
Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. Check
the oil level and add oil if needed.
Refer toEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specifications
chapter.
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at, or near, empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information).
Check fuel cap
Illuminates when the fuel cap is not
installed correctly. Check the fuel
cap for proper installation. When
the fuel filler cap is properly
re-installed, the light(s) will turn off
after a period of normal driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle with
the check fuel cap light on, can activate theService Engine Soon/Check
Enginewarning light.
It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed fuel filler cap.
For more information, refer toFuel filler capin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Turn signals
Illuminates when the turn signals or
the hazard lights are turned on. If
the lights stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
bulb.
LOW
FUEL
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
Instrument Cluster
13

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
METER 10A Backup Lamps, Engine Coolant
Level Switch, Instrument Cluster,
Rear Window Defrost, Shift Lock,
Warning Chime, Turn Signal
Switch
WIPER 20A Wiper/Washer, Blower Motor Relay
STOP 20A Stop Lamps, Brake Pressure
Switch
TAIL 15A Exterior Lamps, Instrument
Illumination
SUN ROOF 15A Power Moonroof
ASC 10A Speed Control
P. WINDOW 30A CB Power Windows
CIGAR 20A Cigar Lighter
AIR BAG 10A Air Bags
FOG 10A Fog Lamps, Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
AUDIO 15A Premium Sound Amplifier, CD
Changer
FUEL INJ. 10A H02S, Evaporative Emission
Purge Flow Sensor
BLOWER 30A CB Blower Motor Relay
Roadside Emergencies
123

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 compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or the neutral
position (manual transaxle), turn off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
²The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
Maintenance and Specifications
168

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
175

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.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
178

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.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
183

J
Jack ............................................128
positioning ...............................128
storage .....................................128
Jump-starting your vehicle ......132
K
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition ...........97
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................48
cargo lamps ...............................43
daytime running light ...............42
fog lamps ...................................42
headlamps ...........................42, 49
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....43
interior lamps .....................46±49
replacing bulbs .............47, 50±52
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................46
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 103
anti-theft ...................................14
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................12
fuel cap light .............................13
high beam .................................14
low fuel ......................................13
oil pressure ...............................13
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................11
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................113GAWR ......................................113
GVWR ......................................113
trailer towing ..........................113
Locks
childproof ..................................63
Lubricant specifications ...196, 198
M
Manual transaxle
fluid capacities ........................195
lubricant specifications ..........198
reverse .....................................112
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......56
Moon roof ....................................61
Motorcraft parts ................179, 195
O
Octane rating ............................178
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................164
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................67
Parking brake ............................104
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....195
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................125
Power door locks ........................63
Power steering ..........................104
fluid, checking and adding ....185
fluid, refill capacity ................195
fluid,
specifications ..................196, 198
Index
208