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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 your Warranty Guide/Owner
Information Guide to 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 lit 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 of the instrument panel near
the steering column.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of
the hood.
3. Lift the hood and support it with
the prop rod.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.3L I4 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power distribution box
8. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
9. Battery
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Air filter assembly
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3.0L V6 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if equipped)
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power distribution box
8. Clutch fluid reservoir (if equipped)
9. Battery
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Air filter assembly
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4.0L SOHC V6 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if equipped)
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (if equipped)
8. Battery
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Air filter assembly
11. Engine coolant reservoir
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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) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
•2.3L I4 engine
MAX
MIN
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Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
• Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled check
and change intervals.
• Transmission does not consume fluid.
• Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
• Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
2. If driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
3. Engage parking brake, start engine.
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Fluid Ford PartNameApplication Capacity
Transmission
fluid
1Motorcraft
MERCON AT F 5-speed manual 2.65L (2.8
quarts)3
Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT F 4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 2.3L I4
engine9.4L (9.9
quarts)2
4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 3.0L or 4.0L
engines9.5L (10.0
quarts)2
4x4 vehicles
with automatic
and 3.0L or 4.0L
9.8L (10.3
quarts)2
Engine coolant4Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)2.3 L I4 engine
with manual
transmission
10.0L (10.5
quarts)
2.3L I4 engine
with automatic
transmission 9.7L (10.2
quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission 14.3L (15.1
quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission 14.0L (14.8
quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission 13.0L (13.7
quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission 12.5L (13.2
quarts)
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