TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor 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.
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]). 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 areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
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The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
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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Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Lock cylinders —Motorcraft Penetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Power steering fluidFill to line on
reservoirMotorcraft MERCON
AT FXT-2-QDX /
MERCON
Automatic transaxle
fluid13.3 quarts
(12.6L)Motorcraft MERCONV
AT F
2
XT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Windshield washer fluidFill to line on
reservoirMotorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank26.0 gallons
(98.4L)——
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid is recommended. However,
if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used MERCONand MERCONV are not
interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONand MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationto determine the correct service interval.3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.4Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a
transmission/transaxle code on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle
each code represents.
Description Code
Four-speed automatic (4F50N) N
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A
Accessory delay ..........................68
AdvanceTrac ..............................216
Air cleaner filter ...............294, 299
Air filter, cabin ............................44
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........153, 162, 164
and child safety seats ............155
description ..............153, 162, 164
disposal ....................................167
driver airbag ............155, 163, 165
indicator light .................161, 167
operation .................155, 163, 165
passenger airbag .....155, 163, 165
side airbag ...............................162
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................276
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................214–215
Anti-theft system ..............109, 111
arming the system ..................111
disarming a triggered
system .....................................112
Audio system
(see Radio) ................19, 21, 24, 27
Automatic transaxle .................219
fluid, adding ............................293
fluid, checking ........................293
fluid, refill capacities ..............300
fluid, specification ..................300
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................221
Auxiliary power point .................66
B
Battery .......................................274acid, treating emergencies .....274
battery saver .............................47
jumping a disabled battery ....245
maintenance-free ....................274
replacement, specifications ...299
servicing ..................................274
BeltMinder...............................148
Brakes ........................................214
anti-lock ...........................214–215
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............215
fluid, checking and adding ....292
fluid, refill capacities ..............300
fluid, specifications .................300
lubricant specifications ..........300
parking ....................................216
shift interlock ..........................219
Bulbs ............................................51
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....300
Cargo net .....................................91
Cassette tape player .......19, 21, 24
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............168
child safety belts ....................168
Child safety seats ......................171
in front seat ............................173
in rear seat ..............................173
tether anchorage hardware ...175
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............262
instrument panel ....................263
interior .....................................264
interior trim ............................264
plastic parts ............................262
washing ....................................260
waxing .....................................261
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wheels ......................................261
wiper blades ............................263
Clock ............................................66
Compass, electronic ....................58
calibration .................................60
set zone adjustment .................59
Console ........................................65
overhead ....................................58
Controls
power seat ...............................115
steering column ........................74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............276
refill capacities ................280, 300
specifications ..........................300
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................71
Cupholder(s) .............................118
Customer Assistance ................225
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................257
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............258
Getting roadside assistance ...225
Getting the service you
need .........................................253
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................258
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............256
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................293
engine oil .................................271Doors ...........................................60
power sliding ............................62
Driving under special
conditions ..................................222
through water .........................224
DVD system .................................34
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................245
Emission control system ..........289
Engine ........................................302
cleaning ...................................262
coolant .....................................276
idle speed control ...................274
lubrication specifications .......300
refill capacities ........................300
service points ..................269–270
starting after a collision .........227
Engine block heater .................214
Engine oil ..................................271
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................271
checking and adding ..............271
dipstick ....................................271
filter, specifications ........273, 299
recommendations ...................273
refill capacities ........................300
specifications ..........................300
Exhaust fumes ..........................213
F
Floor mats ...................................87
Fluid capacities .........................300
Fuel ............................................281
calculating fuel economy .......286
cap ...........................................283
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fluid, refill capacities ..............300
lubricant specifications ..........300
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....219
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................293
Turn signal ..................................49
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................303
Vehicle loading ..........................200
Ventilating your vehicle ...........214W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................270
Water, Driving through .............224
Windows
power .........................................67
rear wiper/washer .....................56
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................56
checking and adding fluid .....270
liftgate reservoir .....................270
replacing wiper blades ...........271
Wrecker towing .........................251
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