the fluid level in thereservoir. It should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. Do not
add fluid if the level is in this
range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines.
Be sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking. 1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
MAXMIN
Maintenance and care
177
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5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fueleconomy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
² Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
² Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
² Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
² Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
² Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
² Slow down gradually.
² Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
² Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
² Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
² You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
² Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
² Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
Maintenance and care
196
Page 228 of 232

Instrument panelcleaning ...................................210
cluster ..........................................8
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................18
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ............................................142 positioning ...............................142
storage .....................................142
Jump-starting your vehicle ......147
K
Keys .......................................61±63 key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition ...........39
L
Lamps bulb replacement
specifications chart ................204
cargo lamps ...............................18
daytime running light ...............49
fog lamps ...................................50
headlamps .................................49
headlamps, flash to pass ..........50
instrument panel, dimming .....18
interior lamps ...................48, 204
replacing bulbs .......200, 202±204
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................50
Liftgate ........................................56
Lights, warning and indicator ......8 air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 108
anti-theft ...................................11 brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................12
cruise indicator .........................11
door ajar ....................................12
fuel cap light .............................14
high beam .................................11
low coolant ................................13
low fuel ........................................9
oil pressure ...............................12
overdrive off ..............................13
safety belt .................................10
service engine soon ....................8
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................124 GAWR ......................................124
GVWR ......................................124
trailer towing ..........................124
Loading instructions .................126
Locks childproof ..................................53
doors ..........................................52
Lubricant specifications ...........214
M
Manual transaxle .......................116 fluid, checking and adding ....179
reverse .....................................118
Manual transmission fluid capacities ........................212
Mirrors cleaning ...................................211
fold away ...................................19
side view mirrors (power) .......18
Moon roof ....................................47
Motorcraft parts ........................194
Index
228