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If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compunds.Wash hands after handling.
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. During the first few hundred kilometers
(miles) of operation, it is normal for your transaxle to have abrupt shifts.
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.
Maintenance and care
202
Page 251 of 256

built-in child seat ...................231
engine compartment ..............228
exterior ....................................227
exterior lamps .........................228
instrument cluster lens ..........230
instrument panel ....................230
interior .............................230±231
mirrors .....................................228
plastic parts ............................228
safety belts ..............................231
washing ....................................226
waxing .....................................227
wheels ......................................227
windows ..................................230
wiper blades ............................229
woodtone trim ........................230
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............24
Clock ................................49, 61, 71
Console ......................................100
overhead ....................................98
Controls
power seat ...............................111
steering column ........................86
Coolant
checking and adding ..............193
refill capacities ................196, 232
specifications ..................233±234
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................82
Customer Assistance ................166
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................244
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................237
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............243
Getting roadside assistance ...166Getting the
service you need ....................237
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................248
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................240
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............243
D
Defrost
rear window ..............................42
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................198
engine oil .................................189
Doors
door ajar warning .....................10
lubricant specifications ..........233
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................159
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................179
Emission control system ..........219
Engine ........................................234
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................11
cleaning ...................................228
coolant .....................................193
idle speed control ...................201
lubrication
specifications ..................233±234
refill capacities ........................232
service points ..........................188
starting after a collision .........167
Index
251
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jump starting ..........................179
Steering wheel
controls ......................................86
tilting .........................................90
T
Tachometer .................................14
Tires ...........................175, 208±209
changing ..........................175, 177
checking the pressure ............209
replacing ..................................210
rotating ....................................209
snow tires and chains ............211
tire grades ...............................209
treadwear ................................208
Towing .......................................162
trailer towing ..........................162
wrecker ....................................184
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............155
fluid, refill capacities ..............232
lubricant specifications ..........234
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................198
lubricant specifications ..........233
Trip odometer .............................16
Turn signal ............................10, 87V
Vehicle dimensions ...................234
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................236
Vehicle loading ..........................160
Ventilating your vehicle ...........151
W
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................193
Water, Driving through .............159
Windows
power .........................................90
rear wiper/washer .....................88
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers ..........................88
checking and adding fluid .....193
checking and cleaning ....207±208
liftgate reservoir .....................193
operation ...................................88
replacing wiper blades ...........207
Wrecker towing .........................184
Index
255
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Item Information
Required fuel Unleaded fuel only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity 75.7L (20.0 gallons)
Engine oil capacity
(includes filter change)4.0L (4.2 quarts). Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-G.
Tire size and pressure Refer to the Certification Label on
inside of driver's door.
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Coolant capacity
110.6L (11.2 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line on reservoir. Use
Motorcraft MERCONtAT F.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity
28.3L (8.8 quarts). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtAT F.
1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure 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
guide to determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
256