
STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the automatic
transmission gearshift lever and
allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF 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.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
3
1
2
5
4
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USA(fus)
Driving
139

•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
•Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START).
2. Turn the key to 5 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
1
2
34
5
3
2
1
5
4
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
141

•Theindicator 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) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles-3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
220

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”
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.
POWER STEERING FLUID
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.
FULL COLD
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
225

F
Fail safe cooling ........................214
Fluid capacities .........................232
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................148
Fuel ............................................215
calculating fuel economy .......220
cap ...........................................217
capacity ...................................232
choosing the right fuel ...........218
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................223
detergent in fuel .....................219
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................215, 217, 220
filter, specifications ........215, 231
fuel pump shut-off switch .....162
improving fuel economy ........220
octane rating ...........219, 239–240
quality ......................................219
running out of fuel .................219
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................215
Fuses ..........................................164
G
Garage door opener ....................45
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............217
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................220
Gauges .........................................16
H
Hazard flashers .........................162
Headlamps ...................................34
bulb specifications ....................39daytime running lights .............35
flash to pass ..............................35
high beam .................................35
replacing bulbs .........................40
turning on and off ....................34
Heating
heater only system .............31, 33
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................32
Hood ..........................................201
I
Ignition .......................139, 239–240
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..89
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................225
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................197
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................36
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......181
K
Keys .............................................54
positions of the ignition .........139
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................39
daytime running light ...............35
headlamps .................................34
headlamps, flash to pass ..........35
instrument panel, dimming .....36
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
248

interior lamps ...........................38
replacing bulbs .........................40
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................38
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........143
Load limits .................................120
Loading instructions .................126
Locks ............................................54
doors ..........................................54
Lubricant specifications ...236, 239
Lug nuts ....................................180
Lumbar support, seats ...............60
M
Mirrors
fold away ...................................50
side view mirrors (power) .......49
Motorcraft parts ........199, 215, 231
O
Octane rating ............................219
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................203
P
Parking brake ............................144
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....231
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................167
Power door locks ........................54
Power mirrors .............................49
Power point .................................47
Power steering ..........................147
fluid, checking and adding ....225fluid, refill capacity ................232
fluid, specifications .........236, 239
Power Windows ...........................48
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................148
R
Radio ................................19–20, 25
Relays ................................164, 170
Remote entry system .................54
illuminated entry ......................58
locking/unlocking doors ...........55
panic alarm ...............................55
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................57
replacing the batteries .............56
Roadside assistance ..................160
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............75
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........65–69
Safety defects, reporting ..........193
Safety restraints ....................65–69
belt minder ...............................71
extension assembly ..................74
for adults .............................66–68
for children .........................84–85
lap belt ......................................70
safety belt maintenance ...........75
warning light and chime ....70–71
Safety seats for children ............89
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............65
Seats ............................................59
child safety seats ......................89
2006 Econoline(eco)
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Index
249

front seats .................................59
Servicing your vehicle ..............200
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................20
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ..........22, 27
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........174
Spark plugs,
specifications .............231, 239–240
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................236, 239
Speed control ..............................50
Starting your vehicle ........139–141
jump starting ..........................181
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................44
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) ...........31, 33
Tilt steering wheel ......................44
Tires ...................................103–104
alignment ................................112
care ..........................................109
changing ..........................174–175
checking the pressure ............108
inflating ...................................105
label .........................................119
replacing ..........................111, 176
rotating ....................................112
safety practices .......................111
sidewall information ...............114
snow tires and chains ............120spare tire .........................172, 174
terminology .............................104
tire grades ...............................104
treadwear ........................103, 110
Towing .......................................127
recreational towing .................138
trailer towing ..........................127
wrecker ....................................186
Traction-lok rear axle ...............148
Transmission .............................150
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....150
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................227
fluid, refill capacities ..............232
lubricant specifications ..236, 239
Turn signal ..................................38
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................240
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................242
Vehicle loading ..........................120
Ventilating your vehicle ...........142
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................202
Water, Driving through .............159
Windows
power .........................................48
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................44
checking and adding fluid .....202
replacing wiper blades ...........203
Wrecker towing .........................186
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
250