5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
Maintenance and Specifications
244
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•Boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
248
•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.
•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.
Maintenance and Specifications
261
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
All weather floor mats
Allow wheels (chrome and painted)
Car cover
Carpet floor mats
First aid kit
Front end covers (mini and full)
Highway safety kit
Molded splash guards
Moon roof air deflector
Park pilot/reverse park aid
Rear spoiler
Side window deflector
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and theft
alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such equipment
installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC regulations and
should be installed only by a qualified service technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall or cause the transmission to be
damaged or operate improperly. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and
other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily
affect your vehicle’s operation.)
•Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse affects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Accessories
280
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