operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
Maintenance and Specifications
285
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
ªCHECK/TIGHTEN FUEL CAPº will display in the message center when
the fuel filler cap is not properly installed. Proper fuel filler cap
installation is checked automatically as the vehicle is driven, but not until
after some fuel is used (fuel gauge drops below full). Once the fuel filler
cap is properly secured, ªCHECK/TIGHTEN FUEL CAPº will turn off
after a short period of driving.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
Maintenance and Specifications
287
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Maintenance and Specifications
293
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
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:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Maintenance and Specifications
294
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 Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid or MERCONtAT F.
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).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
Maintenance and Specifications
295
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Front axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4x4/AWD
vehicles1.3L (1.4
quarts)
Rear axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantConventional
Axle1.7L (3.5 pints)
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.2
quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
2Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be checked by a qualified
technician.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153±H and the API Certification mark.
Maintenance and Specifications
313
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................197
Accessory delay ........................105
AdvanceTrac ..............................199
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................174, 178
and child safety seats ............176
description ......................174, 178
disposal ....................................181
driver air bag ..................176, 179
indicator light .........................180
operation .........................176, 179
passenger air bag ...........176, 179
side air bag ..............................178
Air cleaner filter .......................311
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................211
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................281
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................197±198
Anti-theft system ......................149
arming the system ..................150
disarming a triggered
system .....................................151
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 21
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................206
fluid, adding ............................296
fluid, checking ........................296
fluid, refill capacities ..............312
fluid, specification ..................316
Auxiliary power point ...............101
Axle
lubricant specifications ..314, 316refill capacities ........................312
B
Battery .......................................279
acid, treating emergencies .....279
jumping a disabled battery ....251
maintenance-free ....................279
replacement, specifications ...311
servicing ..................................279
BeltMinder .................................170
Brakes ........................................196
anti-lock ...........................197±198
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................198
fluid, checking and adding ....296
fluid, refill capacities ..............312
fluid, specifications .........314, 316
lubricant specifications ..314, 316
parking ....................................198
shift interlock ..........................204
Bulbs ............................................88
C
Calculating load ........................224
Capacities for refilling fluids ....312
Cargo cover ...............................135
Cassette tape player ...................21
CD-single premium .....................16
Cell phone use ..........................131
Certification Label ....................318
Changing a tire .........................243
Child safety restraints ..............182
child safety belts ....................182
Child safety seats ......................184
attaching with tether straps ..188
in front seat ............................186
in rear seat ..............................186
Index
Index
324
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............267
instrument panel ....................269
interior .............................269±270
interior trim ............................270
plastic parts ............................268
washing ....................................266
waxing .....................................266
wheels ......................................267
wiper blades ............................268
Clock ..........................................101
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............120
Console ......................................132
overhead ....................................99
rear ..........................................132
Controls
power seat ...............................154
steering column ......................111
Coolant
checking and adding ..............281
refill capacities ................283, 312
specifications ..................314, 316
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................109
Customer Assistance ................231
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................271
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................259
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................263
Getting roadside assistance ...231
Getting the service you
need .........................................257
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................264
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................259Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................262
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................84
Defrost
rear window ..............................81
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................296
engine oil .................................276
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........314
Driving under special
conditions ..........................214, 217
sand .........................................216
snow and ice ...........................218
through water .................216, 221
E
Electronic message center .......118
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................251
Emission control system ..........292
Engine ........................................316
cleaning ...................................267
coolant .....................................281
fail-safe coolant ......................284
idle speed control ...................279
lubrication
specifications ..................314, 316
refill capacities ........................312
service points ..........................274
starting after a collision .........232
Engine block heater .................196
Engine oil ..................................276
Index
325