WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
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).
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4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
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3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline Engines”by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ISLAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an
equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A.SAE
5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
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It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the“level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
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•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the“FULL COLD”level or within the
“COLD FILL RANGE”as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
•Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
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11. Ensure the pads on the bottom
of the air cleaner assembly are
properly seated.
12. Reconnect the outlet tube to the
air cleaner assembly and tighten the
clamp.
13. Reconnect the Mass Air Flow
Sensor electrical connector to the
outlet tube. Make sure the locking
tab on the connector is in“locked”
position.
Note:If hose clamp is not secured properly or Mass Air Flow Sensor
electrical connector is not properly installed the Check Engine light will
illuminate when vehicle is operated.
Note:Do not use oil-impregnated air filter elements. Failure to use the
correct air filter element may result in severe engine damage. The
customer warranty may be voided for any damage to the engine if the
correct air filter element is not used.
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washing ....................................257
waxing .....................................257
wheels ......................................258
wiper blades ............................259
Clock ............................................66
Compass, electronic ....................59 calibration .................................60
set zone adjustment .................60
Console ........................................74 overhead ....................................58
Controls power seat ...............................113
steering column ........................74
Coolant checking and adding ..............271
refill capacities ................275, 294
specifications ..................295, 297
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................71
Cupholder(s) .............................117
Customer Assistance ................231 Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................262
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................254
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............255
Getting roadside assistance ...231
Getting the service you
need .........................................248
Ordering additional owner ’s
literature .................................255
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................251
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................253 D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................286
engine oil .................................266
Doors ...........................................61 lubricant specifications ..........295
power sliding ............................62
Driving under special
conditions ..................................228 through water .........................230
E
Emergencies, roadside jump-starting ..........................241
Emission control system ..........283
Engine ........................................297 cleaning ...................................258
coolant .....................................271
idle speed control ...................269
lubrication
specifications ..................295, 297
refill capacities ........................294
service points ..................265 –266
starting after a collision .........232
Engine block heater .................220
Engine oil ..................................266 change oil soon warning,
message center .......................266
checking and adding ..............266
dipstick ....................................266
filter, specifications ........268, 293
recommendations ...................268
refill capacities ........................294
specifications ..................295, 297
Exhaust fumes ..........................220
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L
Lampsautolamp system .......................45
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................51
daytime running light ...............46
headlamps .................................45
headlamps, flash to pass ..........47
instrument panel, dimming .....47
interior lamps .....................49 –51
replacing bulbs ...................51 –55
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................49
Liftgate ....................88 –89, 93, 100
Lights, warning and indicator ....10 anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........221
Load limits .................................208
Locks autolock ...........................104, 107
childproof ..................................96
doors ..........................................95
Low tire warning .........15, 201, 206
Lubricant specifications ...295, 297
Lug nuts ....................................192
Luggage rack ...............................93
Lumbar support, seats .............115
M
Message center ...........................79 english/metric button ...............82
system check button ................82
warning messages .....................83
Mirrors ...................................58, 69 automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................69
fold away ...................................70 heated ........................................70
programmable memory ..........105
side view mirrors (power) .......69
signal .........................................70
Motorcraft parts ................280, 293
O
Octane rating ............................279
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................266
Overdrive ...................................226
P
Parking brake ............................222
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....293
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................136
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................71
Power adjustable foot pedals .....71
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................237
Power door locks ........95, 104, 107
Power liftgate ......................89, 100
Power mirrors .............................69
Power point .................................66
Power steering ..........................225 fluid, checking and adding ....286
fluid, refill capacity ................294
fluid, specifications .........295, 297
Power Windows ...........................68
R
Radio ..........................18, 20, 23, 26
Relays ........................................233
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