Page 142 of 256

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
Page 165 of 256

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
22—Not used
23—Not used
24 20A* A/C pressure
25—Not used
26 30A** PCM
27 20A** Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) module, Foglamp
relay
28 25A CB Convertible top
29 Diode Convertible top circuit
breaker
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease your
speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly
move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and
may compromise the integrity of your tires. The use
of tire sealants may also affect your tire pressure
monitoring system (if equipped).
Temporary spare tire information
Your vehicle may have a temporary spare tire. The
temporary spare tire for your vehicle is labeled as
such. It is smaller than a regular tire and is designed
for emergency use only. Replace this tire with a
full-size tire as soon as possible.
Roadside Emergencies
165
Page 222 of 256

•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce
fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in
hilly terrain if unnecessary shifting between third
and fourth gear occurs. Unnecessary shifting of
this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not
required and may reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving
may reduce fuel economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go
driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only
recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of
alignment will reduce fuel economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance
items. Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and owner maintenance checks found in
your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may
reduce fuel economy at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel
economy (approximately 0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost
for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for
example bug deflectors, rollbars/light bars,
running boards, ski/luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel
economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 12–16 km (8–10
miles) of driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
222
Page 223 of 256

•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel
economy as compared to driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when
operated in the top cruise gear and with steady
pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window
sticker. Contact your dealer if the window sticker is
not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA window
sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left
corner of the window sticker. These numbers
represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG) expected
on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel
economy may vary depending upon the method of
operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission
control components and a catalytic converter which
will enable your vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the
catalytic converter and other emission control
components continue to work properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is
moving, especially at high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your scheduled
maintenance guide performed according to the
specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the
scheduled maintenance guide are essential to the life
and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions
system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized
parts are used for maintenance replacements or for
Maintenance and Specifications
223
Page 246 of 256
Dash trim
Electrochromic mirror with compass
Electrochromic mirror with compass and
temperature display
Engine block heaters
Remote keyless entry system
Remote start system
Travel equipment
Auto headlamps with daytime running lights (DRL)
Daytime running lights (DRL)
First aid kit
Fog lights
Highway safety kit
Removable luggage rack
Removable luggage rack adapters (Bike, ski,
snowboard)
Speed control
Protection and appearance equipment
All-weather vinyl floor mats
Car cover
Cargo liners, interior
Carpet floor mats
Door edge guards
Door sill scuff plates, stainless
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full and mini)
Gearshift knob
Leather steering wheel
Molded splash guards
Pedal covers
Seat belt extenders
Accessories
246