
²Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the ªcold fullº level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To avoid personal injury, make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The cooling system is
under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the
cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the ªcold fill rangeº or the ªcold fullº level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration see
Checking Engine Coolant section). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to ±34É F/±36É C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
Maintenance and specifications
229

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
²It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
²Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The ªfail-safeº distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
²The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
²The
andsymbol will
illuminate.
²TheService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
H
C
Maintenance and specifications
231

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

²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
Maintenance and specifications
241

If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªService Engine Soonº light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
Maintenance and specifications
242

Console (Engine cover)
Daytime running lights (DRL)
First aid and highway kits
Fog lights
Hitch mount bicycle carrier
Inside mirror, electrochromic with compass (with and without
temperature display)
Removable roof rack
Running boards Ð Aluminum
Speed control
Trailer hitch (Class III)
Trailer hitch bars and balls
Trailer hitch wiring adaptor
Trailgate table
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
Battery warmer
Carpet floor mats
Cleaners, waxes and polishes
Door edge guards
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full)
Hood deflector
Rear step bumpers
Side window air deflectors
Underbody security lighting
Accessories
265

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................132
and child safety seats ............134
description ..............................132
disposal ....................................137
driver air bag ..........................135
indicator light ...................14, 136
operation .................................135
passenger air bag ...................135
Air cleaner filter ...............247, 253
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................79
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................226
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..............................152±153
Audio system (see Radio) ...20, 41
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................157
fluid, adding ............................245
fluid, checking ........................245
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specification ..................260
Auxiliary power point .................96
Axle
lubricant specifications ..258, 260
refill capacities ........................254
traction lok ..............................155
B
Battery .......................................220
acid, treating emergencies .....220charging system warning light 14
disconnecting ..........................222
jumping a disabled battery ....191
maintenance-free ....................220
replacement, specifications ...253
servicing ..................................220
voltage gauge ............................18
Belt minder ...............................127
Brakes ........................................152
anti-lock ...........................152±153
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................13, 153
brake warning light ..................13
fluid, checking and adding ....244
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specifications .........258, 260
lubricant specifications ..258, 260
shift interlock ..........................156
Break-in period .............................5
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....254
Child safety restraints ..............138
child safety belts ....................138
Child safety seats ......................139
in front seat ............................140
in rear seat ..............................140
tether anchorage hardware ...143
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............209
exterior ....................................212
instrument cluster lens ..........211
instrument panel ....................211
interior .....................................211
plastic parts ............................210
safety belts ..............................212
washing ....................................207
waxing .....................................207
Index
267

wheels ......................................208
windows ..................................212
wiper blades ............................210
Clock ..........................23, 28, 37, 45
Compass, electronic ..................104
calibration ...............................106
set zone adjustment ...............105
Console
overhead ..........................102±103
Controls
power seat ...............................114
Coolant
checking and adding ..............226
refill capacities ................230, 254
specifications ..................258, 260
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................98
Customer Assistance ................173
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................212
Ford Extended Service Plan .199
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................203
Getting roadside assistance ...173
Getting the service you
need .........................................197
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................204
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................200
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................203
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................85Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid .245
engine oil .................................217
Doors
door ajar warning .....................15
lubricant specifications ..........258
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................245
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................160
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................191
Emission control system ..........241
Engine ................................260±261
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................12
cleaning ...................................209
coolant .....................................226
diesel ...........................................6
fail-safe coolant ......................231
idle speed control ...................220
lubrication specifications ......258,
260
refill capacities ........................254
service points ..........................216
starting after a collision .........175
Engine block heater .................151
Engine oil ..................................217
checking and adding ..............217
dipstick ....................................217
filter, specifications ........219, 253
recommendations ...................219
refill capacities ........................254
specifications ..................258, 260
Index
268