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During Traction Controlyoperation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the
engine will not ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior.
The Traction Controlyon/off
switch, located on the right side of
the instrument cluster, illuminates
OFF when the system is turned
OFF. The Traction Controlysystem
will revert to the ON position every
time the ignition is turned OFF and
ON.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Controlysystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out and enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
If a system fault is detected the traction control active light will
illuminate, the Traction Controlyon/off switch will not toggle on and off,
and your vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible.
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
T/C O
F
F
Driving
147
Page 163 of 248
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 Ð Accessory delay relay
2 Ð Driver one touch down relay
3 Ð Blower motor relay
4 Ð Flasher relay
5 Ð Not used
6 Ð Not used
7 40A Rear defrost grid feed
8 40A Blower motor
9 Ð Rear defrost relay
10 30A Circuit breaker: Power seats,
Delayed accessory, Adjustable
pedals
12
34
56
78
9
10
11 1213 14
15
16 1718
19 2021 22
2324
2526
27 2829
30
32 33
35
3637
38
39 40
41
42
PULL TAB
TO RELEASE SEE OWNERS MANUAL
CONSULTER LA GUIDE
Roadside Emergencies
163
Page 168 of 248

Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPower distribution box
description
28 15A* HEGO sensor transmission shift
solenoid, Canister vent, A/C
clutch relay
29 Ð Wiper park relay
30 Ð Fuel pump relay
31 Ð PCM power relay
32 Ð Fan relay
33 Ð A/C clutch relay
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
Relays
Relays are located in the power distribution box and should be replaced
by qualified technicians.
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
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.
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:
²exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) under any circumstances
²load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
²tow a trailer
²use tire chains
Roadside Emergencies
168
Page 193 of 248

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.
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.
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.
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
193
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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.
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 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 range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
MINMAX
Maintenance and Specifications
224
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SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system .............94±95, 97
Servicing your vehicle ..............197
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................232, 236
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................234, 236
Speed control ..............................75
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle ........138±140
jump starting ..........................172
Steering wheel
controls ................................68, 75
tilting .........................................68
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................168, 228±229
changing ..........................168±169
checking the pressure ............229
replacing ..................................230
rotating ....................................230
snow tires and chains ............231
tire grades ...............................229
treadwear ................................228
Towing .......................................155
recreational towing .................158
trailer towing ..........................155
wrecker ....................................177
Traction control ........................146
active light ................................13
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............148
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
lubricant specifications ..........236Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................226
lubricant specifications ..........234
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk .........................81, 84, 86, 88
remote release ..........................80
Turn signal ............................14, 54
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................236
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................239
Vehicle loading ..........................153
Ventilating your vehicle ...........143
W
Warning chimes .............14±15, 146
Warning lights
(see Lights) .................................10
Washer fluid ..............................201
Water, Driving through .............153
Windows
power .........................................69
rear wiper/washer .....................66
Windshield washer fluid
and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....201
checking and cleaning ........67±68
liftgate reservoir .....................202
operation ...................................66
replacing wiper blades .............67
Wrecker towing .........................177
Index
248