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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16-A2.
Do not use any special washer fluid
such as windshield water repellent
type fluid or bug wash. They may
cause squeaking, chatter noise,
streaking and smearing. Refer to the
Maintenance product
specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40° F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
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Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
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 thescheduled maintenance informationfor 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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Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the Right
Fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding one gallon of fuel is enough to restart the engine. If
the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than one gallon
may be required.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles-3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
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opening the trunk .....................88
opening the windows ...............87
panic alarm ...............................88
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................90
replacing the batteries .............89
Roadside assistance ..................187
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........115
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........107, 110, 112–115
Safety Canopy ...........................130
Safety defects, reporting ..........214
Safety
restraints ...........107, 110, 112–115
BeltMinder............................116
extension assembly ................115
for adults .........................112–114
for children .............................136
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................108
safety belt maintenance .........115
warning light and chime ........116
Safety seats for children ..........140
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................257
Satellite Radio Information ........24
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............107
Seats ..........................................100
child safety seats ....................140
climate control ........................104
front seats ...............................100
heated ........................................29
memory seat .............................88SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................94
Servicing your vehicle ..............222
Side air curtain .........................133
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................252, 256
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................253
Speed control ..............................58
Starting your vehicle ........170–172
jump starting ..........................202
Steering
speed sensitive .......................177
Steering wheel
controls ......................................61
tilting .........................................52
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................52
Tires ...........................148–149, 195
alignment ................................156
care ..........................................152
changing ..........................195, 198
checking the pressure ............152
inflating ...................................150
label .........................................162
replacing ..................................154
rotating ....................................156
safety practices .......................155
sidewall information ...............157
snow tires and chains ............163
spare tire .................................196
terminology .............................149
tire grades ...............................149
treadwear ........................148, 153
Towing .......................................168
recreational towing .................168
trailer towing ..........................168
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wrecker ....................................207
Traction control ........................175
Transmission .............................177
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....177
fluid, refill capacities ..............253
lubricant specifications ..........253
Trunk ...........................................84
remote release ....................76, 88
Turn signal ..................................40
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................257
Vehicle loading ..........................163
Ventilating your vehicle ...........173W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......10
Washer fluid
..............................225
Water, Driving through
.............186
Windows
......................................87
opening using remote entry
system
.......................................87
power
.........................................55
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................51
checking and adding fluid
.....225
replacing wiper blades
...........225
Wrecker towing
.........................207
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