2004 FORD EXCURSION wiper blades

Windshield wiper blades
Check the wiper blades for wear at least twice a year or when they seem
less effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments
used by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Rear window wiper blade
Refer toWindshield wiper bladesin this section for more information
on rear wiper blades.
Driver Controls
81

•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•
If tar or grease spots are present, use Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil
Removal (B7A-19520–AA).
CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD, WIPER BLADES AND REAR
WINDOW
If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the windshield, rear
window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include hot
wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination.
Do not clean the windshield or rear window glass with abrasives,
as they may cause scratches.
Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean the windshield,
rear window or the wiper blades as damage may occur.
Clean the outside of the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507–AA),
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. If after
cleaning the glass surface, the water sheets from the glass (e.g., does not
bead), then the window is clean.
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned regularly.
Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or windshield
washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear worn or
do not function properly.
Cleaning
215

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned regularly.
If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the windshield, rear
window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include hot wax
treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other organic
contamination. To clean these items, please follow these tips:
•The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23), available
from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.
WOOD-TONE TRIM
•Clean the area with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping with a dry, soft,
clean cloth.
•
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner
(E8AZ-19523–AA).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
Cleaning
216

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification ESR-M17P5–A.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
Maintenance and Specifications
222

attaching with tether straps ..149
in front seat ............................147
in rear seat ..............................147
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............214
exterior ....................................217
instrument panel ....................216
interior .....................................216
plastic parts ............................215
washing ....................................213
waxing .....................................213
wheels ......................................214
wiper blades ....................215–216
woodtone trim ........................216
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......57, 60
Clock ......................................23, 32
Compass, electronic ..............86, 95
calibration .................................96
set zone adjustment .................96
Console ......................................101
overhead ..............................82–83
Controls
power seat ...............................119
steering column ........................93
Coolant
checking and adding ..............227
refill capacities ................231, 254
specifications ..................257, 259
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................89
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .............................217–218
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................206
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................210
Getting roadside assistance ...185Getting the service you
need .........................................204
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................211
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................206
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................209
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................72
Defrost
rear window ..............................70
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................245
engine oil .................................222
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14
lubricant specifications ..........257
Driving under special
conditions ..........................171, 173
sand .........................................172
snow and ice ...........................174
through water .................173, 177
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................197
Emission control system ..........241
Engine ................................259–260
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................214
coolant .....................................227
diesel ...........................................7
Index
267

Turn signal ............................13, 73
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................260
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................262
Vehicle loading ..........................177
Ventilating your vehicle ...........156
W
Warning chimes .....................14–15
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10Washer fluid ..............................222
Water, Driving through .............177
Windows
power .........................................85
rear wiper/washer .....................80
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....222
checking and cleaning ..............81
liftgate reservoir .....................222
operation ...................................80
replacing wiper blades .............81
Wrecker towing .........................202
Index
272