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7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and Specifications
217
Page 244 of 248

instrument panel ....................184
interior .....................................184
interior trim ............................185
plastic parts ............................183
washing ....................................181
waxing .....................................181
wheels ......................................182
wiper blades ............................184
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............26
Clock adjust
AM/FM Stereo ...........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................19
AM/FM/Tape ..............................16
Compass, electronic ....................61
calibration .................................61
set zone adjustment .................61
Console ........................................67
Controls
power seat .................................90
Coolant
checking and adding ..............198
refill capacities ................202, 232
specifications ..................234±235
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................51
Customer Assistance ................150
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................186
Ford Extended Service Plan .174
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............178
Getting roadside assistance ...150
Getting the service
you need .................................172
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................179
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................174Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............177
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................30
Defrost
rear window ..............................28
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................216
engine oil .................................192
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........234
Driving under special
conditions ..................................141
through water .........................142
E
Electronic message center .........58
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................165
Emergency Flashers .................151
Emission control system ..........212
Engine ................................235±236
cleaning ...................................182
coolant .....................................198
idle speed control ...................196
lubrication specifications 234±235
refill capacities ........................232
service points ..................189±190
starting after a collision .........151
Engine block heater .................133
Engine oil ..................................192
checking and adding ..............192
dipstick ....................................192
filter, specifications ........195, 231
Index
244
Page 245 of 248

recommendations ...................195
refill capacities ........................232
specifications ..................234±235
Exhaust fumes ..........................134
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....203
Floor mats ...................................69
Fluid capacities .........................232
Fuel ............................................203
calculating fuel economy .60, 209
cap ...........................................205
capacity ...................................232
choosing the right fuel ...........206
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................211
detergent in fuel .....................208
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................203, 205, 209
filter, specifications ........208, 231
fuel pump shut-off switch .....151
improving fuel economy ........209
octane rating ...........207, 235±236
quality ......................................207
running out of fuel .................208
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................203
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................203, 206±207
Fuses ..........................................153
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................54
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............205
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................209Gauges .........................................13
H
Hazard flashers .........................151
Headlamps ...................................30
aiming ........................................32
autolamp system .......................30
bulb specifications ....................35
daytime running lights .............30
flash to pass ..............................31
high beam .................................31
replacing bulbs .........................37
turning on and off ....................30
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................24, 26
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................54
Hood ..........................................188
I
Ignition .......................130, 235±236
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................120
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................213
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................184
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................31
J
Jack ............................................159
positioning ...............................159
storage .....................................159
Jump-starting your vehicle ......165
Index
245