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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.
Many of the world’s automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers’Choicelogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your“Service Engine Soon”indicator may come on. For more
information on the“Service Engine Soon”indicator, refer to the
Instrument clusterchapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
237
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•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).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Calculation 2:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style—good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
Maintenance and Specifications
239
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checking and adding ..............221
dipstick ....................................221
filter, specifications ........224, 255
recommendations ...................224
refill capacities ........................256
specifications ..................259, 262
Exhaust fumes ..........................140
F
Fail safe cooling ........................232
Floor mats ...................................72
Fluid capacities .........................256
Foglamps .....................................44
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......150
driving off road .......................153
electronic shift ........................152
indicator light .........................150
lever operated shift ................150
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................142
Fuel ............................................233
calculating fuel economy .......238
cap ...........................................235
capacity ...................................256
choosing the right fuel ...........236
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................241
detergent in fuel .....................237
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................233, 235, 238
filter, specifications ........238, 255
fuel pump shut-off switch .....175
improving fuel economy ........238
octane rating ...................236, 262
quality ......................................237
running out of fuel .................237
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................233
Fuses ..................................176–177G
Garage door opener ..............56, 67
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............235
Gas mileage (see
Fuel economy) ..........................238
Gauges .........................................16
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ..........................161
calculating ...............................163
definition .................................161
driving with a heavy load ......161
location ....................................161
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................161
calculating .......................161, 163
definition .................................161
driving with a heavy load ......161
location ....................................161
H
Head restraints ...........................90
Headlamps ...................................44
aiming ........................................46
autolamp system .......................44
bulb specifications ....................48
daytime running lights .............45
flash to pass ..............................45
high beam .................................45
replacing bulbs .........................49
turning on and off ....................44
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system .....38–39, 41
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see
Garage door opener) ......67, 69–70
Hood ..........................................217
Index
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