
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

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

JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes, and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic converter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Roadside Emergencies
188

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must“relearn”its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection of this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Maintenance and Specifications
209

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.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the L and H marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the L
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the L and H range.
•Oil levels above the H mark may cause engine damage. Some oil must
be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
LH
Maintenance and Specifications
213

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.
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.
HOT
HOT
HOT
Maintenance and Specifications
233

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................159
Accessory delay ..........................88
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................136–137
and child safety seats ............138
description ..............................137
disposal ....................................140
driver air bag ..........................139
indicator light ...................12, 140
operation .................................139
passenger air bag ...................139
Air cleaner filter ...............234, 239
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................63
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................58
rear seat controls ...............61, 69
Air filter, cabin ............................73
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................217
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................159–160
Anti-theft system ......................112
arming the system ..................113
disarming a triggered
system .....................................114
disarming an untriggered
system .....................................114
Audio system (see Radio) .........20
Automatic transaxle
driving with .............................163
fluid, adding ............................232
fluid, checking ........................232
fluid, refill capacities ..............239
fluid, specification ..................241
Auxiliary power point .................86Axle
lubricant specifications ..........240
B
Battery .......................................215
acid, treating emergencies .....215
charging system warning
light ............................................13
jumping a disabled battery ....188
maintenance-free ....................215
replacement, specifications ...239
servicing ..................................215
Brakes ........................................158
anti-lock ...........................159–160
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 160
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....231
fluid, refill capacities ..............239
fluid, specifications .........240–241
lubricant specifications ..240–241
parking ....................................160
shift interlock ..........................162
Break-in period .............................6
Bulbs ............................................77
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....239
Cargo cover ...............................106
Cargo net ...........................105–106
CD changer .................................53
Certification Label ....................243
Changing a tire .........................182
Child safety restraints ..............141
child safety belts ....................141
Child safety seats ......................144
attaching with tether straps ..149
Index
248

Oil (see Engine oil) ..................212
Overdrive ...........................103, 166
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................110
Parking brake ............................160
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....239
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................179
Power door locks ......................108
Power mirrors .............................89
Power point .................................86
Power steering ..........................161
fluid, checking and adding ....231
fluid, refill capacity ................239
fluid, specifications .........240–241
Power Windows ...........................87
R
Radio ............................................20
Radio reception .....................56–57
Rear window defroster ...............72
Relays ................................175, 182
Remote entry system .......109–110
illuminated entry ....................112
locking/unlocking
doors ................................108, 110
panic alarm .............................110
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................111
replacing the batteries ...........111
Roadside assistance ..................173
Roof rack ...................................107S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........................129–133
Safety defects, reporting ..........202
Safety restraints ................129–133
cleaning the safety belts ........135
extension assembly ................135
for adults .........................130–132
for children .............................141
lap belt ....................................134
warning light and
chime ...........................12, 15, 135
Safety seats for children ..........144
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................129
Seats ..........................................115
child safety seats ....................144
memory seat ...........................118
Servicing your vehicle ..............209
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................183
Spark plugs,
specifications .............239, 241–242
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................240–241
Speed control ..............................90
Speedometer ...............................18
Starting your vehicle ........155–157
jump starting ..........................188
Steering wheel
controls ..........................85, 90, 94
tilting .........................................85
T
Tachometer .................................19
Tires ...........................182, 235–236
Index
252