Page 243 of 296
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of the hood.
3. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod. Your vehicle's hood has
two locations for the prop rod to be placed. These locations provide two
different hood opening positions. Use the location which best suits your
needs.
HOOD
Maintenance and Specifications
243
Page 246 of 296
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 a few 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).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
246
Page 276 of 296

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with ªhigh performanceº tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods
of time may result in damage to vehicle components.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Do not use tire chains with 215/65R16 and P225/60R16 size tires.
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
276
Page 284 of 296

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln, Mercury or Ford of
Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically
engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to
complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets
or exceeds Ford's rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford
Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford
accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
²12 months or 20 000 km (12 000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
²The remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle's Limited Warranty Ð 3 years or 60 000 km (36 000 miles)
(whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the
warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Non-decorative wheel protector locks
Remote keyless entry
Styled wheel protector locks
Vehicle security systems
Comfort and convenience
Cargo nets
Cargo shade
Cargo tray
Child step running boards
Engine block heaters
Molded running boards
Remote start system
Seatback organizer
Tire step
Accessories
284
Page 285 of 296
Travel equipment
Cargo organizer
Console
Factory luggage rack adaptors (Bike, ski, etc.)
Framed luggage covers
HomeLinkt(in sun visor)
Inside rear view mirror with compass (with and without temperature
display)
Luggage/cargo basket
Raised cross bars (roof rack)
Soft luggage cover
Trailer hitch (Class II)
Trailer hitch bars and balls
Trailer hitch mount bike carrier
Trailer hitch wiring adaptor
Video entertainment system
Protection and appearance equipment
Cargo liners, interior
Carpet floor mats
Door edge guards
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full and mini)
Hood deflectors
Locking gas cap
Molded splash guards
Molded vinyl floor mats
Rear air deflector
Side window deflectors
Underbody security lighting
Universal floor mats
Accessories
285
Page 292 of 296

S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....15, 141, 144, 146, 148
Safety defects, reporting ..........234
Safety
restraints ...........141, 144, 146, 148
belt minder .............................150
cleaning the safety
belts .................................154, 240
extension assembly ................154
for adults .........................146, 148
for children .....................162±163
lap belt ....................................149
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................142
warning light and
chime ...................12, 15, 149±150
Safety seats for children ..........164
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............141
Seats ..........................................129
child safety seats ....................164
cleaning ...................................239
memory seat ...........................132
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............124±126
Servicing your vehicle ..............242
Spark plugs,
specifications .............277, 280±281
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................279±280
Speed control ..............................90
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle ........175±177
jump starting ..........................218Steering wheel
controls ................................81, 90
tilting .........................................81
T
Tachometer .................................18
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................58
Tire warning ..............................272
Tires ...........................212, 271±272
changing ..................212±213, 215
checking the pressure ............274
replacing ..................................275
rotating ....................................274
snow tires and chains ............276
tire grades ...............................272
treadwear ................................271
Towing .......................................195
recreational towing .................198
trailer towing ..........................195
wrecker ....................................223
Traction control ........................182
active light ................................13
off light ......................................13
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............186
fluid, refill capacities ..............278
lubricant specifications ..........280
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................269
lubricant specifications ..........279
Trip odometer .............................18
Turn signal ............................15, 71
Index
292