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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
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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
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²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.8L OHV V6 engine
Air filter element FA-1616
Fuel filter FG-986B
Battery (standard) BXT-65-650
Battery (optional) BXT-65-750
Oil filter FL-400S
PCV valve EV-152
Spark plugs* AWSF-42EE***
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
*** If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must be reinstalled in the
same cylinder. Cylinders No. 1, 2, and 3 have a ªEGº suffix. Cylinders No.
4, 5, and 6 have a ªEº suffix. If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use
only spark plugs with the service part number suffix letter ªEEº as
shown on the engine decal.
Maintenance and Specifications
277
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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