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Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
enginelight illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck enginelight 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. In which case, the
fuel filler cap light will also be illuminated.
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 enginelight 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 enginelight 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 yourCheck engine/Service engine
soonlight is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight 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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CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
•2.3L I4 engine
•3.0L V6 engine
•4.0L V6 engine
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
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Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4.If your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine,check the fluid
level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range. Do not
add fluid if the level is within this range.
5.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or 2.3L I4
engine,check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the
service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25–A. Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
MAX
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Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
•Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled check
and change intervals.
•Transmission does not consume fluid.
•Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
•Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
2. If driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
3. Engage parking brake, start engine.
4. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly
through all of the gear ranges.
5. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
7. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
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8. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. Level should be in
the cross-hatched area.
9. If necessary, add fluid in 250ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct at normal operating temperatures. Refer to
theLubricant specificationssection in this chapter for the correct fluid
type. The use of any other non-approved fluid may cause internal
transmission damage.
10. Fluid can be checked at ambient
temperatures between 10–30°C
(50–95°F). DO NOT ADD fluid until
the transmission is at normal
operating temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at or below the bottom of
the dipstick.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may cause overheating, shift and/or
engagement concerns and internal
transmission damage. If an overfill
condition occurs, excess fluid should
be removed by a qualified technician.
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
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Checking and adding transfer case fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor
maintenance intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with
universal joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be
necessary.
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AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
CHANGING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT
1. Loosen the clamp that secures the air inlet tube to the engine air filter
cover and disconnect the tube from the cover (for V6 only).
2. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
3. Carefully separate the two halves
of the air filter housing.
4. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
5. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
6. Install a new air filter element. Be
careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered
air to enter the engine if not
properly seated.
7. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
8. Replace the air inlet tube and secure the clamp.
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