When driving with the full-size 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 full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
How to change a flat tire
To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire,
be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions)
the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the
vehicle) to the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close
to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.
Before changing the tire:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. Place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
4. Set the parking brake.
5. Turn off the ignition.
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When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or
foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel
or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or brake disc that
contacts the wheel. Ensure that any fasteners that attach the rotor to
the hub are secured so they do not interfere with the mounting
surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal
contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to
loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion,
resulting in loss of control.
JUMP STARTING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; doing so may
damage the catalytic converter.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1. Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle making
sure the two vehicles do not touch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles
and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle we provide scheduled maintenance
information which makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check your Warranty
Guide/Owner Information Guide to find out which parts and services
are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
• Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer to Windows and wiper blades in the Cleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
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Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
• The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
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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 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 authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking 6–speed automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Checking automatic transmission fluid at normal operating
temperature (140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C])
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]) until the engine coolant gauge
indicates normal operating temperature. 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 the coolant guage indicates
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 (approximately
10–15 seconds in each position).
4. Move the gearshift lever to P (Park) and leave the engine running. MAX
MIN
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A
Accessory delay ..........................52
Air cleaner filter ...............239–240
Air conditioning ....................22, 24
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................116, 125, 128
and child safety seats ............118
description ..............116, 125, 128
disposal ....................................131
driver airbag ............118, 126, 129
indicator light .........125, 127, 130
operation .................118, 126, 129
passenger airbag .....118, 126, 129
side airbag ...............................125
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................220
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................168–169
Anti-theft system ..................89, 93
arming the system ....................93
disarming a triggered system ..94
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................237
fluid, checking ........................237
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................173
fluid, refill capacities ..............241
fluid, specification ..................244
Axle
lubricant specifications ..242, 244
B
Battery .......................................218
acid, treating emergencies .....218
jumping a disabled battery ....190
maintenance-free ....................218 replacement, specifications ...240
servicing ..................................218
BeltMinder ...............................111
Brakes ........................................168
anti-lock ...........................168–169
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................168
fluid, checking and adding ....237
fluid, refill capacities ..............241
fluid, specifications .........242, 244
lubricant specifications ..242, 244
parking ....................................169
shift interlock ..........................171
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................34
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....241
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................184
Child safety restraints ..............132
child safety belts ....................132
Child safety seats ......................135
attaching with tether straps ..139
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............205
instrument panel ....................207
interior .....................................207
interior trim ............................207
plastic parts ............................206
washing ....................................203
waxing .....................................204
wheels ......................................204
wiper blades ............................206
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......22, 24
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daytime running light ...............30
fog lamps ...................................30
headlamps .................................29
headlamps, flash to pass ..........31
instrument panel, dimming .....31
interior lamps ...........................33
replacing bulbs .........................35
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................33
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........168
Load limits .................................157
Locks
autolock .....................................86
childproof ..................................76
doors ..........................................74
Lubricant specifications ...242, 244
Lug nuts ....................................189
Lumbar support, seats ...............98
M
Message center ...........................63
english/metric button ...............68
system check button ................67
warning messages .....................68
Mirrors .........................................52
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................52
heated ........................................53
programmable memory ............80
side view mirrors (power) .......52
Moon roof ..............................57, 79
Motorcraft parts ........208, 226, 240
N
Navigation system .......................21
O
Octane rating ............................230 Oil (see Engine oil) ..................214
P
Parking brake ............................169
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....240
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................104
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................181
Power door locks ........................74
Power mirrors .............................52
Power point .................................49
Power steering ..........................171
fluid, checking and adding ....236
fluid, refill capacity ................241
fluid, specifications .........242, 244
Power Windows ...........................50
R
Relays ........................................177
Remote entry system ...........77, 79
illuminated entry ................82–83
locking/unlocking doors ...........79
opening the trunk .....................80
panic alarm ...............................80
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................82
replacing the batteries .............81
Roadside assistance ..................175
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........115
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................102, 106–110
Safety Canopy ...........................125
2006 Zephyr (378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)Index
254