
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
•Use theScheduled Maintenance Guideto track routine service.
•Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
•Your dealership can provide parts and service.
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
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
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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).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
•4.0L V6 engine
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When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start
the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................69
AdvanceTrac ..............................206
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................135, 140
and child safety seats ............137
description ......................135, 140
disposal ....................................143
driver air bag ..................137, 141
indicator light .................139, 142
operation .........................137, 141
passenger air bag ...........137, 141
Air cleaner filter ...............299, 301
Air conditioning ..........................48
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................226
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................280
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................204
Audio system
(see Radio) ....18, 21, 25, 30, 34, 39
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................212
fluid, adding ............................299
fluid, checking ........................299
fluid, refill capacities ..............302
fluid, specification ..................306
Auxiliary power point .................67
Axle
lubricant specifications ..304, 306
refill capacities ........................302
B
Battery .......................................278acid, treating emergencies .....278
jumping a disabled battery ....246
maintenance-free ....................278
replacement, specifications ...301
servicing ..................................278
BeltMinder .................................131
Brakes ........................................203
anti-lock ...................................204
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................204
fluid, checking and adding ....299
fluid, refill capacities ..............302
fluid, specifications .........304, 306
lubricant specifications ..304, 306
parking ....................................205
shift interlock ..........................210
C
Calculating load ........................193
Capacities for refilling fluids ....302
Cargo cover ...........................96–97
Cell phone use ............................64
Certification Label ....................308
Changing a tire .........................164
Child safety restraints ..............144
child safety belts ....................144
Child safety seats ......................146
attaching with tether straps ..150
in front seat ............................148
in rear seat ..............................148
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............263
instrument panel ....................265
interior .....................................266
interior trim ............................265
plastic parts ............................264
safety belts ..............................266
washing ....................................262
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Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................46, 48
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................77
Hood ..........................................269
I
Ignition .......................200, 306–307
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................146
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................297
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................265
cluster ........................................10
J
Jack ....................................164, 167
positioning .......................164, 169
storage .....................164, 166–167
Jump-starting your vehicle ......246
K
Keyless entry system ...............105
autolock ...................................107
Keys
positions of the ignition .........200
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
daytime running light ...............53
fog lamps ...................................53
interior lamps ...........................56Liftgate ................................95, 102
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........204
Limited-slip axle .......................217
Load limits .................................187
Loading instructions .................193
Locks
autolock ...................................107
childproof ................................100
doors ..........................................99
Lubricant specifications ...304, 306
Lug nuts ....................................172
Luggage rack ...............................97
Lumbar support,
seats ...........................114, 116–117
M
Message center ...........................83
english/metric button ...............89
system check button ................89
warning messages .....................90
Mirrors ...................................67, 70
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................70
fold away ...................................70
heated ........................................70
side view mirrors (power) .......69
Moon roof ....................................76
Motorcraft parts ................292, 301
O
Octane rating ............................289
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................273
P
Parking brake ............................205
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