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CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the service maintenance
section for the service interval
schedules.If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONt
AT 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.
BRAKE/CLUTCH (IF EQUIPPED) FLUID RESERVOIR
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
Maintenance and Specifications
227
Page 244 of 256

Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
²SAE class ªSº cables should be used on front axle for P235/70R16
tires. With P215/70R16 tires, SAE class ªSº cables can be used on both
the front and rear wheels.
²
Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the wheels.
²Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch
any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang
against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not
work, remove the cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the cables or tire chains when they are no longer needed.
²Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and traction devices.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire chains on your vehicle.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Classification Application Capacity
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(including filter
change)SAE 5W-20 2.0L I4 Zetec
engine4.25L (4.5
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine5.2L (5.5
quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 2.0L I4 Zetec
engine61L (16 gallons)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine61L (16 gallons)
Power steering
fluidMERCONtAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
244
Page 254 of 256

K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........121
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................51
cargo lamps ...............................49
daytime running light ...............48
fog lamps ...................................48
headlamps .................................48
headlamps, flash to pass ..........49
instrument panel, dimming .....49
interior lamps .....................50±51
replacing bulbs ....... 51±52, 54±55
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................50
Liftgate ........................................68
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........126
Load limits .................................148
Loading instructions .................151
Locks
childproof ..................................71
doors ..........................................70
Lubricant specifications ...........246
Luggage rack ...............................69
Lumbar support, seats .........81±82
M
Manual transaxle .......................135
fluid, checking and adding ....230
reverse .....................................136
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................244Mirrors ...................................60, 62
fold away ...................................63
heated ........................................63
side view mirrors (power) .......62
Moon roof ....................................67
Motorcraft parts ........................221
O
Octane rating ............................219
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................206
Overdrive ...................................131
Overheating ...............................164
P
Parking .......................................137
Parking brake ............................127
Passive anti-theft system
(PATS) .........................................75
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................161
Power door locks ........................70
Power Point
Cigar lighter ........................60±61
Power Seats .................................82
Power steering ..........................128
fluid, checking and adding ....227
fluid, refill capacity ................244
fluid, specifications .................246
Power Windows ...........................61
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................129
R
Radio ......................................17, 27
Index
254
Page 255 of 256

Radio reception .....................42±43
Rear window defroster ...............47
Relays ........................................158
Remote entry system
arming and disarming the
anti-theft system ......................73
illuminated entry ......................74
locking/unlocking doors ...........70
replacing the batteries .............73
Roof rack .....................................69
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............99
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........90±95
Safety defects, reporting ..........189
Safety restraints ....................90±95
extension assembly ..................96
for adults .............................91±94
for children .............................110
lap belt ......................................97
safety belt maintenance ...........99
warning light and chime ....97±98
Safety seats for children ..........113
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............90
Seats ............................................80
child safety seats ....................113
heated ........................................83
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................75
Servicing your vehicle ..............201
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........165
Spark plugs, specifications .......247Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............5
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................246
Speed control ..............................63
Starting your vehicle ........121±123
jump starting ..........................171
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................58
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................58
Tires ...................................232±233
alignment ................................240
care ..........................................238
changing ..................165±166, 171
checking the pressure ............238
label .........................................238
rotating ....................................240
safety practices .......................243
sidewall information ...............234
snow tires and chains ............243
spare tire .................................165
terminology .............................233
tire grades ...............................233
treadwear ........................232, 242
Towing .......................................151
recreational towing .................156
trailer towing ..........................151
wrecker ....................................177
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................230
manual operation ....................135
Transmission
automatic operation ...............129
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....129
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................228
Index
255