
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed,
call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are immediately
apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for hours.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
•Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
•Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are taking“Antabuse”or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
Maintenance and Specifications
255

When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
•Place approved fuel container on the ground.
•DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
•DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the“Check Fuel Cap”indicator comes on and stays on after you start
the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn off the
engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
Maintenance and Specifications
256

A
Accessory delay ..........................91
AdvanceTrac ..............................187
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................157–158, 162, 165
and child safety seats ............159
description ..............158, 162, 165
disposal ....................................168
driver air bag ..........160, 163, 167
indicator light .........161, 164, 168
operation .................160, 163, 167
passenger air bag ...160, 163, 167
side air bag ......................162, 165
Air cleaner filter ...............265, 271
Air conditioning ....................69, 71
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ........................248
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................184–185
Anti-theft system ......................133
arming the system ..................134
disarming a triggered
system .....................................134
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 20
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................191
fluid, adding ............................264
fluid, checking ........................264
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
fluid, specification ..................275
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................274–275
refill capacities ........................272
B
Battery .......................................246acid, treating emergencies .....246
jumping a disabled battery ....216
maintenance-free ....................246
replacement, specifications ...271
servicing ..................................246
BeltMinder .................................152
Brakes ........................................184
anti-lock ...........................184–185
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............184
fluid, checking and adding ....264
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
fluid, specifications .........274–275
lubricant specifications ..274–275
parking ....................................185
shift interlock ..........................190
Bulbs ............................................81
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....272
Cargo net ...................................119
Cassette tape player ...................16
CD-single premium .....................20
Cell phone use ..........................106
Certification Label ....................277
Changing a tire .........................211
Child safety restraints ..............169
child safety belts ....................169
Child safety seats ......................172
attaching with tether straps ..176
in front seat ............................173
in rear seat ..............................173
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............234
instrument panel ....................236
interior .............................236–237
interior trim ............................237
Index
281

J
Jack ............................................211
positioning ...............................211
storage .....................................211
Jump-starting your vehicle ......216
K
Keyless entry system ...............129
autolock ...................................128
Keys ...........................................120
positions of the ignition .........181
valet key ..................................120
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................77
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................81
cargo lamps ...............................79
daytime running light ...............78
fog lamps ...................................78
headlamps .................................77
headlamps, flash to pass ..........79
instrument panel, dimming .....79
interior lamps .....................81–82
replacing bulbs ...................81–85
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................81
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........184
Load limits .................................198
GAWR ......................................198
GVWR ......................................198
trailer towing ..........................198
Locks
autolock ...................................128
childproof ................................122doors ........................................120
Lubricant specifications ...274–275
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................215
Lumbar support, seats .............136
M
Message center .................106, 108
select button ...........................106
warning messages ...................110
Mirrors ...................................89, 92
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................92
fold away ...................................95
heated ........................................94
programmable memory ..........128
side view mirrors (power) .......94
Moon roof ..................................101
Motorcraft parts ................258, 271
N
Navigation system .......................24
cd functions ..............................35
destination mode ......................48
map mode .................................39
quick start .................................27
radio functions ..........................29
O
Octane rating ............................257
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................243
P
Parking brake ............................185
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....271
Index
284