
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 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 ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction
Controlysystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to ªdigº the
vehicle out and enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
The traction control indicator
flashes during a Traction Controly
system event.
If the traction control indicator
comes on and stays lit, either:
²the Traction Controlysystem requires service, or
²the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
located on the left side of the instrument panel.
The Traction Controlysystem will be on every time you turn the ignition
key from OFF to ON until you deactivate the system using the traction
control switch on the instrument panel left of the steering column.
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.
TRAC
CNTL
Driving
146

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 (except police vehicles)
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 at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
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.
Driving
147

Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
1 Ð Not Used
2 Ð Not Used
3 Ð Not Used
4 10A Air Bags
5 Ð Not Used
6 15A Instrument Cluster, Warning
Lamps Module, Transmission
Control Switch, Lighting Control
Module (LCM)
7 Ð Not Used
27 25
26 2423 21
2219
20
18 16
17 1514 12
131030
32
31
28
29
11
97
8653
41
2
Roadside Emergencies
162

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
10 50A** See Fuses 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13
and Circuit Breaker 14
11 50A** See Fuses 4, 8, 16 and Circuit
Breaker 12
12 30A** PCM Power Relay, PCM
13 50A** High Speed Cooling Fan Relay
14 40A** Rear Window Defrost Relay, Also
see Fuse 17
15 40A** Anti-Lock Brake Module
16 Ð Not Used
17 30A CB Cooling Fan Relay
Relay 1 Ð Rear Defrost Relay
Relay 2 Ð Horn Relay
Relay 3 Ð Cooling Fan Relay
Relay 4 Ð Air Suspension Pump Relay
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
Relays
Relays are located in the power distribution box and should be replaced
by qualified technicians.
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Temporary spare tire information
Your vehicle may have a temporary or full-size spare tire. The temporary
spare tire for your vehicle is labeled as such. It is smaller than a regular
tire and is designed for emergency use only. Replace this tire with a
full-size tire as soon as possible.
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow
these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control
of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.
Roadside Emergencies
166

CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Wipe the cluster area with a soft, damp cotton towel. Dry the area with a
clean, dry towel.
CLEANING SEATS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. In order to remove
stains and soil, clean with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner
(E8AZ-19523±AA).
Never saturate the seat covers with any cleaning solution.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat where the side air bag is mounted. Such products could
contaminate the side air bag system and affect performance of the side
air bag in a collision. The air bag may not function correctly and not
provide injury reduction benefits.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR FABRIC, CARPETS AND CLOTH SEATS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Remove light stains
and soil with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (E8AZ-19523±AA).
Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which
can stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardent
abilities of the seat materials.
If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first with
Spot and Stain Remover (F3AZ-19521±WA). Follow up by recleaning the
area with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (E8AZ-19523±AA).
Cleaning
191

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.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
220

instrument panel ....................191
interior .....................................191
plastic parts ............................190
safety belts ..............................192
washing ....................................187
waxing .....................................187
wheels ......................................188
windows ..................................192
wiper blades ............................190
Clock ......................................32, 70
Compass, electronic ....................73
calibration .................................74
set zone adjustment .................73
Console ........................................91
Controls
power seat .......................108, 110
steering column ........................79
Coolant
checking and adding ..............203
coolant temperature light ........13
refill capacities ................206, 230
specifications ..................232±233
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................75
Customer Assistance ................158
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................193
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................179
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................183
Getting roadside assistance ...158
Getting the service you
need .........................................177
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................184
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................180Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................183
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................60
Defrost
rear window ..............................58
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................222
engine oil .................................197
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........232
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................152
E
Electronic message center .........84
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................171
Emission control system ..........218
Engine ................................233±234
check engine/service
engine soon light ......................11
cleaning ...................................189
coolant .....................................203
fail-safe coolant ......................207
idle speed control ...................200
lubrication
specifications ..................232±233
refill capacities ........................230
service points ..........................196
starting after a collision .........160
Engine block heater .................141
Index
241

SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................102±103, 105
Servicing your vehicle ..............194
Spark plugs,
specifications .............230, 233±234
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................232±233
Speed control ..............................75
Speedometer ...............................21
Starting your vehicle .......138±139,
141
jump starting ..........................171
Steering
speed sensitive .......................147
Steering wheel
controls ..........................69, 75, 79
tilting .........................................69
T
Tires ...........................166, 225±227
changing ..........................166±167
checking the pressure ............227
replacing ..................................228
rotating ....................................227
snow tires and chains ............229
tire grades ...............................226
treadwear ................................226
Towing .......................................154
recreational towing .................157
trailer towing ..........................154
wrecker ....................................176
Traction control ........................145
active light ................................14
Traction-lok rear axle ...............152Transmission .............................148
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
lubricant specifications ..232±233
Trip odometer .............................22
Trunk ...........................................93
remote release ....................90, 96
Turn signal ............................15, 61
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................234
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................235
Vehicle loading ..........................153
Ventilating your vehicle ...........142
W
Warning chimes ...........................16
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................197
Water, Driving through .............152
Windows
power .........................................70
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....197
checking and cleaning ..............68
operation ...................................68
replacing wiper blades .............68
Wrecker towing .........................176
Index
245