Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer
and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn
and sugar cane. When ethanol is produced for use in motor fuels, a small
amount of gasoline is added to make it unfit for beverage use. The
resulting ethanol blend is called denatured fuel ethanol meaning that it is
denatured with 2% to 5% gasoline and is suitable for automotive use.
During the summer season, fuel ethanol may contain a maximum of 85%
denatured ethanol (Ed85) and 15% unleaded gasoline. The fuel ethanol
has a higher octane rating than unleaded regular or premium gasoline
and this allows the design of engines with greater efficiency and power.
Winter blends may contain up to 75% denatured ethanol (Ed75) and up
to 25% unleaded gasoline to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold
weather may require additional measures for reliable starting. Refer to
Cold Weather Startingin theDrivingchapter.
Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals
and causes some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or
become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special
materials and procedures have been developed for flexible fuel vehicles
and the dispensers used by ethanol fuel providers.
Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded gasoline fuel
components are not interchangeable. If your vehicle is not
serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles procedures, damage
may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.
When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
•Place approved fuel container on the ground.
•DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
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•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
•DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Choosing the right fuel
If your vehicle is a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), use only UNLEADED
FUEL and FUEL ETHANOL (Ed75–Ed85)
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives. Studies indicate that
these additives can cause your vehicle’s emission control system to
deteriorate more rapidly. In Canada, premium grade fuel generally
contains more metallic additives than regular fuel. We recommend using
regular grade fuel. In Canada, many fuels contain metallic additives, but
fuels free of such additives may be available; check with your local fuel
dealer.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily under most
driving conditions while you are
using fuel with the recommended
octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified service technician to prevent
any engine damage.
Unleaded Gasoline engines
Your vehicle is designed to use “Regular” unleaded gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend the use of gasolines
labeled as “Regular” that are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in
high altitude areas.
FFV engine (if equipped)
Your vehicle is designed to use Fuel Ethanol(Ed75–Ed85), “Regular”
unleaded gasoline or any mixture of the two fuels.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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U.S. government regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to have a small, square, orange and black label with the
common abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for that
region. Use of other fuels such as Fuel Methanol may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and your
warranty may be invalidated.
Fuel quality
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Unleaded Gasoline engines
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
FFV engine (if equipped)
Your FFV will operate well on ordinary “Regular” unleaded gasoline, but
only the highest quality fuel ethanol will provide the same level of
protection and performance. To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, check
your VIN or the label on the inside of your fuel filler door. When
checking the VIN, look for the engine type identifier (8th character). If
your vehicle is an FFV, then the character will be labeled as a “K.”
If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you
should follow a different maintenance schedule. See theScheduled
Maintenance Guidefor more information.
If you are experiencing a rough or rolling idle after start-up with the
outside temperature above 27° C (80° F), the idle should improve within
10 to 30 seconds. If the problems persist below this temperature, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
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For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Filling the tank for FFV equipped vehicles
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of these two. For best results it is
recommended that you do not add less than 5 gallons of fuel when
refueling. Observing this precaution will avoid possible hard starting
and/or deterioration in drivability during warm up.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Calculation 2:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
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ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Transfer case
Front Output
Slip ShaftPremium
Long-Life
GreaseXG-1-C or XG-1-K ESA-M1C75-B
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC—32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guideto
determine the correct service interval.
2Limited slip differentials must add 4 oz (118 ml) of Additive Friction
Modifier XL–3 or equivalent to the rear axle whenever the axle has been
serviced.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.0L SOHC V6
engine4.6L V8 engine
Cubic inches 245 281
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Ignition system EDIS EDIS
Spark plug gap 0.051–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42 mm)
Compression ratio 9.7:1 9.4:1
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idle speed control ...................278
lubrication
specifications ..................304, 306
refill capacities ........................302
service points ..................270–271
starting after a collision .........234
Engine block heater .................203
Engine oil ..................................273
checking and adding ..............273
dipstick ....................................273
filter, specifications ........276, 301
recommendations ...................276
refill capacities ........................302
specifications ..................304, 306
Exhaust fumes ..........................203
F
Fail safe cooling ........................285
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....286
Floor mats ...................................95
Fluid capacities .........................302
Foglamps .....................................53
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......217
driving off road ...............219, 226
indicator light .........................217
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................209
Fuel ............................................286
calculating fuel
economy ............................86, 292
cap ...........................................291
capacity ...................................302
choosing the right fuel ...........289
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................295
detergent in fuel .....................291
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................286, 291–292filter, specifications ........292, 301
fuel pump shut-off switch .....234
improving fuel economy ........292
octane rating ...........289, 306–307
quality ......................................290
running out of fuel .................291
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................286
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................286, 289
Fuses ..................................235, 237
G
Garage door opener ....................66
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................77
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............291
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................292
Gauges .........................................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................193
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................193
H
Hazard flashers .........................234
Head restraints .........................112
Headlamps
aiming ........................................55
bulb specifications ....................57
daytime running lights .............53
flash to pass ..............................54
high beam .................................54
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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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