Page 223 of 264

²Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel
vapor of any kind can lead to eye and respiratory
tract irritation. In severe cases, excessive or
prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause
serious illness and permanent injury.
²Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is
splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if
worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and seek
medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical
attention could lead to permanent injury.
²Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the
skin. If fuel is splashed on the skin and/or
clothing, promptly remove contaminated clothing
and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Repeated or prolonged skin contact with fuel
liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
²Be particularly careful if you are taking
ªAntabuseº or other forms of disulfiram for the
treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline
vapors, or skin contact could cause an adverse
reaction. In sensitive individuals, serious personal
injury or sickness may result. If fuel is splashed
on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with
soap and water. Consult a physician immediately
if you experience an adverse reaction.
When refueling always shut the engine off
and never allow sparks or open flames near
the filler neck. Never smoke while refueling. Fuel
vapor is extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling
excess fumes.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle
can produce static electricity, which can
cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an ungrounded
fuel container.
Maintenance and Specifications
223
Page 232 of 264

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission
control components and a catalytic converter which
will enable your vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the
catalytic converter and other emission control
components continue to work properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is
moving, especially at high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your scheduled
maintenance guide performed according to the
specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the
scheduled maintenance guide are essential to the life
and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions
system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts
are used for maintenance replacements or for service
of components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford
Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine compartment
and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªService Engine Soonº light,
charging system warning light or the temperature
warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the
emission control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful
and potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment.
Maintenance and Specifications
232
Page 242 of 264

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on the wear rate of the tire when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified government test
course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA,
A, B, and C. The grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Maintenance and Specifications
242
Page 257 of 264

For maximum vehicle performance, keep the
following information in mind when adding
accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
²When adding accessories, equipment, passengers
and luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the
total weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front
or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the
Safety compliance certification label). Consult
your dealer for specific weight information.
²The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
and Canadian Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way
radios, telephones and theft alarms - that are
equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply
with FCC or CRTC regulations and should be
installed only by a qualified service technician.
²Mobile communications systems may harm the
operation of your vehicle, particularly if they are
not properly designed for automotive use or are
not properly installed. When operated, such
systems may cause the engine to stumble or stall
or cause the transmission to be damaged or
operate improperly. In addition, such systems may
be damaged or their performance may be affected
by operating your vehicle. (Citizens band [CB]
transceivers, garage door openers and other
transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will
not ordinarily affect your vehicle's operation.)
²Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse
effects or damage that may result from the use of
such equipment.
Accessories
257
Page:
< prev 1-8 9-16 17-24