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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
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more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come on. For more
information on the ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to the
Instrument Clusterchapter.
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.
Maintenance and specifications
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²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
²Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
²Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
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E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................202
Emission control system ..........248
Engine ................................265±266
check engine/
service engine soon light .........10
cleaning ...................................219
coolant .....................................234
fail-safe coolant ......................238
idle speed control ...................231
lubrication
specifications ..................263, 265
refill capacities ........................260
service points ..........................227
starting after a collision .........187
Engine block heater .................153
Engine oil ..................................228
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................228
checking and adding ..............228
dipstick ....................................228
filter, specifications ........230, 259
recommendations ...................230
refill capacities ........................260
specifications ..................263, 265
Exhaust fumes ..........................154
F
Fail safe cooling ........................238
Floor mats ...................................93
Fluid capacities .........................260
Foglamps .....................................59
Four-Wheel Drive
vehicles ................................14, 167
control trac .............................167description ..............................167
driving off road .......................169
electronic shift ........................168
indicator light ...........................14
preparing to
drive your vehicle ...................160
Fuel ............................................240
calculating fuel economy .......245
cap ...........................................242
capacity ...................................260
choosing the right fuel ...........243
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................248
detergent in fuel .....................244
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................240, 242, 245
filter, specifications ........244, 259
fuel pump shut-off switch .....187
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........245
low fuel warning light ..............12
octane rating ...........243, 265±266
quality ......................................243
running out of fuel .................244
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................240
Fuses ..................................189±190
G
Garage door opener ..............72, 86
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............242
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................245
Gauges .........................................14
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........15
fuel gauge ..................................16
Index
275