SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which
makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your
dealership can provide the necessary parts and
service. Check yourWarranty Guideto find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and
service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR
VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing,
jewelry or long hair away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit
material away from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in theBatterysection in
this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
Maintenance and Specifications
201
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).
Maintenance and Specifications
206
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
Low fluid level
Do not drive the
vehicle if the fluid level
is at the bottom of the
dipstick and the ambient temperature is above 10ÉC
(50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal
operating temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on
a level surface. The normal operating temperature
can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the
ambient temperature is above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However,
if fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition
could result when the vehicle reaches normal
operating temperature.
The transmission fluid
should be in this range
if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC [150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid
should be in this range
if at ambient
temperature (10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
safe range may result
in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible
damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating
condition.
Maintenance and Specifications
239
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type
is used. The type of fluid used is normally indicated
on the dipstick and also in theLubricant
specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission
fluid may cause internal transmission
component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint)
increments through the filler tube until the level is
correct.
If an overfill occurs,
excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
(if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler
plug and inspect the
fluid level.
Maintenance and Specifications
240
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
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