
3. After starting, run the engine at about 1,000 RPM for 3±5 minutes.
Do not operate the starter longer than 30 seconds. Wait at least
two minutes between starting attempts to allow the starter to
cool. If the engine does not start after several attempts, call for
road service.
Removing the jumper cables
1. Remove the ground connection
from the disabled vehicle first,
followed by the cable on the
negative (-) battery terminal of the
booster vehicle.
2. Remove the cable from the
positive (+) terminal of the
discharged battery and then from
the positive (+) terminal of the
booster battery.
3. After the disabled vehicle has
been started, allow it to idle for a
while so the engine can ªrelearnº its
idle conditions.
WRECKER TOWING
Always unload your vehicle before towing it. The recommended method
of towing is with the drive wheels off the ground.
Before towing, make sure:
²the parking brake is released.
²if air pressure has been lost, to release the brakes manually.
Improper towing of the vehicle will not allow sufficient lubrication of the
transmission which may cause serious damage to internal transmission
components. Always follow the outlined towing procedures.
42
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Roadside Emergencies
163

²To tow a vehicle on the front wheels,the steering wheel must be
in the straight ahead position. Secure the steering wheel with a
holding device (such as provided by a towing company).
²To tow a vehicle on the rear wheels,it will be necessary to remove
the drive axles or disconnect the driveshaft. If the drive axles are
removed, the ends of the axle housing must be sealed to prevent the
loss of axle lubricant during towing.
²To tow a vehicle with an inoperative rear axle,the rear wheels
must be raised onto a dolly or tow the vehicle on the front wheels.
²If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks,chains must be
fastened directly to the tow hooks on the vehicle.
²If your vehicle is not equipped with tow hooks,chains must be
routed under the bottom edge of the bumper with a protection bar to
protect the bumper, and attached to the vehicle chassis. Under no
circumstances is the vehicle to be lifted or towed by attaching chains
directly to the bumper.
Raising the vehicle
Never lift the vehicle by the bumper. When raising the vehicle, attach
chains to or place the jack(s) directly beneath the main structural
members of the vehicle.
Push-starting your vehicle
Avoid attempting to start a vehicle by pushing. Instead, use jumper
cables as described underJump starting your vehiclein this chapter.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission cannot be started by pushing.
Roadside Emergencies
164

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
174

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.
Cleaning
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

CLEANING THE INSIDE WINDOWS
Use Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside
windows if they become fogged.
To clean, use two lint-free, soft towels, folded into a pad-shape. Mist the
glass completely with cleaner, and use one of the towels to evenly agitate
the surface. Use the other towel to remove the residue.
WASHING MIRRORS, MIRROR HOUSINGS AND REFLECTIVE
SURFACES
Do not clean mirrors, mirror housings or reflective surfaces with
abrasive materials or a dry cloth.
Use a soft cloth and Detail Wash (ZC-3±A) mixed with water in order to
clean the mirror housing. Use Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) in order
to clean the reflective mirror surface.
Use care when removing ice from outside mirrors as you may damage
the reflective surface.
CLEANING AND MAINTAINING THE SAFETY BELTS
Clean the safety belts with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner
(E8AZ-19523±AA), available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury dealer.
Do not use bleach, dye or any other solvent to clean the belts, as
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
UNDERBODY
Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and
door drain holes free from packed dirt.
Cleaning
179

R
Radio ....................20, 25, 31, 39±40
Radio reception ...........................55
Refill capacities for fluids ........220
Relays ................................151, 159
Remote entry system ...........84±85
illuminated entry ......................87
locking/unlocking doors .....84±85
panic alarm ...............................85
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................86
replacing the batteries .............86
Roadside assistance ..................150
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..............................93±95
Safety defects, reporting ..........172
Safety restraints ....................93±95
belt minder ...............................98
cleaning the safety
belts .................................101, 179
extension assembly ................101
for adults .............................94±95
for children .............................102
lap belt ......................................97
warning light and
chime .......................12, 15, 97±98
Safety seats for children ..........103
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............93
Seats ............................................88
child safety seats ....................103
Servicing your vehicle ..............233
Speed control ..............................77Speedometer ...............................18
Starting your vehicle ................108
jump starting ..........................164
preparing to start your
vehicle .....................................108
Steering wheel
controls ................................69, 77
tilting .........................................69
T
Tachometer .................................19
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................56
Tires ...........................................215
checking the pressure ....217, 219
Towing
wrecker ....................................163
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................209
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................209
manual operation ....................141
Trip odometer .............................19
Turn signal ............................14, 63
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................227
Vehicle loading ..........................149
W
Warning chimes ...............9, 15, 117
Warning lights (see Lights) .........9
Index
252

Washer fluid ..............................183
reservoir ..................................183
Water, Driving through .............148
Wheels .......................................215
Windows
power .........................................74Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ..............68
operation ...................................68
replacing wiper blades .............69
Wrecker towing .........................163
Index
253