
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
121 20A** Ignition Switch, Rear Defrost
Relay (coil)
122 40A** RH Power Seat Motors, RH Power
Lumbar Motor
201 Ð Not Used
202 Ð Front Wiper ON/OFF Relay
203 Ð Rear Wiper Relay
204 Ð A/C Clutch Relay
205 Ð Horn Relay
206 Ð Not Used
207 Ð Fuel Pump Relay
208 Ð Not Used
209 Ð Front Wiper Hi/Low Relay
301 Ð Starter Interrupt Relay
302 Ð High Speed Engine Cooling Fan
Relay
303 Ð Low Speed Engine Cooling Fan
Relay
304 Ð Powertrain Control Module Relay
401 Ð Not Used
501 Ð Powertrain Control Module Diode
502 Ð Not Used
503 Ð Not Used
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
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. If your Low tire
warning light is on, refer toLow tire warningin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Roadside Emergencies
212

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªCheck Engineº indicator may come on. For more information on
the ªCheck Engineº indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
261

Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles)
of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
Maintenance and Specifications
262

²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
265

When a tire loses inflation, the low
tire warning system detects the
change and illuminates the low tire
warning indicator light as shown.
If the light remains on while driving,
check the tire pressure refer toªChecking the tire pressureºin this
chapter. The low tire warning indicator light will also illuminate when
using a temporary spare, refer toªChanging the tiresºin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
The low tire warning system may not detect an under-inflated
tire under all conditions and is not a substitute for manually
checking tires regularly for proper inflation.
The low tire warning system should be reset whenever new tires
are installed, rotated or tire pressures are changed.
If one tire needs to be replaced sooner than the other on the
same axle replace it with the same brand, type, size, speed rating,
load carrying capacity and DOT code as the other tire. Note: tires
on the same axle (front or rear) must match for the low tire
warning system to function properly.
To reset the system, turn the
ignition to the ON position, press
and hold the ªTIRE RESETº switch
(located on the instrument panel
behind the steering wheel) for three
seconds. The low tire warning
indicator light will flash three times
as the low tire warning system
begins to initialize. The initial adjustment is completed after driving over
65 km/h (40 mph) for 15 to 20 minutes.
This system may not function properly under the following conditions:
²Uneven tread wear.
²Driving on loose or low traction surfaces such as gravel, snow or slush.
²Using tire chains
²Initial tire pressures out of specified range.
²Two or more under inflated tires.
²Sudden loss of tire pressure.
Tire
Reset
Maintenance and Specifications
273

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Automatic
transaxle
(4F50N)Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F
2
XT-5-QM MERCONtV
Disc brake
caliper railsMotorcraft
Silicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundXG-3 ESE-M1C171-A
Constant
velocity jointsMotorcraft CV
Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-2 ESP-M1C207-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.8L OHV V6 engine
Cubic inches 232
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS
Compression ratio 9.36:1
Maintenance and Specifications
280

daytime running lights .............67
flash to pass ..............................68
high beam ...........................15, 68
replacing bulbs .........................74
turning on and off ....................67
warning chime ..........................15
Heating
heater only system ...................58
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................60
rear seat controls .....................64
HomeLink universal
transceiver
(see Garage door opener) ...96±99
Hood ..........................................243
I
Ignition .......................175, 280±281
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................164
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................266
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................239
cluster ................................10, 239
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................69
J
Jack ............................................212
positioning ...............................212
storage .....................................212
Jump-starting your vehicle ......218K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................121
locking and unlocking doors ..123
programming entry code .......122
Keys ...................................124±126
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition .........175
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................67
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................73
cargo lamps ...............................69
daytime running light ...............67
headlamps .................................67
headlamps, flash to pass ..........68
instrument panel, dimming .....69
interior lamps .....................71±73
replacing bulbs ....... 73±74, 76±78
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................71
Liftgate ..............................110, 112
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 181
anti-theft ...................................14
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................12
check engine .............................10
door ajar ....................................14
fuel cap light .............................11
fuel reset ...................................13
high beam ...........................13, 15
low fuel ......................................14
low washer fluid .......................14
oil pressure ...............................13
Index
290