
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 compunds.Wash hands after handling.
For information on transmission operation after the battery has been
disconnected see ªShift strategyº in the driving section.
To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your automatic
transmission (4R100) electronically controls the shift quality by using an
adaptive learning strategy. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained
by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery is installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy.
Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
If the shift quality does not improve within a few hundred
kilometers (miles) of operation, or if the downshifts and other
throttle conditions do not function normally or after a long
deceleration period, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
Maintenance and specifications
232

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and specifications
252

operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and specifications
253

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.1L
(4.5 quarts)
1Ensure 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.
2Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick's normal operating range.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4Your vehicle's rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked
or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the axle has
been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time
the axle has been submerged in water. Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive
Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent meeting Ford
specification EST-M2C118±A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 6 mm to
14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole.
Maintenance and specifications
262

ItemFord part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
4x4 front wheel
bearings, 4x4
spindle needle
bearings, spindle
thrust bearings
& front drive
axle u-joint/slip
splineHigh
Temperature
4x4 Front Axle
& Wheel Bearing
GreaseE8TZ-19590-A ESA-M1C198-A
Automatic
transmission
(4R100)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Automatic
transmission
(4R70W)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FXT-5-QM
MERCONtV
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Rear axle
2Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubeF1TZ-19580-B WSL-M2C192-A
Front axle
(4X4)Motorcraft SAE
75W-90
Premium 4x4
Front Axle
LubricantXY-75W90-TQL WSP-M2C201-A
Transfer case
(4X4)Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Ensure 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.
Maintenance and specifications
264

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.
2Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill
of Ford Traction-Lok rear axles.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.6L V8 engine 5.4L V8 engine
Cubic inches 281 330
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.37:1 9.0:1
Maintenance and specifications
265

A
Accessory delay ..........................80
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........132±133, 137
and child safety seats ............135
description ......................133, 137
disposal ....................................140
driver air bag ..................135, 138
indicator light ...........12, 137, 139
operation .........................135, 138
passenger air bag ...........135, 138
side air bag ..............................137
Air cleaner filter ...............254, 259
Air conditioning ..........................50
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................55
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................47
Air suspension ...........................158
description ..............................158
warning light .............................12
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................234
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................155
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................13
Armrests ....................................110
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................162
fluid, adding ............................252
fluid, checking ........................252
fluid, refill capacities ..............260
fluid, specification ..................265Auxiliary power point .................78
Axle
lubricant specifications ..263, 265
refill capacities ........................260
traction lok ..............................159
B
Battery .......................................231
acid, treating emergencies .....231
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....202
maintenance-free ....................231
replacement, specifications ...259
servicing ..................................231
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................128
Brakes ........................................154
anti-lock ...................................155
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................11, 156
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....251
fluid, refill capacities ..............260
fluid, specifications .........263, 265
lubricant specifications ..263, 265
parking ....................................156
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............82
shift interlock ..........................161
Break-in period .............................5
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....260
Cassette tape player ...................18
CD changer .................................42
Certification Label ....................268
Index
273

Child safety restraints ..............140
child safety belts ....................140
Child safety seats ......................141
attaching with
tether straps ...................146±147
in front seat ............................143
in rear seat ..............143, 145±146
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............219
exterior ....................................223
instrument cluster lens ..........222
instrument panel ....................221
interior .....................................222
plastic parts ....................220±221
safety belts ..............................223
washing ....................................218
waxing .....................................218
wheels ......................................219
windows ..................................223
wiper blades ............................221
woodtone trim ........................223
Clock ......................................24, 35
Compass, electronic ..............74, 80
calibration .................................76
set zone adjustment .................75
Console ........................................92
overhead ........................71±72, 77
rear ............................................93
Controls
power seat ...............................110
Coolant
checking and adding ..............234
refill capacities ................237, 260
specifications ..................263, 265
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................83
Customer Assistance ................186Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................224
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................210
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............214
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the
service you need ....................208
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................215
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................211
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............214
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................60
Defrost
rear window ..............................58
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................252
engine oil .................................228
Doors
door ajar warning .....................13
lubricant specifications ..........263
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................254
Driving under special
conditions ..........................170, 173
sand .........................................172
snow and ice ...........................174
through water .................172, 176
Index
274