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STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help steer
the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or the extreme left for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power
steering pump fluid level (below the MIN mark on
the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the
engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could
be caused by any of the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²uneven vehicle loading
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn suspension components
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor
traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer's
specified size tires on a Traction-Lok rear axle could
result in a permanent reduction in effectiveness.
This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal
driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
Driving
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To reduce the risk of injury, never run the
engine with one wheel off the ground, such
as when changing a tire.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock
feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being
moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON
position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P
(Park) with ignition in the ON position and the
brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to
LOCK, then remove the key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the
brake pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
In the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from
the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement,
always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to
move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify
that the brakelamps are working.
Driving
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Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission
(if equipped)
Use the following
procedure to put your
vehicle in gear.
1. Start the engine.
2. Depress and hold
the brake pedal.
3. Push and hold the
thumb button.
4. Move gearshift lever
out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move
the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another
position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure
someone.
Understanding gearshift positions
P (Park)
Always come to a
complete stop before
shifting into P (Park).
Make sure the gearshift
lever is securely
latched in P (Park).
This position locks the
transmission and
prevents the rear
wheels from turning.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift lever is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
Driving
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water,
especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brake
capability may be limited and if the ignition system
gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also
enter your engine's air intake and severely damage
your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is
unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive
through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims
(for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry
brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the
brake pedal.
Driving through deep water where the
transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the
following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle
including any standard equipment, fluids,
lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of
cargo, occupants and optional equipment. The
payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating
minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight
plus payload weight. The GVW is not a limit or a
specification.
Driving
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TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is not equipped to tow. No towing
packages are available through Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealers.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain
combination to tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground (such as behind a recreational
vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged due to insufficient
lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities
with rear wheel drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your
vehicle behind a motorhome. The following
recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56
km/h (35 mph) must be exceeded, you must
disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft
can cause transmission fluid loss, damage to
the driveshaft and internal transmission
components.
Driving
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Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of
the steering wheel by the brake pedal. Remove the
panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided
on the fuse panel cover.
The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
1 20A Cigar lighter
2 20A Engine controls
3 Ð Not used
4 10A RH low beam headlamp
5 15A Instrument cluster, Traction
control switch
6 20A Starter motor relay
7 15A GEM, Interior lamps
8 20A Engine controls
9 30A Mach 460 subwoofers
10 10A LH low beam headlamp
11 15A Back-up lamps
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR FUSE INFO
4212345
76891011
131214151617
191820212223
252426272829
313032333435
373638394041
43
44
Roadside Emergencies
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
11 30A** Rear window defrost control
12 40A** Power windows, Power
locks
13 30A* MACH 1000 left amplifiers
14 20A* Fuel pump
15 30A* MACH 1000 right amplifiers
16 20A* Horn
17 20A* Anti-lock brake system
18 30A* Power seats
19 Ð Not used
20 20A* Alternator
21 Ð Not used
22 Ð Not used
23 Ð Not used
24 20A* A/C pressure
25 Ð Not used
26 30A** PCM
27 20A** DRL module, Foglamp relay
28 25A CB Convertible top
29 Diode Convertible top circuit
breaker
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease your
speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly
move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Temporary spare tire information
Your vehicle may have a temporary spare tire. The
temporary spare tire for your vehicle is labeled as
such. It is smaller than a regular tire and is designed
for emergency use only. Replace this tire with a
full-size tire as soon as possible.
Roadside Emergencies
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If you use the temporary spare tire
continuously or do not follow these
precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose
control of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or
others.
When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
²use more than one temporary spare tire at a time
²exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) or drive further than
3 200 km (2 000 miles) total under any
circumstances
²load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load
rating listed on the tire pressure label on the
inside of the glove compartment door
²tow a trailer
²use tire chains
²drive through an automatic car wash, because of
the vehicle's reduced ground clearance
²try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it
from its wheel
²use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
Use of a temporary spare tire at any one wheel
location can lead to impairment of the following:
²handling, stability and braking performance
²comfort and noise
²ground clearance and parking at curbs
²wheel driving capability
Tire change procedure
To prevent the vehicle from moving when
you change a tire, be sure the parking brake
is set, then block (in both directions) the wheel
that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of
the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
Roadside Emergencies
171