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1 (First)
•Transaxle operates in first gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Controlor AdvanceTracsystem
off. This will allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck
vehicle. For more information, refer toTraction Control(if equipped)
orAdvanceTracstability enhancement system (if equipped)in this
chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at“parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
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Driving
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economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style—good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guideto determine
the correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.9 L OHV V6 engine 4.2L OHV V6 engine
Cubic inches 232 256
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Ignition system EDIS EDIS
Spark plug gap 0.052–0.054 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)0.052–0.054 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)
Compression ratio 9.36:1 9.27:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Wagon - inches
(mm)Van - inches (mm)
(1) Overall length 201.0 (5105) 201.0 (5105)
(2) Overall width 76.4 (1941) 76.4 (1941)
(3) Overall height 68.5 (1740)
168.8 (1748)2
(4) Wheelbase 120.8 (3069) 120.8 (3069)
(5) Track - Front 64.7 (1644) 64.7 (1644)
(5) Track - Rear 62.8 (1595) 62.8 (1595)
1Equipped with P225/60R16 tires.
2Equipped with P235/60R16 tires.
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Remote entry system .................99illuminated entry ......47, 102 –103
locking/unlocking doors .....95, 99
Reverse sensing system ...........228
Roadside assistance ..................231
Roof rack .....................................93
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........148
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................135, 138 –142
Safety Canopy ...........................158
Safety defects, reporting ..........256
Safety restraints ........135, 138 –142
belt minder .............................144
extension assembly ................148
for adults .........................139 –141
for children .............................162
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................136
safety belt maintenance .........148
warning light and chime 143 –144
Safety seats for children ..........165
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............135
Seats ..........................................112 child safety seats ....................165
front seats ...............112, 114 –115
memory seat ...................105, 115
second row seats ............118, 121
third row seats ...............121, 128, 132–133
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................109
Servicing your vehicle ..............263
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...182, 184 Spark plugs,
specifications .....................293, 297
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................295, 297
Speed control ..............................71
Starting your vehicle ........217
–219
jump starting ..........................241
Steering wheel controls ......................................74
tilting .........................................57
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................57
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) Maintenance and
Specifications ..........................202
Tire warning ..............................206
Tires ...........................176 –177, 206
alignment ................................199
care ..........................................197
changing ..................182, 184, 187
checking the pressure ............179
inspecting and inflating .........178
label .........................................197
replacing ..................................180
rotating ....................................199
safety practices .......................198
sidewall information ...............192
snow tires and chains ............208
spare tire .................................183
terminology .............................177
tire grades ...............................177
treadwear ........................176, 197
Towing .......................................213 recreational towing .................216
trailer towing ..........................213
wrecker ....................................247
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Index
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