MANUALHEATINGANDAIRCONDITIONING
SYSTEM
Fanspeedcontrol
Controls the volume of
air circulated in the
vehicle.
Temperature control knob
Controls the
temperature of the
airflow inside the
vehicle.
Mode selector control
Controls the direction
of the airflow to the
inside of the vehicle.
•MAX A/C–Distributes recirculated air through
the instrument panel registers. The A/C
compressor will only function if the outside
temperature is above approximately 6°C (43°F).
MAX A/C is noisier than A/C, but more
economical and efficient. This mode may prevent
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
•A/C–Distributes outside air through the
instrument panel registers. The A/C compressor
will only function if the outside temperature is
above approximately 6°C (43°F) .
MAX
A/CA/C
MAX
A/CA/C
Climate Controls
63
•(Panel)–Distributes outside air through the
instrument panel registers. The air can not be
cooled below the outside temperature.
•O (Off)–Outside air is shut out and the fan will
not operate. This mode may reduce undesirable
odors from entering the vehicle but may increase
the possibility of interior window fogging.
•
(Floor)–Distributes outside air through the
floor ducts. The air cannot be cooled below the
outside temperature.
•
(Floor and defrost)–Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster ducts and the
floor duct and the side window demisters. The
A/C compressor will operate automatically if the
outside temperature is above approximately 6°C
(43°F) . The air distributed through the floor
ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to
the windshield defrost ducts and the side window
demisters.
•
(Defrost)–Distributes outside air through
the windshield defroster ducts and the side
window demisters. The A/C compressor will
operate automatically if the outside temperature
is above approximately 6°C (43°F). This mode will
clear ice and fog from the windshield.
Since the air conditioner removes moisture
from the air, it is considered normal operation
if water drips on the ground under the air
conditioner drain.
Climate Controls
64
Operating tips
•To reduce fogging in humid weather, place the
climate control system in Defrost and Rear
Defrost mode (if equipped) before driving.
•To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle
under warm weather conditions, do not drive with
the climate control system in the Off mode.
•To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle
under cold weather conditions, do not drive with
he climate control system in Max A/C (if
equipped), recirculation mode (if equipped) or
Off mode.
•Under normal weather conditions, do not leave
your vehicle in the Max A/C (if equipped),
recirculation mode (if equipped) or Off mode
when turning off the vehicle.
•Under snowy or dirty weather conditions, leave
your vehicle in the Max A/C (if equipped),
recirculation mode (if equipped) or Off mode
when turning off the ignition.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the exterior
base of the windshield.
•
To increase the efficiency of the A/C (if equipped),
drive with the windows slightly open for two to
three minutes. or until the vehicle has been“aired
out”.
•Do not place objects under the front seat or over
the defroster ducts. They may reduce visibility,
fall into the ducts, or degrade the performance of
your climate control system.
Do not place objects on top of the
instrument panel, as these objects may
become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
Climate Controls
65
belt assemblies not in use during a collision should
also be inspected and replaced if either damage or
improper operation is noted.
Failure to inspect and if necessary replace
the safety belt assembly under the above
conditions could result in severe personal injuries
in the event of a collision.
Refer toCleaning and maintaining the safety
beltsin theCleaningchapter.
AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS)
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information about
the air bag and sensor systems. In the event of a
collision this module may save information related to
the collision including information about the air bag
system and impact severity. This information will
assist Ford Motor Company in servicing the vehicle
and in helping to better understand real world
collisions and further improve the safety of future
vehicles.
Seating and Safety Restraints
114
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument
cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the
system. Refer toAir bag readinesssection in the
Instrument clusterchapter. Routine maintenance of
the air bag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or
more of the following:
•The readiness light
will either flash or
stay lit.
•The readiness light will not illuminate immediately
after ignition is turned on.
•A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the problem
and/or light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently,
have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a
qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced,
the system may not function properly in the event of
a collision.
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped
vehicles (including pretensioners)
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles,
see your local dealership or qualified technician. Air
bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
See the following sections for directions on how to
properly use safety restraints for children. Also see
Air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS)in
this chapter for special instructions about using air
bags.
Important child restraint precautions
You are required by law to use safety restraints for
children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children
ride in your vehicle (generally children who are four
AIR
BAG
Seating and Safety Restraints
119
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
•the vehicle is raised for service.
•the sound of the exhaust system changes.
•the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped)
to bring in fresh air.
Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves and other debris.
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled
maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not
indicate a performance concern with the vehicle’s
brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake
systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal
or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such
noises are usually heard during the first few brake
applications in the morning; however, they may be
heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as
Driving
138
through the booster may be heard whenever the
brake is applied. This condition is normal. Vehicle
service is not required.
If braking performance or pedal response becomes
very poor, even when the pedal is strongly
depressed, it may indicate the presence of air in the
hydraulic system or leakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle
safely as soon as possible and seek service
immediately.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to decrease
the driver’s effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
•Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or the extreme left for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with the power
steering pump fluid level below the MIN mark on
the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the
engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could
be caused by any of the following:
•Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•Uneven vehicle loading
•High crown in center of road
•High crosswinds
•Wheels out of alignment
•Loose or worn suspension components
TRACTION CONTROL
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional
Traction Controlsystem. This system helps you
maintain the stability and steerability of your
vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery road
Driving
142
2. Four or more repair attempts are made on the
same nonconformity (a defect or condition that
substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the
vehicle) OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair of
nonconformities for a total of more than 30 calendar
days (not necessarily all at one time)
In the case of 1 or 2 above, the consumer must also
notify the manufacturer of the need for the repair of
the nonconformity at the following address:
Ford Motor Company
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
Mail Drop 3NE-B
Dearborn, MI 48126
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
If you believe that your
vehicle has a defect
which could cause a
crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Ford Motor Company.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open
an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems between
you, your dealer, or Ford Motor Company.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1–800–424–9393 (or
366–0123 in the Washington D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA
U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Customer Assistance
186