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
Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Disc brake
caliper railsMotorcraft
Silicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundXG-3 ESE-M1C171-A
Constant
velocity jointsMotorcraft CV
Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-2 ESP-M1C207-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1DO NOT USE Motorcraft Extended Life Engine Coolant VC-2 (CXC-209
in Canada) meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D (orange in color).
Refer toAdding engine coolantin this chapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.3L V6 engine
Cubic inches 200
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6
Spark plug gap 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 inch)
Ignition system
1Distributor ignition system
Compression ratio 8.9:1
1This ignition system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
Maintenance and Specifications
241
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall or cause the transmission to be
damaged or operate improperly. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and
other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily
affect your vehicle’s operation.)
•Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Accessories
247
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