IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.8L OHV V6 engine
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Air filter assembly
3. Power distribution box
4. Battery
5. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
345678
91012
Maintenance and Specifications
244
specificationsin this chapter.DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
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 DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is not DOT 3 or
DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the fluid level in the reservoir for the master cylinder
fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder runs dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle 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 warmed up
(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.
Maintenance and Specifications
269
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in 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 areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle 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.
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 the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and Specifications
270
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
in rear seat ......................165, 167
tether anchorage
hardware .................................168
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............237
exterior ....................................241
instrument cluster lens ..........239
instrument panel ....................239
interior .....................................239
plastic parts ............237±238, 240
safety belts ..............................240
washing ....................................235
waxing .....................................235
wheels ......................................236
windows ..................................240
wiper blades ............................238
woodtone trim ........................238
Clock ..........................22, 31, 37, 48
Compass, electronic ............88, 107
Console ........................................94
overhead ....................................82
Controls
power seat ...............................130
Coolant
checking and adding ..............252
refill capacities ................256, 278
specifications ..................279±280
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................90
Cupholder(s) .............................134
Customer Assistance ................200
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................241
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................227
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............231Getting roadside
assistance ................................200
Getting the service
you need .................................225
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................232
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................228
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............231
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................67
Defrost
rear window ..............................66
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................269
engine oil .................................246
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14
lubricant specifications ..........279
power sliding ............................83
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................192
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................218
Emission control system ..........265
Engine ................................280±281
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................237
coolant .....................................252
Index
288
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