
•If shifter (-) is tapped more than once in rapid succession, the
transmission will downshift only into the next lower gear, then when the
vehicle reaches a speed below a calibrated entry speed, the transmission
will allow a downshift into the next lower gear if again selected by the
driver. This is to prevent engine and transmission damage and to keep
the engine and transmission within allowable RPM ranges.
•An electronic indicator on the instrument cluster will display the
selected gear.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart:
Recommended upshift schedule
Shift from:
1 - 2 15 mph (24 km/h)
2 - 3 25 mph (40 km/h)
3 - 4 40 mph (64 km/h)
4 - 5 45 mph (72 km/h)
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.
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.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may
stall.Driving through deep water where the transmission vent
tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and
cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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Driving
148

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.
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. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on 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 between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines 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.
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
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Maintenance and Specifications
206

A
Accessory delay ..........................40
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................87, 95
and child safety seats ..............88
description ..........................87, 95
disposal ......................................97
driver air bag ......................89, 96
indicator light .....................90, 97
operation .............................89, 96
passenger air bag ...............89, 96
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................91
side air bag ................................95
Air cleaner filter ...............207–209
Air conditioning ..........................22
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................190
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................140
Anti-theft system ........................73
arming the system ....................73
disarming a triggered system ..73
Audio system (see Radio) .........16
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................144
fluid, adding ............................207
fluid, checking ........................207
fluid, refill capacities ..............210
fluid, specification ..................213
Auxiliary power point .................39
Axle
lubricant specifications ..212–213
refill capacities ........................210
B
Battery .......................................188acid, treating emergencies .....188
jumping a disabled battery ....160
maintenance-free ....................188
replacement, specifications ...209
servicing ..................................188
BeltMinder ...................................82
Brakes ........................................139
anti-lock ...................................140
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................140
fluid, checking and adding ....206
fluid, refill capacities ..............210
fluid, specifications .........212–213
lubricant specifications ..212–213
parking ....................................141
shift interlock ..........................143
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................31
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....210
Cell phone use ............................60
Certification Label ....................215
Changing a tire .........................114
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
Child safety seats ......................100
attaching with tether straps ..104
in front seat ............................102
in rear seat ..............................102
LATCH .....................................107
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............177
instrument panel ....................179
interior .....................................180
interior trim ............................179
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Index
Index
219

J
Jack ............................................114
positioning ...............................114
storage .....................................114
Jump-starting your vehicle ......160
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................69
Keys
positions of the ignition .........136
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................27
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................31
daytime running light ...............27
headlamps .................................27
headlamps, flash to pass ..........28
instrument panel, dimming .....28
interior lamps .....................30–31
replacing bulbs ....... 31–32, 34–37
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................30
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........140
Load limits .................................130
Locks
autolock .....................................69
doors ..........................................62
Lubricant specifications ...212–213
Lug nuts ....................................120
Lumbar support, seats ...............75M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................210
lubricant specifications ..........213
Master lighting switch ................27
Mirrors .........................................41
side view mirrors (power) .......41
Motorcraft parts ................200, 209
O
Octane rating ............................199
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................185
P
Parking brake ............................141
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....209
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .......................155, 158
Power door locks ........................62
Power mirrors .............................41
Power point .................................39
Power steering ..................142–143
fluid, checking and adding ....206
fluid, refill capacity ................210
fluid, specifications .........212–213
Power Windows ...........................40
R
Radio ............................................16
Rear window defroster ...............25
Relays ........................................151
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Index
222