Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate (if equipped)
The opening for the reservoir is
located on the passenger side under
the tail lamp. Refill this reservoir
with the same fluid you use for your
windshield.
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.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
Maintenance and Specifications
195
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 within this range.
Note:The 3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
may have a different type power
steering fluid reservoir that uses a
dipstick to check fluid level. With
this application, the fluid should be
between the arrows in the FULL
HOT range. Do not add fluid if the
level is within this range. Refer to
Identifying Components in the
Engine Compartmentfor different
reservoir locations in this chapter.
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(FULL HOT range with dipstick type reservoir). Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
MINMAX
FULL HOT
Maintenance and Specifications
217
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specification ESA-M6C25–A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
218
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and Specifications
219
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine
coolant
1Motorcraft
Premium
Engine Coolant
(green-colored)
orMotorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine11.0L (11.6
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine10.0L (10.6
quarts)
Engine oil
(includes
filter change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine4.25L (4.5 quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine5.2L (5.5 quarts)
Fuel tank
capacityN/A All vehicles 68.1L (18.0
gallons)
Power
steering fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F3.0L V6 Vulcan
engineor Keep in FULL
range on dipstick
3.0L V6 Duratec
engineFill to line on
reservoir
Automatic
transaxle -
4F50NMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT F3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine12.8L (13.5
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine12.7L (13.4
quarts)
Automatic
transaxle -
AX4SMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT F3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine11.6L (12.2
quarts)
Windshield
washer fluid -
FrontMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.8L (94.7 oz.)
Maintenance and Specifications
225
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Windshield
washer fluid -
RearMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateWagon 1.8L (60.9 oz.)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemsFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Door latch, hood
latch, auxiliary
hood latch, seat
tracks, trunk
and liftgate
latchesMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 ESR-M1C159-A
or
ESA-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders Penetrating and
Lock LubricantMotorcraft XL-1 none
Automatic
transaxle (AX4S
and 4F50N
1)Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM
MERCONV
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor OilXO-5W20-QSP WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
Constant
velocity jointsCV Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-5 WSS-M2C258–A1
Maintenance and Specifications
226
A
Accessory delay ..........................45
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................90–91, 94
and child safety seats ..............92
description ..........................91, 94
disposal ......................................96
driver air bag ................90, 93, 95
indicator light ...........................93
operation .......................90, 93, 95
passenger air bag .........90, 93, 95
side air bag ................................94
Air cleaner filter .......................180
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................159
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................111
Anti-theft system ........................69
arming the system ....................69
disarming a triggered system ..69
Audio system (see Radio) ...15, 17
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................174
fluid, checking ........................174
fluid, refill capacities ..............181
fluid, specification ..................185
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................116
Auxiliary power point .................44
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........183
B
Battery .......................................157
acid, treating emergencies .....157
jumping a disabled battery ....135maintenance-free ....................157
replacement, specifications ...180
servicing ..................................157
BeltMinder ...................................85
Brakes ........................................110
anti-lock ...................................111
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................111
fluid, checking and adding ....174
fluid, refill capacities ..............181
fluid, specifications .........183, 185
lubricant specifications ..183, 185
parking ....................................112
shift interlock ..........................113
Bulbs ............................................31
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....181
Cargo area shade ........................56
Cargo cover .................................55
Cargo net .....................................55
CD changer .................................19
CD-single premium ...............15, 17
Cell phone use ............................52
Cellular telephone (see your
Cellular Phone Guide) ................52
Certification Label ....................187
Changing a tire .........................131
Child safety restraints ................97
child safety belts ......................97
Child safety seats ........................99
attaching with tether straps ..103
in front seat ............................100
in rear seat ......................100, 103
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............144
Index
235
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................29
Liftgate ........................................54
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........111
speed control ............................51
Load limits .................................118
GAWR ......................................118
GVWR ......................................118
trailer towing ..........................118
Locks
childproof ..................................58
doors ..........................................58
Lubricant specifications ...183, 185
Lumbar support, seats ...............72
M
Mirrors .........................................44
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................45
heated ........................................48
side view mirrors (power) .......47
Moon roof ....................................51
Motorcraft parts ................168, 180
O
Octane rating ............................167
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................154
Overdrive ...................................114
P
Parking brake ............................112
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....180
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................48Power adjustable foot pedals .....48
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................129
Power door locks ........................58
Power point .................................44
Power steering ..........................113
fluid, checking and adding ....173
fluid, refill capacity ................181
fluid, specifications .........183, 185
Power Windows ...........................44
R
Radio ......................................15, 17
Rear window defroster ...............25
Relays ................................125, 131
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................62
locking/unlocking doors ...........58
opening the trunk .....................61
Roof rack .....................................57
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................75, 77–80, 82
Safety restraints ..............75, 77–83
belt minder ...............................85
cleaning the safety belts ..........89
extension assembly ..................88
for adults .............................78–80
for children .........................96–97
lap belt ......................................82
warning light and chime ....84–85
Safety seats for children ............99
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............75
Seats ............................................71
Index
238