If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular”unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as“Regular”that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of“Regular”unleaded
gasoline.“Premium”unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
224
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km–5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
Maintenance and Specifications
226
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All Terrain”,
“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
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 and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive 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.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and Specifications
238
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.3L V6 engine
Engine air filter element FA-1121
Cabin air filter FP-27
Fuel filter FG-993
Battery BXT-24-F
Oil filter FL-2007
PCV Valve EV-217
Spark plugs
1AGSP-32FP
1Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Capacity
Engine oil (includes
filter change)Motorcraft SAE 5W-30
Super Premium Motor
Oil4.0L (4.2 quarts)
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidFill to line on reservoir
Power steering fluid Motorcraft MERCON
AT FFill to line on reservoir
Automatic transaxle
fluidMotorcraft MERCON
AT F8.3L (8.8 quarts)
Engine coolant
1Motorcraft Premium
Engine Coolant10.6L (11.2 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 75.7L (20.0 gallons)
Windshield washer
fluidUltra-Clear Windshield
Washer ConcentrateFill to line on reservoir
1Use Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE
Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding
engine coolant, in the Maintenance and Specificationschapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
239
filter, specifications ........214, 239
recommendations ...................214
refill capacities ........................239
specifications ..................240–241
Exhaust fumes ..........................158
F
Floor mats .................................103
Fluid capacities .........................239
Foglamps .....................................74
Fuel ............................................221
calculating fuel economy .......225
cap ...........................................223
capacity ...................................239
choosing the right fuel ...........224
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................228
detergent in fuel .....................225
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................221, 223, 226
filter, specifications ........225, 239
fuel pump shut-off switch .....174
gauge .........................................17
improving fuel economy ........225
low fuel warning light ..............13
octane rating ...........224, 241–242
quality ......................................224
running out of fuel .................225
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................221
Fuses ..................................175–176
G
Garage door opener ....................95
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............223
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................225
Gauges ...................................15–16engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................16
fuel gauge ..................................17
odometer ...................................18
speedometer .............................18
trip odometer ............................19
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................167
calculating ...............................168
definition .................................167
driving with a heavy load ......167
location ....................................167
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................167
calculating .......................167–168
definition .................................167
driving with a heavy load ......167
location ....................................167
H
Hazard flashers .........................174
Head restraints .........................115
Headlamps ...................................74
aiming ........................................75
autolamp system .......................74
bulb specifications ....................77
flash to pass ..............................75
high beam ...........................15, 75
replacing bulbs .........................79
turning on and off ....................74
warning chime ..........................15
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................58, 63
rear seat controls ...............61, 69
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage door
opener) ...................... 95–96, 98–99
Hood ..........................................210
Index
250