Page 94 of 280

Make sure that the liftgate door and/or window are closed to
prevent exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle. This
will also prevent passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must
drive with the liftgate door or window open, keep the vents open so
outside air comes into the vehicle.
LUGGAGE RACK (IF EQUIPPED)
The rear cross-bar can be adjusted to fit the item being carried. The
front cross-bar does not move.
To adjust the luggage rack, push the
adjustment lever forward (toward
the front of the vehicle), then slide
the cross-bar forward and lock the
adjusting levers by pushing them
down (toward the back of the
vehicle). Pull the cross-bar rearward
to ensure that it is locked in place.
Load luggage at the front cross-bar and adjust the rearcross-bar as
necessary.
²Do not exceed 90.7 kg (200 lb) of luggage if the weight is placed
directly on the cross-bars.
²Do not exceed 68 kg (150 lb) if the weight is resting directly on the
roof.
Use adjustable tie down loops to secure the load.
Driver controls
94
Page 218 of 280

WASHING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR VEHICLE
Never wash a vehicle that is ªhot to
the touchº or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight. It is
recommended that you wash your
vehicle regularly with cool or
lukewarm water and a neutral Ph
shampoo, such as Detail Wash
(ZC-3±A), which is available from
your authorized Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury dealer. Always use a clean
sponge or carwash mitt with plenty
of water for best results. Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry
cloth towel in order to eliminate water spotting.
Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish
washing or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot
painted surfaces.
It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during winter
months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and do cause
damage to the vehicle.
Items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings and insect deposits
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork and trim
over time.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before
entering a car wash.
PROTECTING THE PAINT FINISH OF YOUR VEHICLE
Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle on a regular basis will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
A typical paint sealant lasts approximately six months to a year,
depending on local weather conditions and the cleaning soap that is used
in washing the vehicle.
Do not use a wax that beads excessively.
Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield
cowl area. The paint sealant will ªgrayº or stain the parts over time.
Cleaning
218
Page 278 of 280

Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................160
R
Rear window defroster ...............58
Relays ................................189, 196
Remote entry system ...........96, 98
illuminated entry ....................100
locking/unlocking doors .....95±97
panic alarm ...............................98
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................99
replacing the batteries .............98
Reverse sensing system ...........165
Roof rack .....................................94
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............14, 120±124, 126
Safety defects, reporting ..........217
Safety restraints ................120±126
belt minder .............................128
cleaning the
safety belts ......................131, 223
extension assembly ................131
for adults .........................121±124
for children .............................140
lap belt ....................................126
warning light
and chime ............11, 14, 127±128
Safety seats for children ..........141
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............120
Seats ..........................................108
child safety seats ....................141
cleaning ...................................222memory seat ...................100, 112
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............104±106
Servicing your vehicle ..............225
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs,
specifications .............259, 265±266
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................263, 265
Speed control ..............................83
Speedometer ...............................16
Starting
your vehicle ...............150±151, 153
jump starting ..........................202
Steering
speed sensitive .......................158
Steering wheel
controls ................................71, 83
tilting .........................................71
T
Tachometer .................................17
Tires ...........................196, 255±257
changing ..........................196, 198
checking the pressure ............257
replacing ..................................258
rotating ....................................257
snow tires and chains ............259
tire grades ...............................256
treadwear ................................256
Towing .......................................180
recreational towing .................185
trailer towing ..........................180
Index
278