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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
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•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
D (Drive)
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•Provides more engine braking than
(Overdrive).
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
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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.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Controlsystem off. This will allow
the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more
information, refer toTraction Control(if equipped)in this chapter.
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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Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
Maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey — — —
3A Violet Violet — — —
4A Pink Pink — — —
5A Tan Tan — — —
7.5A Brown Brown — — —
10A Red Red — — —
15A Blue Blue — — —
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural — — —
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A — — Amber Green Green
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue — Yellow
70A — — Tan — Brown
80A — — Natural — Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
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Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPassenger compartment fuse panel
description
19 10A Heated mirrors, Rear defrost switch
indicator
20 10A Restraints (air bag module/OCS module)
21 15A Transmission range sensor (transmission
position switch)
22 15A Front washer pump, Cluster (RUN/ACC),
Integrated Control Panel (ICP) logic,
Electrochromatic mirror
23 30A Front wiper motor
24 — Not used
25 20A Power point
26 20A Power locks, Trunk release
27 10A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Speed
control, Traction control, Brake-shift
interlock, A/C function switch (manual A/C
only), Temperature blend door (manual A/C
only), Defrost coil
28 15A Turn signals, Back-up lamps
29 20A Cigar lighter
30 10A Courtesy lighting, Battery saver, Power
mirrors, Decklid lamp, Glove box lamp
31 10A Blower motor relay coil, Electronic
Automatic Temperature Control (EATC)
logic
32 10A Cluster, Flex fuel module, ICP logic, Passive
anti-theft module (GEM power), Compass
33 15A Hazard flasher, Cluster power, ICP power,
EATC
34 5A GEM logic
35 10A Backlighting, Ashtray light
36 2A Powertrain Control Module (PCM) relay,
Fuel pump relay, A/C clutch
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The high-current fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPower distribution box description
1 60A** Fuse junction panel
2 30A** Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
3 60A** Fuse junction panel
4 10A CB Low speed cooling fan
5 40A** Cooling fan (main)
6 — Not used
7 40A** Starter relay, Ignition switch
8 — Not used
9 20A** Cooling fan (passenger side)
10 20A** Cooling fan (driver side)
11 50A** Rear defrost
12 — Not used
13 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module
pump feed
14 — Not used
15 20A* ABS module valve solenoid
16 20A* Fuel pump relay
17 20A* CD
18 10A* A/C clutch relay, PCM keep alive power
19 — Not used
1
23
4
56
7
8
910
11 12
1314
1516 17
18
19202122
2324
25
29
3026 27 28
31
32
33
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Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPower distribution box description
20 — Not used
21 — Not used
22 5A* Heated PCV valve
23 — Starter motor relay
24 — Fan relay
25 — Wiper speed relay
26 10A* Alternator
27 5A* Rear control unit
28 15A* HEGO sensor, Transmission shift
solenoid, A/C clutch relay, Canister vent
29 — Wiper park relay
30 — Fuel pump relay
31 — PCM power relay
32 — Fan relay
33 — A/C clutch relay
* - Mini Fuses ** - Maxi Fuses CB - Circuit breaker
Relays
Relays are located in the power distribution box and should be replaced
by qualified technicians.
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may damage
your tires.
Temporary spare tire information
The temporary spare tire for your vehicle is labeled as such. It is smaller
than a regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Replace the
temporary spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as possible.
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the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by Ford. If the
dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be replaced rather
than repaired.
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to impairment of the
following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional caution
should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a dissimilar spare tire/wheel and seek
service as soon as possible.
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate hazard flashers and set parking brake.
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
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