3. Locate the white plastic cover at
the front driver side of the gearshift
lever. Locate the screw which
attaches this cover and remove
using a screwdriver. Remove the
cover by tilting forward while
pulling up and out of the gearshift
assembly.
4. Locate the silver button in the driver side front area of the gearshift
assembly. Press and hold the silver button while moving the gearshift
lever out of P (Park) into N (Neutral).
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the Continuously Variable
Transaxle (CVT) (if equipped)
The CVT is a fully automatic transaxle that electronically monitors
vehicle system inputs and outputs and driver demands to select the
desired drive ratio. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles,
the CVT continually adjusts the optimum overall drive ratio between
engine and drive wheels for all operating conditions.
As traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles shift up or down in
gears, this shifting in gear ratios is noticeable by increasing and
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This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
The RSS detects obstacles up to six
feet (two meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
The RSS automatically turns on
when the gear selector is placed in
R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON.
An RSS control on the instrument
panel allows the driver to turn the
RSS on and off. To turn the RSS off
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If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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
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•Theindicator 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.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
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•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
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Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If the
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four 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.
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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A
Accessory delay ..........................67
Air cleaner filter .......................265
Air conditioning ....................46, 48
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................127, 136, 138
and child safety seats ............129
description ..............127, 136, 138
disposal ....................................141
driver airbag ............129, 137, 139
indicator light .................135, 141
operation .................129, 137, 139
passenger airbag .....129, 137, 139
side airbag ...............................136
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................190
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................245
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................180–181
Anti-theft system ..............100, 104
arming the system ..................104
disarming a triggered
system .....................................105
triggering .................................105
Audio system
(see Radio) ............................16, 21
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ....................262–263
fluid, checking ................262–263
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specification ..................266
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................185, 187
B
Battery .......................................243acid, treating emergencies .....243
jumping a disabled battery ....213
maintenance-free ....................243
replacement, specifications ...265
servicing ..................................243
BeltMinder...............................123
Brakes ........................................180
anti-lock ...........................180–181
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................181
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specifications .................266
lubricant specifications ..........266
parking ....................................181
shift interlock ..........................184
Bulbs ............................................56
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....266
Cargo net .....................................87
Cassette tape player ...................16
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................206
Child safety restraints ..............142
child safety belts ....................142
Child safety seats ......................145
attaching with tether straps ..149
in front seat ............................146
in rear seat ..............................146
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............229
instrument panel ....................231
interior .....................................232
interior trim ............................232
plastic parts ............................230
washing ....................................228
waxing .....................................228
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wheels ......................................229
wiper blades ............................230
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......46, 48
Clock ............................................63
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................23
AM/FM/CD
.................................17
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment
.................80
Console
........................................64
overhead
....................................63
Controls
power seat
...............................108
steering column
........................72
Coolant
checking and adding
..............245
refill capacities
................250, 266
specifications
..........................266
Cruise control
(see Speed control)
....................69
Cupholder(s)
.............................113
Customer Assistance
................197
Ford Extended Service
Plan
..........................................225
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada
.....................226
Getting roadside assistance
...197
Getting the service you
need
.........................................221
Ordering additional owner’s
literature
.................................227
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program
...................................225D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................54
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................262–263
engine oil .................................239
Driving under special
conditions ..........................191, 194
sand .........................................192
snow and ice ...........................195
through water .................193, 196
E
Electronic message center .........78
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................213
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................268
cleaning ...................................229
coolant .....................................245
idle speed control ...................243
lubrication specifications .......266
refill capacities ........................266
service points ..........................237
starting after a collision .........199
Engine block heater .................180
Engine oil ..................................239
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................239
checking and adding ..............239
dipstick ....................................239
filter, specifications ........242, 265
recommendations ...................242
refill capacities ........................266
specifications ..........................266
Exhaust fumes ..........................180
F
Fluid capacities .........................266
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Index
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