
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
• Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
• Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
• Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
• Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
• Slow down gradually.
• Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
• Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
• Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
• Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
• Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
• Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Lubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in the scheduled maintenance guide chapter.
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•Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are 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 Service engine soon light, 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.
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
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 your Warranty 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 the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When the Check
engine/Service engine soon light illuminates, the OBD-II system has
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detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
engine/Service engine soon light 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.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the Check engine/Service engine
soon light 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 Check engine/Service engine soon light 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 your Check engine/Service engine
soon light is on, refer to the description in the Warning lights and
chimes section of the Instrument Cluster chapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the Check engine/Service engine soon light 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.
CHECKING AND ADDING 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 MERCON AT 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).
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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 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 dealer immediately.
Refer toRemoving Luggage Compartment Liner in this chapter to gain
access to the brake fluid reservoir.
CLUTCH FLUID
Check the fluid level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
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MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 5.4L DOHC Supercharged V8
Air filter element (2) FA-1682
Fuel filter FG-1091
Oil filter FL-2023
PCV valve
1
Spark plugs2
1
The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide chapter and is essential to
the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
For PCV valve replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide chapter for the
appropriate intervals for changing the PCV valve.
Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.
2For spark plug replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide chapter for the
appropriate intervals for changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Why maintain your vehicle?
This guide describes the scheduled maintenance required for your
vehicle. Carefully following this schedule helps protect against major
repair expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance and
may also help to increase the value of your vehicle when you sell or
trade it.
It is your responsibility to see that all scheduled maintenance is
performed and that the materials used meet Ford engineering
specifications. Failure to perform scheduled maintenance specific in this
guide will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of
maintenance. Be sure receipts for completed maintenance are kept with
the vehicle and confirmation of the work performed is always recorded in
this guide.
Your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer, or Ford or Lincoln Mercury Quality
Care Center has factory trained technicians who can perform the
required maintenance using genuine Ford parts. They are committed to
meeting your service needs and to assuring your continuing satisfaction.
Protecting your investment
Maintenance is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of
improved reliability, durability and resale value. To assure the proper
performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is
imperative that scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated
intervals.
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement parts.
Parts other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford authorized remanufactured
parts that are used for maintenance replacement or for the service of
components affecting emission control must be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability. It is the
owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult yourWarranty Guide for complete warranty information.
Engine Emissions label
Emissions information appears on the Engine Emissions label on the
engine valve cover. This decal identifies engine displacement and
provides certain engine specifications.
Any modification of the emissions control system could create liability
under federal law (U.S.) if made prior to sale and registration, under the
laws of some states if made thereafter. Further, federal law prohibits
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vehicle manufacturers, dealers and other persons engaged in the
business of repairing, servicing, selling, leasing or trading motor vehicles
as well as fleet operations from knowingly removing or rendering an
emissions control system inoperative after sale and delivery to an
ultimate purchaser. In Canada, modifications of the emissions control
system could create liability under applicable federal or provincial laws.
Genuine Ford Parts and Service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealership for all your vehicle’s needs.
Get the most from your service and maintenance visits
There are a lot of reasons why your Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership
is a great way to help keep your vehicle running great.
Convenience
To make your service visit even more convenient, in many cases, you’ll
find extended evening hours and Saturday hours. How’s that for quality
service?
Factory-trained Technicians
Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians participate in extensive
factory-sponsored training to help them become the experts on the
operation of your vehicle. Many participate in Ford-sponsored training to
become certified. Ask your dealer about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft Replacement Parts
Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraft
branded replacement parts. These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor
Company’s specifications, and we stand behind them. Maintenance parts
installed at your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership carry a nationwide,
12 months, 12,000 mile parts and labor limited warranty. Your dealer can
give you details.
Value Shopping for Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealers can offer.
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WHICH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU FOLLOW?
Owner Checks and Services
Refer to Mileage Intervals for Additional Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed by
the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this Owner’s Guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or lubricants used.
Maximum Oil Change Interval:
12 months or 5,000 miles (8,000 km), whichever occurs first.
Check every month:
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
• Check tires for wear and correct air pressure
• Check engine oil sump tank fluid level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months:
• Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function
• Check power steering fluid level
• Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation
• Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
• Check intercooler system fluid level and correct strength
• Check battery connections and clean if necessary
• Check clutch fluid level
• Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades
(replace as necessary)
• Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for
correct operation
• Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive
wear
• Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and
obstructions
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