
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the ªHº and ªCº). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer toEngine
coolantin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot. Steam and scalding liquid from a hot cooling
system can burn you badly.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
Fuel gauge
Displays approximately how much
fuel is in the fuel tank. The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
When refueling the vehicle from
empty indication, the amount of fuel
that can be added will be less than
the advertised capacity due to the
reserve fuel.
CH
FUEL
FILL
EF
1
2 /
Instrument Cluster
16

²(Floor) ± Distributes outside air through the floor ducts.
However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature
because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.
²
(Floor and defrost) ± Distributes outside air through the
windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air
conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added
customer comfort, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be
slightly warmer than the air sent to the windshield defroster ducts. If
the temperature is about 6ÉC (43ÉF) or higher, the air conditioner will
automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.
²
(Defrost) ± Distributes outside air through the windshield
defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.
If the temperature is about 6ÉC (43ÉF) or higher, the air conditioner
will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.
Operating tips
²In humid weather conditions, place the climate control system in
Defrost mode before driving. This will reduce fogging on your
windshield. Once the windshield has been cleared, operate the climate
control system as desired.
²To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle in cold weather
conditions, don't drive with the climate control system in the OFF or
MAX A/C position.
²To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle in warm weather
conditions, don't drive with the climate control system in the OFF
position.
²Under normal weather conditions, your vehicle's climate control
system should be left in any position other than the MAX A/C or OFF
when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to ªbreatheº
through the outside air inlet duct.
²Under snowy or dirty weather conditions, your vehicle's climate
control system should be left in the OFF position when the vehicle is
parked. This allows the climate control system to be free from
contamination of outside pollutants.
²If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during warm
weather conditions, the air conditioner will perform more efficiently in
cooling the vehicle if driven for two or three minutes with the
Climate Controls
40

²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transaxle cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transaxle damage
and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
TOWING BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, it cannot be flat-towed with
all wheels on the ground; front wheel dollies must be used.
If your vehicle has an manual transaxle, your vehicle can be flat-towed
with all wheels on the ground.
Driving
117

Coupe
The high-current fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
FUEL INJ. 30A* Air Bags, Constant Control Relay
Module (PCM Relay), Generator
DEFOG 30A* Rear Window Defrost
MAIN 100A* Overall Circuit Protection
BTN 40A* Hazard, Stop, Door Lock, Tail,
Room and Horn Fuses of the I/P
Fuse Panel
ABS 60A* ABS Main Relay
COOLING FAN 40A* Constant Control Relay Module
(Cooling Fan)
OBD-II 10A* Data Link Connector (DLC),
Instrument Cluster
FUEL PUMP 20A** Constant Control Relay Module
(Fuel Pump)
HEAD RH 10A** Headlamps
HEAD LH 10A** Headlamps
* Fuse Link Cartridge **Fuse
USE THE DESIGNATED FUSES ONLY
FUEL INJ
30A
DEFOG
30A
MAIN
100A
COOLING FAN
40A (ABS)
60A BTN
40A
HEADLAMP
RELAY
FUEL PUMP 20AOBD-II 10A
HEAD RH 10A HEAD LH 10A
Roadside Emergencies
126

Sedan
The high-current fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
FUEL INJ. 30A* Air Bags, Engine Controls,
Generator
DEFOG 30A* Rear Window Defrost
MAIN 100A* Charging System, BTN, Cooling
Fan, Fuel Pump, OBD-II, ABS
Fuses, Ignition Switch, Headlamps
BTN 40A* Hazard
ABS 60A* ABS Main Relay
COOLING FAN 40A* Constant Control Relay Module
OBD-II 10A** Data Link Connector (DLC),
Instrument Cluster
FUEL PUMP 20A** Engine Controls
HEAD RH 10A** Headlamps
HEAD LH 10A** Headlamps
* Fuse Link Cartridge ** Fuse
USE THE DESIGNATED FUSES ONLY
FUEL INJ
30A
DEFOG
30A
MAIN
100A
COOLING FAN
40A (ABS)
60A BTN
40A
HEADLAMP
RELAY
FUEL PUMP 20AOBD-II 10A
HEAD RH 10A HEAD LH 10A
Roadside Emergencies
127

JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes, and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic conveter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Roadside Emergencies
132

Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(automatic transaxle) or 1st (manual transaxle).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil indicator (dipstick).
²2.0L SOHC I4 engine
ADDFULL
Maintenance and Specifications
164

Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with either green-colored
Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant meeting Ford specification
ESE-M97B44±A or yellow-colored Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine
Coolant meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B51±A1. To determine your
vehicle's coolant type (color), check your coolant reservoir.
²Add Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant (green-colored),
VC-4±A (U.S.) or CXC-10 (Canada) or Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant (yellow-colored), VC-7±A, depending on
the type of coolant originally equipped in your vehicle.If you
are unsure which type of coolant your vehicle requires, check your
coolant reservoir or contact your local dealer.
²Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44±D
with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
²A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Maintenance and Specifications
171