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If the ªCheck Fuel Capºindicator comes on or if ªService Engine
Soon/Check Engineº indicator comes on and stays on when you start the
engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn off the
engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
If your vehicle is a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), use only UNLEADED
FUEL and (E85) FUEL ETHANOL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited
by law and could damage your vehicle.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
206
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²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
Maintenance and Specifications
211
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Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................79
locking/unlocking doors ...........73
opening the trunk .....................77
Roadside assistance ..................150
Roof rack .....................................72
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........107
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ....92, 95±98, 100
Safety defects, reporting ..........180
Safety restraints ............92, 95±101
belt minder .............................103
extension assembly ................107
for adults .............................96±98
for children .....................117±118
lap belt ....................................100
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................93
safety belt maintenance .........107
warning light and
chime ...............................102±103
Safety seats for children ..........120
Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ........................92
Seats ............................................88
child safety seats ....................120
front seats .................................89
Servicing your vehicle ..............187
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................19
AM/FM/Tape ..............................16
Spare tire (see
Changing the Tire) ...................159Spark plugs,
specifications .............231, 235±236
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................234±235
Speed control ..............................51
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......133
Starting your
vehicle ........................130±131, 133
jump starting ..........................165
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................47
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................47
Tires ...........................159, 218±219
alignment ................................226
care ..........................................224
changing ..........................159, 161
checking the pressure ............224
label .........................................224
replacing ..................................229
rotating ....................................226
safety practices .......................229
sidewall information ...............220
snow tires and chains ............230
spare tire .................................160
terminology .............................219
tire grades ...............................219
treadwear ........................218, 228
Towing .......................................146
recreational towing .................148
trailer towing ..........................146
wrecker ....................................170
Traction control ........................136
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............232
lubricant specifications ..........235
Transmission .............................138
Index
247