CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONtAT F.
If your vehicle is
equipped with the
3.8L V6 engine,check
the power steering
fluid level with the
engine at normal
operating temperature.
1. Start the engine and
let it run until it
reaches normal
operating temperature
(the engine coolant
temperature gauge
indicator will be near
the center of the
normal area between H
and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be
within the FULL HOT range. Do not add fluid if the
level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
correct operating range. Be sure to put the cap back
on the reservoir.
FILL
HOT
Maintenance and Specifications
234
If your vehicle is
equipped with a 4.6L
V8 engine,check the
power steering fluid
level with the engine at
ambient temperature.
Allow at least one-half
hour after driving for
the power steering
fluid to cool.
1. Start the engine and
allow the engine to
idle.
2. Turn the steering
wheel left and right
several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be
between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if
the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
correct operating range. Be sure to put the cap back
on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and refilled as
needed. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide
for the service interval schedules.
MAXMIN
Maintenance and Specifications
235
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts
the eyes, flush eyes with running water for
15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce
vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3,
you will cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch
adjustment. Refer to
the scheduled
maintenance guide for
the service interval
schedules.
The clutch on your
vehicle is operated by
a cable. As necessary, adjust the clutch as described
below.
1. Turn the engine off and shift into 1 (First).
2. Put your foot under the clutch pedal and gently
pull it up until the pedal stops.
3. Push the clutch pedal down slowly. You will hear a
click as the clutch adjusts itself.
Maintenance and Specifications
237
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
(if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your
transmission does not consume fluid. However, the
fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts
slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed.
To obtain an accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle
until it is at normal operating temperature
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has
been operated for an extended period at high
speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a
trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the
parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on
the brake pedal, start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow
sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the
engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean,
dry lint free rag. If necessary, refer toIdentifying
components in the engine compartmentin this
chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in
the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level.
The fluid should be in the designated area for
normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Maintenance and Specifications
238
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Fuel tank N/A All 59.4L
(15.7 gallons)
Transmission
fluid
3Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FAutomatic
with 3.8L
OHV V6
engine13.1L
(13.9 quarts)
4
Automatic
with 4.6L
SOHC V8
engine12.0L
(12.8 quarts)
4
Motorcraft
MERCONt
AT FManual with
3.8L OHV V6
engine2.6L
(5.6 pints)5
Synthetic
MERCONt
AT FManual with
4.6L SOHC
V8 engine3.8L
(8.0 pints)5
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 3.8L
(4.0 quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your
vehicle.
2Rear axle lubricants do not need to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected, service is
required or the axle assembly has been submerged
in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any
time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill
6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below
bottom of fill hole. Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive
Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118±A for
complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is
used. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated
on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle. MERCONt
and MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
248
A
ABS (see Brakes) ... 143
Air bag
supplemental restraint
system .............. 120±121
and child safety
seats ....................... 123
description ............ 121
disposal .................. 126
driver air bag ........ 123
indicator light... 11, 125
operation ............... 123
passenger air bag . 123
Air cleaner filter ..... 246
Air conditioning
manual heating and
air conditioning
system ..................... 67
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ...... 213
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .... 143±144
Anti-theft system
warning light ........... 11
Audio system
(see Radio) .... 20, 45±46
Automatic
transmission ............ 148
driving an automatic
overdrive ............... 150
fluid, adding .......... 238
fluid, checking ...... 238
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 247
fluid, specification.. 251
Auxiliary power
point ........................... 83Axle
lubricant
specifications. 249, 251
refill capacities ...... 247
traction lok ............ 147
B
Battery ..................... 210
acid, treating
emergencies .......... 210
charging system
warning light ........... 11
jumping a disabled
battery ................... 174
maintenance-free .. 210
replacement,
specifications ........ 246
servicing ................ 210
voltage gauge .......... 17
BeltMinder ............... 114
Brakes .............. 142, 145
anti-lock ......... 143±144
anti-lock brake
system (ABS)
warning light ... 14, 144
brake warning light.. 15
fluid, checking
and adding ............ 235
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 247
fluid,
specifications. 249, 251
lubricant
specifications. 249, 251
parking .................. 142
shift interlock ........ 148
Break-in period ........... 6
Bulbs .......................... 75
Index
258
C
Capacities for
refilling fluids .......... 247
Cargo net ................... 83
CD player ............ 45±46
CD-single premium ... 20
Certification Label .. 253
Changing a tire ....... 170
Child safety
restraints ................. 127
child safety belts .. 127
Child safety seats .... 128
attaching with
tether straps ......... 132
in front seat .......... 129
in rear seat ............ 129
Cleaning your vehicle
engine
compartment ......... 194
exterior .................. 199
instrument
cluster lens ............ 198
instrument panel .. 197
interior ................... 198
plastic parts .......... 196
safety belts ............ 199
washing .................. 192
waxing ................... 192
wheels .................... 193
windows ................ 199
wiper blades .......... 196
Climate control
(see Air conditioning
or Heating) ................ 67
Clock .............. 25, 37, 52
Clutch
adjusting ................ 237operation while
driving ................... 154
recommended
shift speeds ........... 155
Console ...................... 89
Controls
power seat ............. 105
Convertible ................ 90
cleaning ................. 197
installation of
the boot ................... 92
lowering the
convertible top ........ 90
raising the
convertible top ........ 93
Coolant
checking and
adding .................... 213
refill
capacities ....... 220, 247
specifications. 249, 251
Cruise control (see
Speed control) .......... 85
Customer
Assistance ................ 162
Ford accessories
for your vehicle .... 200
Ford Extended
Service Plan .......... 182
Getting assistance
outside the U.S.
and Canada ........... 188
Getting roadside
assistance .............. 162
Getting the service
you need ............... 180
Ordering additional
owner's literature... 189
Index
259
The Dispute
Settlement Board . 183
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ................. 187
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) .............. 71
Defrost
rear window ............ 70
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ........................ 238
engine oil ............... 206
Doors
lubricant
specifications ........ 249
Driving under special
conditions
through water ....... 158
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ........ 174
Emission control
system ...................... 232
Engine ...................... 251
check engine/service
engine soon light .... 11
cleaning ................. 194
coolant ................... 213
idle speed control.. 210
lubrication
specifications. 249, 251
refill capacities ...... 247
service
points ............. 204±205starting after
a collision .............. 164
Engine block
heater ....................... 140
Engine oil ................ 206
checking and
adding .................... 206
dipstick .................. 206
filter,
specifications. 209, 246
recommendations... 209
refill capacities ...... 247
specifications. 249, 251
Exhaust fumes ........ 140
F
Floor mats ................. 90
Fluid capacities ....... 247
Foglamps ................... 71
Fuel .......................... 221
calculating fuel
economy ................ 227
cap ................... 13, 224
capacity ................. 247
choosing the
right fuel ................ 225
comparisons with EPA
fuel economy
estimates ............... 231
detergent in fuel ... 226
filling your vehicle
with
fuel
......... 221, 224, 227
filter,
specifications. 227, 246
fuel pump shut-off
switch .................... 164
gauge ....................... 18
improving fuel
economy ................ 227
Index
260