STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transaxle gearshift lever
and allows key removal.
2. OFF, shuts the engine and all
electrical accessories off without
locking the steering wheel.
3. ON, all electrical circuits
operational. Warning lights
illuminated. Key position when driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
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.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
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BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor
and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any
pulsation or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced
ABS
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Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Controlsystem. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
12
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Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
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•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in theScheduled Maintenance
Guideare 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
indicator, 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.
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
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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
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
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:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
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.
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A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................81–82, 89
and child safety seats ..............83
description ..........................82, 89
disposal ......................................91
driver air bag ......................84, 90
indicator light ...........................88
operation .............................84, 90
passenger air bag ...............84, 90
side air bag ................................89
Air cleaner filter .......................202
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................169
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................107
Anti-theft system ........................62
arming the system ....................62
disarming a triggered system ..62
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................186
fluid, checking ........................186
fluid, specification ..................206
Automatic transmission ............110
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................111
fluid, refill capacities ..............203
Auxiliary power point .................43
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........205
refill capacities ........................203
B
Battery .......................................168
acid, treating emergencies .....168
jumping a disabled battery ....139maintenance-free ....................168
replacement, specifications ...202
servicing ..................................168
BeltMinder ...................................76
Brakes ........................................107
anti-lock ...................................107
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................107
fluid, checking and adding ....185
fluid, refill capacities ..............203
fluid, specifications .........205–206
lubricant specifications ..205–206
parking ....................................108
shift interlock ..........................110
Break-in period .............................5
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....203
Cargo cover .................................50
Cell phone use ............................49
Certification Label ....................209
Child safety restraints ................92
child safety belts ......................92
Child safety seats ........................95
attaching with tether straps ....99
in front seat ..............................96
in rear seat ................................96
LATCH .....................................101
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............157
instrument panel ....................159
interior .....................................159
plastic parts ............................158
washing ....................................156
waxing .....................................156
wheels ......................................157
wiper blades ............................158
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Index
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Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................32
Liftgate ........................................51
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........107
Load limits .................................115
Locks
autolock .....................................53
childproof ..................................54
Lubricant specifications ...205–206
Lug nuts ....................................139
M
Manual transaxle
lubricant specifications ..........206
Manual transmission .................113
fluid capacities ........................203
reverse .....................................114
Mirrors .........................................45
side view mirrors (power) .......45
Moon roof ....................................48
Motorcraft parts ................179, 202
O
Octane rating ............................178
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................165
P
Parking brake ............................108
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....202
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................69
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................131
Power point .................................43Power steering ..........................109
fluid, checking and adding ....185
fluid, refill capacity ................203
fluid, specifications .........205–206
Power Windows ...........................44
R
Radio ......................................16, 20
Rear window defroster ...............29
Relays ........................................127
Remote audio controls ...............24
Remote entry system .................55
locking/unlocking doors ...........53
opening the trunk .....................57
Roadside assistance ..................125
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............80
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...68, 71–75
Safety defects, reporting ..........155
Safety restraints ..............68, 71–75
belt minder ...............................76
extension assembly ..................80
for adults .............................72–74
for children .........................91–92
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................69
safety belt maintenance ...........80
warning light and chime ....75–76
Safety seats for children ............95
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............68
Seats ............................................63
child safety seats ......................95
Servicing your vehicle ..............162
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