
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
Maintenance and specifications
233

The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator comes on and stays
on after you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
Maintenance and specifications
235

The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as ªRegularº that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and specifications
236

Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km
(1 000 miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more
accurate measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-
3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
Maintenance and specifications
238

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Fuel tank N/A All regular and
extended length
vans and wagons132.4L (35.0
gallons)
138 inch
wheelbase
(except E-Super
Duty)140.0L (37.0
gallons)
158 inch
wheelbase
(except E-Super
Duty)140.0L (37.0
gallons)
5
176 inch
wheelbase
(except E-Super
Duty)140.0L (37.0
gallons)
158 inch and
176 inch
wheelbase
(E-Super Duty)208.0L (55 .0
gallons)
Transmission
fluid
6Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FAutomatic
(4R70W)13.2L (13.9
quarts)7
Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FAutomatic
(4R100 except
E-Super Duty)16.1L (17.0
quarts)7
Automatic
(4R100 E-Super
Duty)16.7L (17.7
quarts)7
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.2
quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
Maintenance and specifications
256

2If your vehicle's rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant it
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Fill 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118±A, for complete refill
of 8.8 inch and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.
3Fill Dana rear axles to 6 mm to 19 mm (1/4 inch to 3/4 inch) below
bottom of fill hole.
4Visteon conventional and Traction-Lok axles require 118 ml (4 oz.) of
Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent meeting Ford
specification EST-M2C118±A. Dana conventional and limited-slip axles
(E250/350/450) require 237ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier
C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A.
5Optional fuel tank 208L (55 gallon).
6Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONtand MERCONtV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONttype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONtV type fluid.
MERCONtand MERCONtV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONtand MERCONtV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONtmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
7Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling
system, actual refill capacities will vary based on vehicle application and
transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size, cooling lines. auxiliary
cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level
should be set by the indication on the dipstick's normal operating range.
Maintenance and specifications
257

Exhaust fumes ..........................151
F
Fail safe cooling ........................231
Fluid capacities .........................254
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................156
Fuel ............................................233
calculating fuel economy .......238
cap ...........................................235
capacity ...................................254
choosing the right fuel ...........236
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................241
detergent in fuel .....................237
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................233, 235, 238
filter, specifications ........238, 253
fuel pump shut-off switch .....175
gauge .........................................18
improving fuel economy ........238
low fuel warning light ..............14
octane rating ...........236, 260±261
quality ......................................237
running out of fuel .................237
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................233
Fuses ..................................177±178
G
Garage door opener ..................103
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............235
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................238
Gauges .........................................16
battery voltage gauge ...............18engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........17
fuel gauge ..................................18
odometer ...................................19
speedometer .............................18
trip odometer ............................19
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................160
calculating ...............................163
definition .................................160
driving with a heavy load ......160
location ....................................160
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................160
calculating .......................160, 163
definition .................................160
driving with a heavy load ......160
location ....................................160
H
Hazard flashers .........................174
Headlamps ...................................85
aiming ........................................86
bulb specifications ....................88
daytime running lights .............85
flash to pass ..............................86
high beam ...........................15, 85
replacing bulbs ...................89±90
turning on and off ....................85
warning chime ..........................16
Heating
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................83
heater only system ...................78
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................79
Hood ..........................................215
Index
269