3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
10987
123456
Maintenance and care
164
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. 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
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine
compartmentin this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
crosshatch zone may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid
may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
Maintenance and care
178
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Classification Application Capacity
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(including filter
change)API service SJ,
SAE 5W-20,
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
Oil2.0L I4 Zetec
engine4.25L (4.5
quarts)
API service SH
or SJ, SAE
5W-20, 5W-30,
10W-30, ACEA
A1/B1 Super
Premium Motor
Oil3.0L V6 Duratec
engine5.2L (5.5
quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 2.0L I4 Zetec
engine57L (15 gallons)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine61L (16 gallons)
Power steering
fluidMERCONtAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Transmission
fluid
1API service GL-4
or GL-5, SAE
75W-90Manual transaxle
(2WD)2.7L (2.85
quarts)2
Manual transaxle
(4X4)2.2L (2.32
quarts)2
MERCONtATF 3.0L engine with
Automatic
transaxle and oil
cooler12.7L (13.4
quarts)3
Capacities and specifications
212
Fluid Classification Application Capacity
Transfer Case SAE 75W-140
Synthetic
Lubricant4X4 (Automatic) 0.35L (12
ounces)
API service
GL-5, SAE
80W-904X4 (Manual) 0.35L (12
ounces)
Engine coolant
4Use only
ethylene-glycol-
based coolant2.0L I4 Zetec
engine with
manual
transaxle5.0L (5.3
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine with
automatic
transaxle10.0L (10.6
quarts)
Rear axle
lubricantSAE 80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4X4 1.4L (2.96 pints)
5
Windshield
washer fluidn/a All 2.6L (2.7
quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
section to determine the correct service interval.
2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick's normal operating range.
4Use Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Extended
Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine coolant,
in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
5Fill to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
Capacities and specifications
213
A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................83, 88
and child safety seats ..............85
description ..........................83, 88
disposal ......................................92
driver air bag ......................86, 90
indicator light ...............10, 87, 91
operation .............................86, 90
passenger air bag ...............86, 90
side air bag ................................88
Air cleaner filter .......................182
Air conditioning ..........................20
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road ...................19, 120
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................171
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................107±108
Anti-theft system ........................65
arming the system ....................65
disarming a triggered system ..66
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) .........23
Automatic transaxle .................111
driving with .............................113
fluid, adding ............................177
fluid, checking ........................177
Automatic transmission
fluid, refill capacities ..............212
Auxiliary power point .................54
Axle
refill capacities ........................212B
Battery .......................................179
acid, treating emergencies .....179
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....147
maintenance-free ....................179
servicing ..................................179
Brakes ........................................107
anti-lock ...........................107±108
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 108
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....169
fluid, refill capacities ..............212
fluid, specifications .................214
lubricant specifications ..........214
parking ....................................109
shift interlock ..........................111
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....212
Cargo cover .................................55
Certification Label ....................216
Child safety restraints ................92
child safety belts ......................92
Child safety seats ..................93±94
attaching with tether straps ....97
in front seat ..............................95
in rear seat ................................95
LATCH .......................................99
Cleaning your vehicle ...............206
engine compartment ..............208
exterior ....................................207
exterior lamps .........................209
instrument panel ....................210
Index
225
interior .....................................210
mirrors .....................................211
plastic parts ............................209
safety belts ..............................211
washing ....................................206
waxing .....................................207
wheels ......................................209
windows ..................................211
wiper blades ............................209
woodtone trim ........................211
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............20
Clock ......................................28, 37
Clutch
fluid ..........................................170
operation while driving ..........116
recommended shift speeds ....117
Console ........................................53
overhead ....................................46
Controls
power seat .................................68
Coolant
checking and adding ..............171
refill capacities ................175, 212
specifications ..........................214
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................40
Customer Assistance ........217±218
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................49
Defrost
rear window ..............................19
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................177engine oil .................................165
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
Driving under special
conditions ..................................123
mud ..........................................122
sand .........................................122
snow and ice ...................122, 124
through water .................122, 126
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................147
Emission control system ..........198
Engine ........................................214
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................208
coolant .....................................171
idle speed control ...................179
lubrication specifications .......214
refill capacities ........................212
service points ..................163±164
starting after a collision .........134
Engine block heater .................105
Engine oil ..................................165
checking and adding ..............165
dipstick ....................................165
filter, specifications ................168
recommendations ...................168
refill capacities ........................212
specifications ..........................214
Exhaust fumes ..........................106
F
Fluid capacities .........................212
Foglamps .....................................50
Index
226
T
Tachometer .................................16
Tires ...........................142, 184±186
changing ..........................142±143
checking the pressure ............186
replacing ..................................188
rotating ....................................186
snow tires and chains ............188
tire grades ...............................185
treadwear ................................185
Towing .......................................127
recreational towing .................131
trailer towing ..........................127
wrecker ....................................153
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............111
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................179
manual operation ....................116
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................177
fluid, refill capacities ..............212
Turn signal ............................11, 50
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................214
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................216Vehicle loading ..........................124
Ventilating your vehicle ...........106
W
Warning chimes ...........................14
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................170
Water, Driving through .............126
Windows
power .........................................51
rear wiper/washer .....................45
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....170
checking and cleaning ....183±184
liftgate reservoir .....................171
operation ...................................44
replacing wiper blades ...........184
Wrecker towing .........................153
Index
230