
2. Locate the access plug on the
underside of the steering column
cover.
3. Remove the access plug using a flat head screwdriver. Insert the
screwdriver into the access hole nearest the steering wheel. Then push
and hold the override button using a flat head screwdriver. Apply the
brake pedal and shift the transmission into N (Neutral) while continuing
to depress the override button.
4. Reinstall the access plug cover, start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position
and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Brake-shift interlock – floor-shift transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
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2. Insert the key and turn it to ACC.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition and in the ACC position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
179

FFV engine (if equipped)
Your FFV will operate well on ordinary “Regular” unleaded gasoline, but
only the highest quality fuel ethanol will provide the same level of
protection and performance. To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, check
your VIN or the label on the inside of your fuel filler door. When
checking the VIN, look for the engine type identifier (8th character). If
your vehicle is an FFV, then the character will be labeled as a “2”.
If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you
should follow a different maintenance schedule. In addition to this it is
also recommended to fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline
once every 3,000 miles (4,828 km). Seescheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
If you are experiencing a rough or rolling idle after start-up with the
outside temperature above 80° F (27° C), the idle should improve within
10 to 30 seconds. If the problems persist below this temperature, see
your authorized dealer.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only unleaded fuel (or E85, if equipped with the FFV engine).
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
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it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
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 your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause the
indicator 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. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
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, the
indicator 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 the
indicator 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 the
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator 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”
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BRAKE FLUID
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 authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
MAX
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................171
Air cleaner filter ...............251–252
Air conditioning ..........................37
Air suspension ...........................176
description ..............................176
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........117–118, 127
and child safety seats ............120
description ......................118, 127
disposal ....................................129
driver airbag ....................120, 128
indicator light .................127, 129
operation .........................120, 128
passenger airbag .............120, 128
side airbag ...............................127
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................230
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................171–172
Anti-theft system ..................93, 97
arming the system ....................97
disarming a triggered system ..97
Audio system
(see Radio) ..........17, 19, 21, 25, 30
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................179
fluid, adding ............................249
fluid, checking ........................249
fluid, refill capacities ..............253
fluid, specification ..................257
Auxiliary power point .................62
Axle
lubricant specifications ..255, 257
refill capacities ........................253
traction lok ..............................177B
Battery .......................................228
acid, treating emergencies .....228
jumping a disabled battery ....201
maintenance-free ....................228
replacement, specifications ...252
servicing ..................................228
BeltMinder .................................113
Brakes ........................................171
anti-lock ...........................171–172
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............172
fluid, checking and adding ....249
fluid, refill capacities ..............253
fluid, specifications .........255, 257
lubricant specifications ..255, 257
shift interlock ..................177–178
Bulbs ............................................45
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....253
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................195
Child safety restraints ..............130
child safety belts ....................130
Child safety seats ......................134
attaching with tether straps ..138
in front seat ............................135
in rear seat ..............................135
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............216
instrument panel ....................218
interior .....................................218
interior trim ............................218
plastic parts ............................217
washing ....................................214
waxing .....................................215
wheels ......................................215
wiper blades ............................217
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............37
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................33
AM/FM .......................................18
AM/FM/Cassette ........................19
AM/FM/CD .................................23
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................28
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................54
Console ........................................52
overhead ..............................52, 54
Controls
power seat ...............................100
steering column ........................68
Coolant
checking and adding ..............230
refill capacities ................234, 253
specifications ..................255, 257
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................65
Cupholder(s) .............................103
Customer Assistance ................183
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................211
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............211
Getting roadside assistance ...183
Getting the service you
need .........................................207
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................212
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............210
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................41Defrost
rear window ..............................39
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................249
engine oil .................................225
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........255
Driving under special
conditions ..................................181
through water .........................182
E
Electronic message center .........73
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................201
Emission control system ..........246
Engine ........................................257
cleaning ...................................216
coolant .....................................230
fail-safe cooling .......................235
idle speed control ...................228
lubrication
specifications ..................255, 257
refill capacities ........................253
service points ..........................223
starting after a collision .........185
Engine block heater .................170
Engine oil ..................................225
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................225
checking and adding ..............225
dipstick ....................................225
filter, specifications ........227, 252
recommendations ...................227
refill capacities ........................253
specifications ..................255, 257
Exhaust fumes ..........................170
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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