
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission:When
driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures,
use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
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Driving
183

When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transaxle damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
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Driving
185

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
37 — Not used
38 — Not used
39 — Not used
40 — Not used
41 Relay Fog lamp relay
42 Relay Wiper park relay
43 Relay A/C clutch relay
44 — Not used
45 — Not used
46 15A* Injectors
47 15A* PCM class B
48 15A* Coil on plug
49 15A* PCM class C
50 Full ISO Relay LH HID low beam relay
51 Full ISO Relay RH HID low beam relay
52 Full ISO Relay Blower relay
53 — Not used
54 Full ISO Relay Fuel pump/injectors relay
55 Full ISO Relay Wiper RUN relay
56 — Not used
57 Full ISO Relay PCM relay
58 — Not used
*Mini fuses **A1 fuses ***A3 fuses
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.
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Roadside Emergencies
195

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.5L V6 engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Coolant bleed valve
3. Transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Power distribution box
7. Air filter assembly
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Engine coolant reservoir
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Maintenance and Specifications
224

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the H (hot) area.
•The
symbol will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
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Maintenance and Specifications
237

If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the ON position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the
indicator blinks
eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the
indicator stays on solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for
I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30 second 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. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the service
interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT 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).
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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
248

Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part name / Ford
specification
Cooling system stop
leak pellets—Motorcraft Cooling
System Stop Leak PelletsVC-6 /
WSS-M99B37-B6
Power steering fluidBetween MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraft MERCON
AT FXT-2-QDX /
MERCON
Automatic transmission
fluid7.4 quarts (7.0L)
3
Motorcraft Premium
Automatic Transmission
FluidXT-8-QAW /
WSS-M2C924-A
Rear Differential (AWD)
fluid2.4 pints (1.15L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
(PTU) fluid (AWD)
4
12 ounces (0.35L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield washer fluid 4.75 quarts (4.5L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank (front wheel
drive)17.5 gallons
(66.2L)——
Fuel tank (all wheel
drive)16.5 gallons
(62.5L)——
1Use 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.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
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Maintenance and Specifications
254

wheels ......................................216
wiper blades ............................218
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......29, 31
Clock ............................................54
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................70
Console
overhead ....................................53
Controls
power seat ...............................101
steering column ........................61
Coolant
checking and adding ..............232
refill capacities ................236, 253
specifications ..........................253
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................58
Cupholder(s) .............................107
Customer Assistance ................187
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................212
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............213
Getting roadside assistance ...187
Getting the service you
need .........................................208
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................213
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............211
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................37
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................249
engine oil .................................226Driving under special
conditions ..................180, 182, 184
sand .........................................183
snow and ice ...........................185
through water .................183, 186
E
Electronic message center .........68
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................202
Emission control system ..........245
Engine ........................................256
cleaning ...................................217
coolant .....................................232
fail-safe cooling .......................236
idle speed control ...................230
lubrication specifications .......253
refill capacities ........................253
service points ..........................224
starting after a collision .........189
Engine block heater .................173
Engine oil ..................................226
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................226
checking and adding ..............226
dipstick ....................................226
filter, specifications ........229, 252
recommendations ...................229
refill capacities ........................253
specifications ..........................253
Exhaust fumes ..........................173
F
Fail safe cooling ........................236
Fluid capacities .........................253
Foglamps .....................................37
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Index
262