
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in
neutral.
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any time.
Always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located at the bottom
left 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 by pushing upward on the
handle.
3. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it open.
Maintenance and Specifications
229

WASHER FLUID
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification ESR-M17P5±A.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
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) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Maintenance and Specifications
232

3. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft Part Numbers.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Maintenance and Specifications
253

Changing the air filter element
1. Loosen the hose clamp on the
outlet tube at the air filter housing.
2. Release the two clamps that
secure the cover to the air filter
housing and place the cover aside.
Maintenance and Specifications
254

3. Remove the air filter element
from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unmetered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
Maintenance and Specifications
255

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
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 or chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class S chains with P215/60R16 tires.
²Do not use tire chains with size P235/50R17 tires. Use of SAE Class S
chains or other chain types may damage your vehicle.
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.
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 or chains.
Maintenance and Specifications
260

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Lincoln Mercury 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
Remote start
Styled wheel locks
Vehicle security systems
Comfort and convenience
Cargo nets
Cargo organizers (trunk)
Cargo tray
Electrochromic compass inside mirror
Engine block heaters
Luggage/cargo basket
Manual gear shift knob (woodgrain)
Remote start system
Accessories
273

S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....15, 126, 128±131, 133
Safety defects, reporting ..........219
Safety restraints ........126, 128±133
belt minder .............................134
cleaning the safety
belts .................................138, 226
extension assembly ................137
for adults .........................128±131
for children .....................146±147
warning light
and chime ............12, 15, 133±134
Safety seats for children ..........148
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............126
Seats ..........................................121
child safety seats ....................148
cleaning ...................................225
easy access/easyout
feature .....................................124
memory seat ...................116, 125
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............117, 119
Select Shift Transmission
(SST) shifter .............................173
Servicing your vehicle ..............228
Spark plugs,
specifications .............261, 264±265
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................263±264
Speed control ..............................78
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle ........156±158
jump starting ..........................202Steering
speed sensitive .......................163
Steering column lock ................106
Steering wheel
controls ..........................72, 78, 84
tilting ...................................14, 72
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................198, 255±257
changing ..........................198±199
checking the pressure ............257
replacing ..................................259
rotating ....................................257
snow tires and chains ............260
tire grades ...............................256
treadwear ................................256
Towing .......................................183
recreational towing .................186
trailer towing ..........................183
wrecker ....................................209
Traction control ........................164
active light ................................13
Transmission ...............................13
automatic operation ...............167
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................252
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................252
fluid, refill capacities ..............261
lubricant specifications ..263±264
manual operation ..............13, 177
Trip odometer .............................17
Trunk .........................................109
remote release ................104, 114
Turn signal ......................14±15, 64
Index
281