
REPAIRING PAINT CHIPS
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired using
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (F7AZ-19K507±BA), which is
available at your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. This kit
contains:
²Lacquer Touch-Up Paint (ALBZ-19500±XXXXA)
²Exterior Acrylic Spray Lacquer (ALAZ-19500±XXXXA)
Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with
your vehicle's specific coloring.Carefully observe the application
instructions on the products.
CLEANING THE WHEEL RIMS AND COVERS
Aluminum wheel rims or covers are coated with a clearcoat paint
finish.
Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning chemicals,
in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust and dirt, could
wear away the clearcoat finish over time.
Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergents for
soiled wheel rims and covers.
Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or covers.
Clean wheel rims and covers with Detail Wash (ZC-3±A), which is
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. Spray
cleaner on cool wheel rims or covers and allow to set for 2±5 minutes.
Agitate the area with a sponge and rinse off with plenty of water.
Use Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520±AA),
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer, in order
to remove tar and grease from wheel rims and covers.
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CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²The engine must be cool to the touch before spraying with water.
²Never spray a hot engine with cold water, as damage to the
engine block or engine components may occur.
²Use caution when using a self-serve power washer (1000psi maximum
pressure) to clean the engine, as the high-pressure fluid could
penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Never apply anything to any exposed belts in the engine
compartment, including belt dressing.
For general cleaning of the engine and engine compartment, spray
Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (F4AZ-19A536±A) on all parts that
require cleaning and pressure rinse the area with cool water.
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
WASHING NON-PAINTED PLASTIC EXTERIOR PARTS
Use Detail Wash (ZC-3±A) for routine cleaning.
If tar or grease spots are present, clean with Extra Strength Tar and
Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520±AA).
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts.These products
are available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer.
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WASHING THE EXTERIOR LAMPS
In order to avoid scratching the plastic lamps, do not use dry
paper towels, non-approved chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners.
Use a soft cloth and a solution of Triple Clean (EOAZ-19526±AA), mixed
properly with water, in order to remove bug residue. If tar or grease
spots are present, clean with Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Removal
(B7A-19520±AA).
CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD, WIPER BLADES AND REAR
WINDOW
If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the windshield, rear
window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include hot
wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination.
Do not clean the windshield or rear window glass with abrasives,
as they may cause scratches.
Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades as damage may
occur.
Clean the outside of the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA),
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. If after
cleaning the glass surface, the water sheets from the glass (e.g., does not
bead), then the window is clean.
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
or windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when
they appear worn or do not function properly.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
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177

Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Wipe the cluster area with a soft, damp cotton towel. Dry the area with a
clean, dry towel.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR FABRIC, CARPETS AND CLOTH SEATS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Remove light stains
and soil with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (E8AZ-19523±AA).
Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which
can stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardent
abilities of the seat materials.
If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first with
Spot and Stain Remover (F3AZ-19521±WA). Follow up by recleaning the
area with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (E8AZ-19523±AA).
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
All Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles with leather seating surfaces have
a clear, protective coating over the leather.
To clean the leather seats, simply use a soft cloth with Deluxe Leather
and Vinyl Cleaner (F2AZ-19521±WA). Dry the area with a soft cloth.
It is recommended that you use the Deluxe Leather Care Kit
(F8AZ-19G253±AA), available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury dealer. The mild cleaner and special pad available in the kit
cleans the leather and maintains its natural beauty. For best results,
follow the instructions printed on the cleaner label. Regular cleaning of
your leather upholstery helps maintain its resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or
oil/petroleum-based leather conditioners. These products may
cause premature wearing of the clear, protective coating.
Cleaning
178

FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS
Your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer has many quality products available
to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. These quality products
have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they
are custom designed to complement the style and appearance of your
vehicle. Each product is made from high quality materials that meet or
exceed rigid specifications. For best results, use the following or
products of equivalent quality:
Ford Custom Clearcoat Polish*
Ford Custom Silicone Gloss Polish
Ford Custom Vinyl Protectant* (not available in Canada)
Motorcraft Vinyl Conditioner (Canada only)
Ford Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (Canada only)
Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Remover* (not available in
Canada)
Ford Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Ford Custom Bright Metal Cleaner
Motorcraft Premium Car Wash Concentrate
Motorcraft Carlite Glass Cleaner (Canada only)
Ford Spot and Stain Remover*
Ford Super Premium Tire and Trim Dressing
Ford Triple Clean
Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Ford Engine Shampoo and Degreaser
* May be sold with the Motorcraft name
Cleaning
180

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Inspect the solution level in the
washer reservoir when insufficient
solution is sprayed.
Use 3.8L (4.0 quarts) of
UltraÐClear Windshield Washer
Concentrate or a washer fluid that
meets the Ford specification listed.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put engine coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir. Engine coolant or antifreeze can severely reduce
visibility if sprayed on the windshield.
ENGINE OIL
Checking engine oil levelÐCummins B and Caterpillar 3126 B
engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator's manual for information on the
engine oil.
Checking engine oil levelÐ7.3L Power Stroke engine
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
Check the engine oil level consistently and accurately. The following
procedure is recommended:
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
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183

2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain
completely into the oil pan.
5. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
6. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
7. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween FULL and OPERATING RANGE,the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²Maintain the oil level between ADD and OPERATING RANGE on the
dipstick by adding oil as required.
²The distance from ADD to OPERATING RANGE on the dipstick
represents 1.9L (2 quarts).
²Oil levels above OPERATING RANGE may cause engine damage. Some
oil must be removed from the engine by a qualified service technician.
8. Put the indicator back into the engine and ensure it is fully seated.
Engine oil and filter recommendationsÐCummins B and Caterpillar
3126 B engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator's manual for information on the
engine oil.
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184

Engine oil and filter recommendationsÐ7.3L Power Stroke engine
To help achieve proper engine performance and durability, it is important
that you:
²Use only engine lubricating oils and oil filters of the proper quality.
²Change the engine oil and filterno laterthan the recommended
service interval. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for changing the engine oil and filter.
²Change your engine oil and filter more frequently if your vehicle
operation includes extended periods of idling or low-speed operation,
driving for a long time in cold temperatures or short driving distances.
Diesel engines require specially formulated oil to resist contamination.
Proper quality oils also provide maximum efficiency of the crankcase
ventilation system which reduces air pollution.
For normal or severe service, use Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
conforming to Ford Specification WSS-M2C171±C or API Service
categories CH-4, CH-4/SJ or CH-4/SL. If CH-4 oil is not available, CG-4 is
acceptable.
Diesel engine oils with improved fuel economy properties (energy
conserving) are currently available. If you use an energy conserving oil,
be sure it meets Ford specification WSS-M2C171±C or API service
category designation CH-4/SJ and is of the proper viscosity grade for the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. Some
energy conserving oils do not meet the requirements necessary for your
diesel engine.
Maintenance and Specifications
185