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Exceeding the Safety Certification Label
axle weight rating limits could result in
substandard vehicle handling, performance, engine,
transmission and/or structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal
injury.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer
Towingfound in this chapter or the RV and Trailer
Towing Guide provided by your dealership.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)–is the Vehicle Curb
Weight + cargo + passengers.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating)–is
the maximum allowable
weight of the fully
loaded vehicle
(including all options,
equipment, passengers
and cargo).The
GVWR is shown on
the Safety
Compliance
Certification Label
located on the
driver’s door or door pillar. The GVW must
never exceed the GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label
axle weight rating limits could result in
substandard vehicle handling, performance, engine,
transmission and/or structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal
injury.
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Do not use replacement tires with lower
load carrying capacities than the originals
because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and
GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher
limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating
limitation could result in serious damage to
the vehicle and/or personal injury.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is not equipped to tow. No towing
packages are available through Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealers.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON
THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain
combination to tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground (such as behind a recreational
vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged due to insufficient
lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles:
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities
with rear wheel drive capability.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph)
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of
56 km/h (35 mph) must be exceeded, you must
disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.
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Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft
can cause transmission fluid loss, damage to
the driveshaft and internal transmission
components.
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•handling, stability and braking performance
• comfort and noise
• ground clearance and parking at curbs
• Winter driving capability
How to change a flat tire
When one of the front wheels is off the
ground, the transmission alone will not
prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or R (Reverse) (manual
transmission).
To help prevent the vehicle from moving
when you change a tire, be sure the parking
brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and
end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side
of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull
far enough off the road to avoid the danger of
being hit when operating the jack or changing the
wheel.
Before changing the tire:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or R (Reverse) (manual transmission).
4. Set the parking brake.
5. Turn off the ignition.
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Roadside Emergencies
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When a wheel is installed, always remove
any corrosion, dirt or foreign materials
present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel or
the surface of the front disc brake hub and rotor
that contacts the wheel. Installing wheels without
correct metal-to-metal contact at the wheel
mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to
loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle
is in motion, resulting in loss of control.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An
explosion could result in injury or vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can
burn skin, eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle.
Automatic transmissions do not have
push-start capability; doing so may damage the
catalytic converter.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transmission must relearn its shift
strategy. As a result, the transmission may have firm
and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
normal and will not affect function or durability of
the transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning
process will fully update transmission operation.
1.
Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle as this could damage the vehicle’s electrical
system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the
disabled vehicle making sure the two vehiclesdo
nottouch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles
and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which
makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your
dealership can provide the necessary parts and
service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and
services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and
service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR
VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•
Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning
(cigarettes) material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and
place the gearshift in 1 (First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
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Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and
place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the engine is
running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle,
pull the hood release
handle located under
the bottom left corner
of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the front center
of the hood.
HOOD
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
OHV V6 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
6
1023
4
5
789
1
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