
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.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
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
This system keeps the rear of your vehicle at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs.
If you exceed the load limit, the rear air suspension may not operate.
The air suspension shut-off switch is
located on the left side of the trunk.
If this switch is in the OFF position,
the rear air suspension will not
operate.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
AIR SUSPENSION
SWITCH
INTERRUPTEUR DE
LA SUSPENSION
PNEUMATIQUE
WARNING
AVERTISSEMENTOFF-ARRET
To prevent sudden
vehicle movement,
turn off air suspen-
sion switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or
towing vehicle.
Pour prévenir tout mouvement soudain du véhi-
cule, placer à l'arrêt l'interrupteur de la suspension
pneumatique avant de lever to véhicule (cric ou
pont élévateur) ou de le remorquer.
OFF
Driving
145

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving
146

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.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªService Engine Soonº light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By law,
vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells,
leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle's emission system is on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the engine. This
decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up specifications.
Maintenance and Specifications
216

Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
Maintenance and Specifications
217

A
Accessory delay ..........................62
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................121, 125
and child safety seats ............123
description ......................121, 125
disposal ....................................128
driver air bag ..................123, 126
indicator light ...................12, 125
operation .........................123, 126
passenger air bag ...........123, 126
side air bag ..............................125
Air cleaner filter ...............221, 226
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................43
Air suspension ...........................145
description ..............................145
warning light .............................14
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................201
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ......................................141
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................147
fluid, adding ............................219
fluid, checking ........................219
fluid, refill capacities ..............227
fluid, specification ..................230
Auxiliary power point .................62
Axle
lubricant specifications ..228, 230
refill capacities ........................227
traction lok ..............................149B
Battery .......................................199
acid, treating emergencies .....199
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....169
maintenance-free ....................199
replacement, specifications ...226
servicing ..................................199
Belt minder ...............................116
Brakes ........................................140
anti-lock ...................................141
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................12, 142
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....218
fluid, refill capacities ..............227
fluid, specifications .........228, 230
lubricant
specifications ..................228, 230
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................64
shift interlock ..........................146
Break-in period .............................6
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....227
Cassette tape player ...................26
CD changer .................................38
Certification Label ....................232
Child safety restraints ..............129
child safety belts ....................129
Child safety seats ..............129±130
attaching with tether
straps .......................................133
Index
237

in front seat ............................131
in rear seat ..............................131
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............187
exterior ....................................191
instrument cluster lens ..........190
instrument panel ....................190
interior .....................................190
plastic parts ............................189
safety belts ..............................191
washing ....................................186
waxing .....................................186
wheels ......................................187
windows ..................................191
wiper blades ............................189
Clock ................................22, 32, 61
Compass, electronic ....................63
calibration .................................79
set zone adjustment ...........78±79
Console
rear ............................................85
Controls
power seat ...............................103
steering column ........................68
Coolant
checking and adding ..............201
coolant temperature light ........13
refill capacities ................205, 227
specifications ..................228, 230
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................65
Customer Assistance ................156
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .............................192, 234
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................178
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................182
Getting roadside assistance ...156Getting the service you
need .........................................176
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................183
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................179
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................182
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................49
Defrost
rear window ..............................48
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................219
engine oil .................................195
Doors
door ajar warning .....................15
lubricant specifications ..........228
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................149
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................169
Emission control system ..........216
Engine ........................................230
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................187
coolant .....................................201
fail-safe coolant ......................206
idle speed control ...................199
Index
238

lubrication
specifications ..................228, 230
refill capacities ........................227
service points ..........................194
starting after a collision .........157
Engine block heater .................139
Engine oil ..................................195
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................195
checking and adding ..............195
dipstick ....................................195
filter, specifications ........198, 226
recommendations ...................198
refill capacities ........................227
specifications ..................228, 230
Exhaust fumes ..........................139
F
Fail safe cooling ........................206
Floor mats ...................................87
Fluid capacities .........................227
Fuel ............................................207
calculating fuel
economy ............................80, 212
cap .....................................11, 209
capacity ...................................227
choosing the right fuel ...........210
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................215
detergent in fuel .....................212
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................207, 209, 212
filter, specifications ........212, 226
fuel filler door override ............84
fuel filler door release ..............84
fuel pump shut-off switch .....157
gauge .........................................18
improving fuel economy ........212octane rating ...................211, 230
quality ......................................211
running out of fuel .................212
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................207
Fuses ..................................158±159
G
Garage door opener ....................69
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......11, 209
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................212
Gauges .........................................17
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................17
fuel gauge ..................................18
odometer ...................................18
speedometer .............................18
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................150
definition .................................150
driving with a heavy load ......150
location ....................................150
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................150
calculating ...............................150
definition .................................150
driving with a heavy load ......150
location ....................................150
H
Hazard flashers .........................157
Head restraints .........................102
Headlamps ...................................49
aiming ..................................51±52
autolamp system .......................49
Index
239

bulb specifications ....................54
daytime running lights .............49
flash to pass ..............................50
high beam ...........................15, 50
replacing bulbs .........................55
turning on and off ....................49
warning chime ..........................16
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage door
opener) ..................................69±72
Hood ..........................................194
I
Ignition ...............................136, 230
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .............129±130
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................217
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................190
cluster ................................10, 190
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................50
J
Jack ............................................165
positioning ...............................165
storage .....................................165
Jump-starting your vehicle ......169
K
Keyless entry system .................96
autolock .....................................94
keypad .......................................96
programming entry code .........96Keys ...............................88, 98±100
key in ignition chime ...............16
positions of the ignition .........136
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................49
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................54
cargo lamps ...............................50
daytime running light ...............49
headlamps .................................49
headlamps, flash to pass ..........50
instrument panel, dimming .....50
interior lamps .....................53±54
replacing bulbs .......53, 55, 57±58
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................53
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
air suspension ...........................14
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 142
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................12
cruise indicator .........................14
door ajar ....................................15
fuel cap light .............................11
high beam .................................15
liftgate ajar ................................16
low coolant ................................13
low washer fluid .......................14
oil pressure ...............................13
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
speed control ............................68
traction control system ............15
turn signal indicator .................15
Index
240