
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto
Makers’Choicelogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your“Check Engine”indicator may come on. For more information on
the“Check Engine”indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
Maintenance and Specifications
258

working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by a qualified technician.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. Use only
MERCONV automatic transmission fluid. The type of fluid used is
indicated on the transmission fluid pan, extension housing and also in
theLubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage and void the warranty.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft Part Numbers.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Changing the air filter element
1. Loosen the hose clamp on the
outlet tube at the air filter housing.
Maintenance and Specifications
265

2. Release the two clamps that
secure the cover to the air filter
housing and place the cover aside.
3. Remove the air filter element
from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unmetered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
Maintenance and Specifications
266

Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires or chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains with P225/55R16 tires.
•Do not use tire chains with size P235/50R17 tires. Use of SAE Class S
chains or other chain types may damage your vehicle.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires or chains.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.0L-4V V6 engine 3.9L-4V V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1679 FA-1679
Fuel filter FG-1011 FG-1011
Battery (standard) BXT-66-650 BXT-66-650
Battery (optional) BXT-66-750 BXT-66-750
Oil filter FL-400S FL-218
PCV valve EV-257 N/A
Spark plugs* AGSF-22FSM AGSP-32F
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug information.
Maintenance and Specifications
271

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

plastic parts ............................235
washing ....................................233
waxing .....................................233
wheels ......................................234
wiper blades ............................236
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......69, 71
Compass, electronic ....................92
calibration .................................93
set zone adjustment .................93
Console ......................................118
overhead ....................................89
Controls
power seat ...............................136
steering column ........................98
Coolant
checking and adding ..............248
refill capacities ................252, 272
specifications ..................274–275
Cruise control (see
Speed control) ............................95
Customer Assistance ................200
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................238
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................225
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............230
Getting roadside assistance ...200
Getting the service
you need .................................223
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................231
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................226
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............229D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................78
Defrost
rear window ..............................76
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................264
engine oil .................................243
Doors
central unlocking ....................121
lubricant specifications ..........274
Driving under special
conditions ..................................195
through water .........................197
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................216
Emission control system ..........262
Engine ................................275–276
cleaning ...................................234
coolant .....................................248
fail-safe coolant ......................253
idle speed control ...................246
lubrication
specifications ..................274–275
refill capacities ........................272
service points ..................241–242
Engine block heater .................183
Engine oil ..................................243
checking and adding ..............243
dipstick ....................................243
filter, specifications ........245, 271
recommendations ...................245
refill capacities ........................272
specifications ..................274–275
Exhaust fumes ..........................184
Index
282

F
Fail safe cooling ........................253
Floor mats .................................119
Fluid capacities .........................272
Foglamps .....................................78
Fuel ............................................254
calculating fuel economy ......108,
259
cap ...........................................256
capacity ...................................272
choosing the right fuel ...........257
comparisons with EPA
fuel economy estimates .........261
detergent in fuel .....................258
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................254, 256, 259
filter, specifications ........258, 271
improving fuel economy ........259
octane rating ...........257, 275–276
quality ......................................257
running out of fuel .................258
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................254
Fuses ..................................202–203
G
Garage door opener ..................102
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............256
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................259
Gauges .........................................14
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ..........................198
definition .................................198
driving with a heavy load ......198
location ....................................198GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................198
calculating ...............................198
definition .................................198
driving with a heavy load ......198
location ....................................198
H
Head restraints .................135, 140
Headlamps ...................................77
aiming ........................................80
autolamp system .......................77
bulb specifications ....................81
daytime running lights .............78
flash to pass ..............................79
replacing bulbs ...................82–83
turning on and off ....................77
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................69, 71
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) .............102–103, 105
Hood ..........................................240
I
Ignition .......................181, 275–276
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................172
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................263
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................236
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................79
Index
283