Page 104 of 256

Deactivating overdrive
Press the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS) located on the end of
the gearshift lever. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate. The
transaxle will operate in all gears
except overdrive.
To return to normal overdrive mode, press the Transmission Control
Switch again. The O/D OFF indicator light will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transaxle will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode.
For additional information about the gearshift lever and the transmission
control switch operation refer to theAutomatic Transaxle Operation
section of theDrivingchapter.
LIFTGATE
To open the liftgate window (if
equipped), insert key into lock and
turn clockwise. The window
unlatches and the wiper moves out
of the way.
To open the liftgate, insert key into
lock and turn counterclockwise. Pull
back and upward on liftgate handle
to fully open liftgate.
•The auto-rise feature automatically raises the liftgate or window (if
equipped). In cold weather you may have to assist opening the liftgate
or window since the auto-rise feature may slow down.
•Do not open the liftgate or liftgate window in a garage or other
enclosed area with a low ceiling. If the liftgate window is raised and
the liftgate is also opened, both liftgate and window could be damaged
against a low ceiling.
•The liftgate can be locked by turning the key clockwise in between
the upright key position and the liftgate window (if equipped) key
position. Do not turn the key fully clockwise unless you wish to open
the liftgate window (if equipped).
Make sure that the liftgate door and/or window are closed to
prevent exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle. This
will also prevent passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must
drive with the liftgate door or window open, keep the vents open so
outside air comes into the vehicle.
OVERDRIVE
OFF/ON
Driver Controls
104
Page 106 of 256

Front Cargo net (if equipped)
The front cargo net can be used to
hold small items between the front
seats. To install the net, secure the
hooks into the retainers located on
the inboard base of the front seats.
Parcel Shelf (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
14 kg (30 lbs.) maximum capacity
parcel shelf located behind the rear
seat of your vehicle which can be
positioned to three different heights.
To remove the shelf:
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Disconnect the net loop from the
retainer underneath the shelf to
access the lock knob.
3. Turn the lock knob
counterclockwise and slide the knob
to the UNLATCH position.
4. Remove the shelf from the
vehicle.
To install the shelf:
1.
Position and slide the shelf into the
right mounting bracket; then align the
shelf into the left mounting bracket.
2. Slide the lock knob to the LATCH position and tighten the lock knob
clockwise.
3. Connect the net loop to the retainer underneath the shelf and close
the liftgate.
To secure objects on the shelf:
1. Disconnect the net loops from the retainers underneath the shelf.
2. Place the objects underneath the net and secure the net loops to the
retainers underneath the shelf.
LOCK
Driver Controls
106
Page 184 of 256
Removing the spare tire
1. Open the liftgate, locate the U-shaped slits in the carpet, and flip up
the piece of carpet to expose the hex nut.
2. Insert the lug nut wrench on the
hex nut in cargo floor.
3. Turn the wrench
counterclockwise until tire is
lowered to the ground and the cable
is slightly slack.
4. Remove the retainer from the
spare tire. It may be necessary to
lift one end of the tire to disengage
the retainer.
Stowing the spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the interior side facing up.
Roadside Emergencies
184
Page 185 of 256

2. Install the retainer through the
wheel center and slide the wheel
under the vehicle.
3. Turn the wrench clockwise until
the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle. The
hex nut ratchets when the tire is
raised to the stowed position. It will
not allow you to overtighten.
4. Check seating position of tire for
looseness against the underbody
supports and retighten if necessary.
Ensure the position of the
tire is not too far forward to
avoid contact with the axle.
Tire change procedure
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
All occupants should be out of the vehicle while it is on the jack.
Roadside Emergencies
185
Page 186 of 256
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set parking
brake.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park),
turn engine OFF, and block the
diagonally opposite wheel.
3. Remove the spare tire and jack
assembly.
4. Remove the center ornament or
wheel cover from the wheel with the tapered end of the jack handle that
came with your vehicle. Insert and twist the handle, then pry against the
wheel.
5. Loosen each wheel lug nut
one-half turn counterclockwise but
do not remove them until the wheel
is raised off the ground.
PUSH
TO
RELEASE
Roadside Emergencies
186
Page 187 of 256

Jacking notches are located
approximately six inches rearward
of the front wheels and twelve
inches foward of the rear wheels.
6. Locate the jack notch closest to
the tire you are changing, then
place the jack on the frame rail
directly behind the notch.
7. Turn the jack handle clockwise
until the wheel is completely off the
ground.
To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any part of your
body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do not start the
engine when your vehicle is on the jack. The jack is only meant for
changing the tire.
8. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
9. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub.
Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
10. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
11. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.
12. Install wheel cover or center
ornament on wheel.
13. Put jack assembly away in the
proper location.
Store flat tire under the vehicle.
Refer toStowing the spare tirein
this chapter.
1
4 3
2 5
Roadside Emergencies
187
Page 214 of 256

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the H
mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Motor oil displaying the API certification trademark will meet all
requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C205–A.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
It is recommended that you replace the engine oil drain plug washer
each time the engine oil is changed.
Maintenance and Specifications
214
Page 216 of 256

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compunds.Wash hands after handling.
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. During the first few hundred kilometers
(miles) of operation, it is normal for your transaxle to have abrupt shifts.
The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power from the battery.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal shifting will resume
within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
Maintenance and Specifications
216