
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Controlsystem. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
During Traction Controloperation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the
engine will not“rev-up”when you push further on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior and should be no reason for concern.
12
Driving
112

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position
without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
2. Remove the protective cover to
the interlock access hole on the
console. Insert a screwdriver or
similar tool to release the interlock.
3. Apply the parking brake, then shift to N (Neutral).
4. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving
116

6. The vehicle jacking points are
depicted on the yellow warning label
on the jack shown here. Depending
on which tire is to be changed,
locate the jack at the half-moon
cutout located approximately 15 cm
(6 inches) from the front wheel
opening (1) or approximately 38 cm
(15 inches) from the rear wheel
opening (2).
Jack at the specified locations
to avoid damage to the vehicle.
7. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
8. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the
hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
9. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
10. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.
11. Put flat tire, jack and lug wrench
away. Make sure the jack is fastened
so it does not rattle when you drive.
Unblock the wheels.
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.
1
4 3
2
Roadside Emergencies
138

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The“Multi-function warning light:
automatic transaxle/cooling
system”will illuminate (2.0L
Zetec engine only).
•The“Check Engine”indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Maintenance and Specifications
177

If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
Maintenance and Specifications
186

3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and Specifications
187

Index
A
AdvanceTrac ..............................113
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................89–90, 93
and child safety seats ..............91
description ..........................90, 93
disposal ......................................95
driver air bag ......................91, 94
indicator light ...........................93
operation .............................91, 94
passenger air bag ...............91, 94
side air bag ................................93
Air cleaner filter .......................196
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................172
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................111
Anti-theft system ........................71
arming the system ....................71
disarming a triggered system ..71
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................189
fluid, checking ........................189
fluid, specification ..................200
Automatic transmission ............115
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................117
fluid, refill capacities ..............196
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........198
refill capacities ........................196
B
Battery .......................................170
acid, treating emergencies .....170
jumping a disabled battery ....138
maintenance-free ....................170replacement, specifications ...196
servicing ..................................170
BeltMinder ...................................84
Brakes ........................................111
anti-lock ...................................111
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................111
fluid, checking and adding ....188
fluid, refill capacities ..............196
fluid, specifications .........198, 200
lubricant specifications ..198, 200
parking ....................................112
shift interlock ..........................115
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....196
Cargo cover .................................60
Cell phone use ............................58
Certification Label ....................203
Child safety restraints ................96
child safety belts ......................96
Child safety seats ........................99
attaching with tether straps ..103
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
LATCH .....................................105
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............155
instrument panel ....................158
interior .....................................159
plastic parts ............................158
washing ....................................154
waxing .....................................154
wheels ......................................155
wiper blades ............................158
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......35–36
Index
208

instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps ...........................42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................41
Liftgate ........................................59
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........111
Load limits .................................120
GAWR ......................................120
GVWR ......................................120
trailer towing ..........................120
Locks
childproof ..................................63
Lubricant specifications ...198, 200
M
Manual transaxle
lubricant specifications ..........200
Manual transmission .................119
fluid capacities ........................196
reverse .....................................119
Mirrors .........................................53
side view mirrors (power) .......53
Moon roof ....................................56
Motorcraft parts ................182, 196
O
Octane rating ............................181
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................166
P
Parking brake ............................112
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....196
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................131Power steering ..........................115
fluid, checking and adding ....188
fluid, refill capacity ................196
fluid, specifications .........198, 200
Power Windows ...........................52
R
Rear window defroster ...............37
Relays ........................................127
Remote entry system .................65
locking/unlocking doors ...........62
opening the trunk .....................66
Roadside assistance ..................125
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............88
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................76, 79–83
Safety defects, reporting ..........153
Safety restraints ..............76, 79–83
belt minder ...............................84
extension assembly ..................88
for adults .............................80–82
for children .........................95–96
safety belt maintenance ...........88
warning light and chime ..........84
Safety seats for children ............99
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................76
Seats ............................................72
child safety seats ......................99
Servicing your vehicle ..............161
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................135
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................196, 200
Index
211