However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission 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 at normal operating
temperature (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.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in 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 designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
217
GVWR ......................................151
trailer towing ..........................151
Locks
autolock .....................................97
childproof ..................................91
doors ..........................................91
Lubricant specifications ...226, 228
Lumbar support, seats .............106
M
Message center ...........................83
reset button ..............................84
select button .............................84
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................76
fold away ...................................76
heated ........................................76
side view mirrors (power) .......75
Motorcraft parts ................210, 224
O
Octane rating ............................209
Odometer .....................................20
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................193
Overdrive .............................87, 148
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................95
Parking brake ............................143
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....224
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................110Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................78
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................162
Power door locks ..................91, 97
Power mirrors .............................75
Power point .................................74
Power steering ..................145±146
fluid, checking and adding ....215
fluid, refill capacity ................225
fluid, specifications .................226
Power Windows ...........................74
R
Radio ............................................26
Radio reception ...........................53
Rear window defroster ...............62
Relays ................................159, 164
Remote entry system ...........93, 95
illuminated entry ......................97
locking/unlocking
doors ..............................91, 93±94
opening the trunk .....................95
panic alarm ...............................95
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................96
replacing the batteries .............95
Roadside assistance ..................156
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............16, 108, 112±116
Safety defects, reporting ..........183
Safety restraints ........108, 112±116
belt minder .............................118
Index
237
