Tire inflation pressure
Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure at least monthly
(check the tire inflation pressure in the spare tire every 6 months) and
before long trips. You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure
gauge, as automatic service station gauges may be inaccurate. Ford
recommends the use of a digital or dial type tire pressure gauge rather
than a stick type of tire pressure gauge.
Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire
performance and wear. Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause
uneven treadwear patterns.
Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failures and
may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation or9blowout9,
with unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury.
Under-inflation increases sidewall flexing and rolling resistance,
resulting in heat buildup and internal damage to the tire. It also may
result in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of vehicle control
and accidents. A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not
appear to be flat!
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also
change. A 10 degree temperature change causes a corresponding drop of
7 kPa (1 psi) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently
and adjust them to the proper pressure which can be found on the tire
label or certification label.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, (i.e. driven more than 1.6
km [1mile]), never ªbleedº or reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from
driving and it is normal for pressures to increase above recommended
cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold inflation
pressure could be significantly under-inflated.
To check the pressure in your tire(s):
1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving
even a mile.
Note:If you have to drive a distance to get air for your tire(s), check
and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure
when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air
pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never ªbleedº or reduce air
pressure when tires are hot.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire
gauge onto the valve.
Maintenance and Specifications
306
3. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure
Note:If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in
the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
4. Replace the valve cap.
5. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
Note:Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other
tires.
6. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other
objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air
leak.
7. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or
other irregularities.
Tire and wheel alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or damage to your tires. If your vehicle
seems to pull to one side, vibrate or shake when you're driving, the
wheels may be out of alignment. Have a qualified technician at a
reputable repair facility check the wheel alignment periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by a qualified technician
at a reputable repair facility. Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, and
those with independent front suspension require alignment of all four
wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
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).
Maintenance and Specifications
307
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
ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Automatic
transmission
1
Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FXT-5-QM MERCONtV
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONt
Multi-Purpose
AT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Rear axles75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W90 Ð
Front axle
(AWD)Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Transfer case
(AWD)Motorcraft
MERCONt
Multi-Purpose
AT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Transfer case
Front Output
Slip ShaftMotorcraft
Premium
Long-Life
GreaseXG-1-C or XG-1-K ESA-M1C75-B
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Ultra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZCÐ32±A WSB-M8B16±A2
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
315
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
²When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
²The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems Ð such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
²Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
Accessories
323
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