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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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²3.8L OHV V6 engine
²4.6L SOHC V8 engine
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.
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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.
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).
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 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.
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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.
CONVERTIBLE TOP AND PADDED MOLDING
CARE
To avoid damage to the vinyl top and moldings, wash
with Triple Clean (EOAZ-19526±AA), which is
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury dealer. Do not use stiff bristle brushes or
abrasive materials or cleaners.
Hot waxes applied by commercial car washes can
affect the cleanability of vinyl material.
Using high water pressure or wand-type car washes
against the convertible top and windows may cause
water leaks and possible seal damage.
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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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.
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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 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.
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.
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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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