Page 1 of 240
Introduction 4
Congratulations 4
Safety and environment protection 5
Symbol glossary 8
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 14
Entertainment Systems 16
AM/FM stereo cassette (CD changer compatible) 16
CD changer 28
Climate Controls 33
Electronic automatic temperature control 33
Lights 40
Headlamps 40
Bulb replacement 46
Driver Controls 53
Windshield wiper/washer control 53
Steering wheel adjustment 54
Power windows 57
Mirrors 58
Message center 76
Locks and Security 87
Keys 87
Locks 87
Anti-theft system 90
Table of Contents
1
Page 141 of 240

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
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn suspension components
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
SeeElectronic Message Centerin theDriver controlschapter for
personalized adjustment.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
TRACTION CONTROLY
Traction Controlyhelps maintain the stability and steerability of your
vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces. The
system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Driving
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Page 142 of 240

Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the front
brakes in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque
reduction is realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection
systems. This process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast
acting. The front wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a
second and adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation, TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE is
displayed on the message center. 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.
If you should become stuck in snow or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controlysystem off. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrumentationchapter.
If the Traction Controlysystem is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the front brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still control wheels from over-spinning. When the
front brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool down period.
If a system fault is detected, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL is displayed
on the message center and your vehicle should be serviced.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
²certain road conditions
²steering maneuvers
²braking
²accelerations
Driving
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Page 235 of 240

plastic parts ....................186±187
safety belts ..............................189
washing ....................................184
waxing .....................................184
wheels ......................................185
windows ..................................189
wiper blades ............................187
Clock ............................................55
Compass, electronic ....................60
calibration .................................62
set zone adjustment .................61
Console ........................................56
Controls
power seat ...............................103
steering column ........................67
Coolant
checking and adding ..............199
refill capacities ................203, 224
specifications ..................226±227
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................63
Customer Assistance ................154
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................190
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................176
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................180
Getting roadside assistance ...154
Getting the service you
need .........................................174
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................181
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................177
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................180D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................40
Defrost
rear window ..............................39
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................216
engine oil .................................194
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........226
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................148
E
Electronic message center .........76
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................167
Emission control system ..........212
Engine ........................................227
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................186
coolant .....................................199
idle speed control ...................197
lubrication
specifications ..................226±227
refill capacities ........................224
service points ..........................193
starting after a collision .........155
Engine block heater .................136
Engine oil ..................................194
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................194
checking and adding ..............194
Index
235