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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
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
3.8L OHV V6 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(if equipped)
6
1023
4
5
789
1
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4.6L SOHC V8 engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Power distribution box
4. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(if equipped)
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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Washer fluid
Check the washer fluid
whenever you stop for
fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add
enough fluid to fill the
reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the
reservoir all the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford
specification ESR-M17P5±A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin 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.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant
reservoir. Washer fluid placed in the cooling system
may harm engine and cooling system components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the
appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 5 to 10 minutes for
the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
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4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level
indicator (dipstick).
²3.8L V6 engine
²4.6L SOHC V8
engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully,
then remove it again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MINÐMAX
marks,the oil level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD
OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN mark, add enough
oil to raise the level within the MINÐMAX range.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
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²3.8L V6 engine
²4.6L SOHC V8
engine
²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine
damage. Some oil must be removed from the
engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully
seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to
Checking the engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal
range, add only certified engine oil of the
recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler
cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil
level is not above the MAX mark on the engine oil
level indicator (dipstick).
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4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the
filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until three clicks
are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the
vehicle with the engine oil level indicator
and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this
certification trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils ªCertified For Gasoline Enginesº by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft
or an equivalent oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C153±H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides
optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your
vehicle's engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil
treatments or engine treatments. They are
unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your
warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the
appropriate schedule listed in the scheduled
maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
start-up engine noises or knock may be experienced.
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It is recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
Motorcraft
maintenance-free
battery which normally
does not require
additional water during
its life of service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte level. Refer to
the scheduled maintenance guide for the service
interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
ªlevel indicatorº. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can
add plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do
not use hard water (water with a high mineral or
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill
the battery cells with distilled water. If the battery
needs water often, have the charging system
checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it
is reinstalled after the battery has been
cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of
the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly fastened to the
battery terminals.
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