
Motorcraft maintenance-free batteries do not normally require adding
additional water. However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte levels. Refer to the general
maintenance information section for the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the“level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
Make sure the battery cover/shield is reinstalled after the battery
has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the batteries clean
and dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened
to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
185

Gold Engine Coolant (yellow-colored), VC-7–A (VC-7–Bin
Oregon), depending on the type of coolant originally equipped
in your vehicle.If you are unsure which type of coolant your vehicle
requires, check your coolant reservoir or contact your local dealer.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6,
darkens the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D
with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
•Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the“cold full”level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Maintenance and Specifications
188

Filling the tank
For consistent results:
•Use the same fill rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
during filling.
•Allow three automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel of a known quality, preferably a national brand.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
•When refueling a vehicle equipped with dual fuel tanks, if the two
tanks are not filled equally, the fuel gauge reading may fluctuate
slightly until the fuel level between the two tanks balance out and
become equal.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Note:For vehicles equipped with dual fuel tanks, engine performance
may degrade if fuel is not added to both tanks when refueling.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank(s) completely and record the initial odometer
reading (in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank(s), record the amount of fuel added (in
liters or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank(s) 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:
•Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers traveled.
•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.
Maintenance and Specifications
199

Tires are one of the weaker weight carrying components of the
vehicle. Do not overload the vehicle beyond safe load carrying
capacity.
Avoid hammering rim with steel hammers.
Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground.
Failure to retighten wheel lug nuts as required could allow the
wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, possibly causing
loss of vehicle control and collision. Loose wheel studs may also cause
shimmy and vibration.
Use of aftermarket wheel assemblies is not recommended; they
may be incompatible with your vehicle and may result in
equipment failure and possible injury. Replacement with used wheels is
not advised; they may have been treated harshly or have high mileage
and could fail without warning.
A wheel or tire of the wrong size or type may adversely affect
such things as load carrying capacity, wheel and bearing life,
brake cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability,
headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
Maintenance and Specifications
211

Daily Owner Checks Engine system
Check the air filter restriction indicator
Check the engine oil
Inspect the coolant level - for Powerstroke
engine (for Caterpillar and Cummins engines,
refer to the Owner’s Manual)
Brake system
Drain the air brake system reservoir - manual
valve
Check the air brake system reservoir
automatic drain valve operation
Transmission system
Visually check the automatic transmission for
fluid leakage
Steering system
Check the power steering pump fluid level and
check the system for leaks
Check the entire vehicle for evidence of fluid
leaks
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Federal Highway Administration
requirements (ensure that the entire
system is functioning properly)
Check the service brakes
Check the parking brake
Check the steering mechanism
Check the lighting devices and reflectors
Check the tires
Check the horn
Check the windshield wipers
Check the rear vision mirrors
Check the wheels and rims
Check the emergency equipment
General Maintenance Information
232

A
Air cleaner filter .......................206
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................57
Audio system
(see Radio) ................20, 25, 32, 40
Automatic transmission ............132
Auxiliary power point .................73
B
Battery .......................................184
jumping a disabled battery ....165
voltage gauge ............................17
BeltMinder ...................................96
Brakes ................................113, 119
anti-lock ...................114–115, 121
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...11–12, 115
brake warning light ............11–12
fluid, checking and adding ....203
parking ....................116, 118, 122
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............73
trailer .......................................124
C
CD-6 disc .....................................40
CD-single premium .....................32
Child safety restraints ..............101
child safety belts ....................101
Child safety seats ......................104
attaching with tether straps ..108
in front seat ............................106
in rear seat ..............................106
tether anchorage hardware ...108Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............175
exterior ....................................177
instrument panel ....................176
interior .....................................176
plastic parts ............................176
washing ....................................174
waxing .....................................174
wheels ......................................175
woodtone trim ........................176
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......56–57
Clock ..........................23, 29, 36, 44
Clutch ........................................202
fluid ..........................................202
Compass, electronic ....................70
calibration .................................72
set zone adjustment .................71
Console
overhead ....................................70
Controls
power seat .................................89
Coolant ......................................186
refill capacities ........................190
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................76
Customer Assistance ................150
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............171
Getting roadside assistance ...150
Getting the service
you need .................................166
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................172
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................168
Index
243

D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................61
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................148
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................165
Emission control system ..........226
Engine
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................9
cleaning ...................................175
coolant .....................................186
Engine block heater .................110
Engine fan .................................192
Engine oil ..................................180
checking and adding ..............180
oil pressure gauge ....................17
recommendations ...................181
Exhaust fumes ..........................112
F
Foglamps .....................................62
Fuel ............................................192
calculating fuel
economy ..........................198, 200
choosing the right fuel ...........193
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................................192
filter, specifications ........194–196
gauge .........................................18
improving fuel
economy ..........................198, 200safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................192
Fuses ..................................151–152
G
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .........198, 200
Gauges .........................................15
battery voltage gauge ...............17
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................16
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................18
odometer ...................................18
speedometer .............................18
tachometer ................................19
trip odometer ............................19
H
Hazard flashers .........................150
Headlamps ...................................61
aiming ........................................62
daytime running lights .............61
flash to pass ..............................61
high beam ...........................14, 61
turning on and off ....................61
warning chime ..........................15
Heating
heater only system ...................56
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................57
I
Ignition
removing the key ....................145
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................104
Index
244

Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................176
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................62
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......165
K
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............15
removing from the ignition ....145
L
Lamps ..........................................72
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................64
cargo lamps ...............................62
daytime running light ...............61
fog lamps ...................................62
headlamps .................................61
headlamps, flash to pass ..........61
instrument panel, dimming .....62
interior lamps ...........................63
replacing bulbs ...................63–67
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................63
Lights, warning and
indicator ..................................9, 14
anti-lock brakes
(ABS) ..........................11–12, 115
brake ....................................11–12
charging system ........................13
check coolant ......................12–13
high beam .................................14
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ....................9
turn signal indicator .................14
Lubricant specifications ...........218M
Maintenance and Care ..............229
Manual transmission .................141
Mirrors .........................................75
heated ........................................73
side view mirrors (power) .......75
O
Odometer .....................................18
P
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ..................83
Parking brake ............116, 118, 122
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................155
Power door locks ........................82
Power mirrors .............................75
Power point .................................73
Power steering ..................130–131
fluid, checking and adding ....201
Power Windows ...........................74
R
Radio ..........................20, 25, 32, 40
Radio reception .....................54–55
Refill capacities for fluids ........215
Relays ................................151, 159
Remote entry system ...........82–83
illuminated entry ......................85
locking/unlocking doors .....82–83
panic alarm ...............................83
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................84
Index
245