unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is
not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate
schedule listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
start-up engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
Motorcraft
maintenance-free
battery which normally
does not require
additional water during
its life of service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte level. Refer to
the scheduled maintenance guide for the service
interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
“level indicator”. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can
add plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do
not use hard water (water with a high mineral or
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill
the battery cells with distilled water. If the battery
needs water often, have the charging system
checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it
is reinstalled after the battery has been
cleaned or replaced.
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•OHV V6 engine
•4.6L SOHC V8 / 4.6L
4v V8 (Mach 1)
engines
When the engine is cold, check the level of the
engine coolant in the reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the“cold fill
level”as listed on the engine coolant reservoir.
•Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
service interval schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions
when servicing your vehiclein this chapter.
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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“Service Engine Soon”indicator may come
on. For more information on the“Service Engine
Soon”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.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel
economy is you, the driver. You must gather
information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel
gauge readings are NOT accurate as a measure of
fuel economy. We do not recommend taking fuel
economy measurements during the first 1,600 km
(1,000 miles) of driving (engine break-in period).
You will get a more accurate measurement after
3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
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If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the on-board diagnostics system
is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”condition. To
ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M
testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city and
highway driving is necessary as described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go,
city-type traffic with at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours
without starting the engine. Then, start the engine
and complete the above driving cycle. The engine
must warm up to its normal operating temperature.
Once started, do not turn off the engine until the
above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONAT F.
If your vehicle is
equipped with the
OHV V6 engine,
check the power
steering fluid level with
the engine at normal
operating temperature.
1. Start the engine and
let it run until it
reaches normal
operating temperature
(the engine coolant
temperature gauge
indicator will be near
the center of the
normal area between H
and C).
FILL
HOT
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BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop
slowly as the brakes
wear, and will rise
when the brake
components are
replaced. Fluid levels below the“MAX”line that do
not trigger the brake system warning lamp are
within the normal operating range, there is no need
to add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the
normal operating range, the performance of your
brake system could be compromised, seek service
from your dealer immediately.
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch
adjustment. Refer to
the scheduled
maintenance guide for
the service interval
schedules.
The clutch on your
vehicle is operated by a
cable. As necessary, adjust the clutch as described
below.
1. Turn the engine off and shift into 1 (First).
2. Put your foot under the clutch pedal and gently
pull it up until the pedal stops.
3. Push the clutch pedal down slowly. You will hear a
click as the clutch adjusts itself.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
(if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes.
Your transmission does not consume fluid. However,
the fluid level should be checked if the transmission
is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips
or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
M
A
X
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Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as
indicated in the Service Maintenance Guide that
comes with your vehicle) will help your tires wear
more evenly providing better tire performance and
longer tire life. Unless otherwise specified, rotate the
tires approximately every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
•Front Wheel Drive
(FWD) vehicles
(front tires at top of
diagram)
•Rear Wheel Drive
(RWD) vehicles/Four
Wheel Drive (4WD)
vehicles (front tires
at top of diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by
rotating the tires.
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Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Transmission
fluid
(4R70/75
E-W)
3
Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FAutomatic
with OHV V6
engine13.1L
(13.9 quarts)
4
Automatic
with 4.6L
SOHC
V8/4.6L 4v V8
(Mach 1)
engine12.0L
(12.8 quarts)
4
Motorcraft
MERCON
AT FManual with
OHV V6
engine2.6L
(5.6 pints)5
Motorcraft
MERCON
AT FManual with
4.6L SOHC
V8/4.6L 4v V8
(Mach 1)
engine3.7L
(7.8 pints)5
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 3.8L
(4.0 quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your
vehicle.
2Rear axle lubricants do not need to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected, service is
required or the axle assembly has been submerged
in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any
time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill
6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below
bottom of fill hole. Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive
Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford
specification EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is
used. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated
on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle. MERCON
and MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
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Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
4.6L - Manual
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCON
AT FXT-2–QM
MERCON
Disc brake
caliper railsMotorcraft
Silicone
Brake Caliper
Grease and
Dielectric
CompoundXG-3ESE-M1C171-A
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–AWSB-M8B16
–A2
1Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier
XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of Traction-Lok
axles.
Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant
that does not require changing unless the axle has
been submerged in water.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is
used. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated
on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle. MERCON
and MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
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