It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be
disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an
extended period of time. This will minimize the discharge of your battery
during storage.
WARNING:Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks
or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide
proper ventilation.
WARNING:When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
WARNING: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.
WARNING:Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
For information on transmission operation after the battery has been
disconnected, refer toAutomatic transmission operationin the
Drivingchapter.
Auxiliary battery (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a frame-mounted auxiliary battery
located on the passenger side frame rail, behind the front passenger
door. This auxiliary battery is connected to the auxiliary battery relay, so
it is not used to start the vehicle.
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water to the “FULL COLD” level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
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Refueling
WARNING:Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can cause
severe injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others:
•Read and follow all the instructions on the pump island;
•Turn off your engine when you are refueling;
•Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle;
•Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from fuel;
•Stay outside your vehicle and do not leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling your vehicle — this is against the law in some places;
•Keep children away from the fuel pump; never let children pump
fuel.
Use the following guidelines to avoid electrostatic charge build-up when
filling an ungrounded fuel container:
•Place approved fuel container on the ground.
•DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
•DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel filler cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/4 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/4 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it clicks at least once.
If the check fuel cap light
or a “check fuel cap” message comes on,
the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. The light or message can
come on after several driving events after you’ve refueled your vehicle.
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At the next opportunity, safely pull off of the road, remove the fuel filler
cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it. The check fuel cap
light
or “check fuel cap” message may not reset immediately; it may
take several driving cycles for the check fuel cap light
or “check fuel
cap” message to turn off. A driving cycle consists of an engine start-up
(after four or more hours with the engine off) followed by city and
highway driving.
Continuing to drive with the check fuel cap light
or “check fuel cap”
message on may cause the
light to turn on as well.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford, Motorcraft or other certified fuel filler cap
is not used.
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING:If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system
or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in
personal injury.
FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle) fuel cap
If your vehicle is FFV capable, it will have a yellow colored fuel cap.
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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 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•TheService engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning 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.
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WARNING: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 theService engine soon
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.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
WARNING:Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.
Please consult yourWarranty Guide/Customer Information Guidefor
complete emission warranty information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When theService
engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected
a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause theService engine
soon
indicator to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................53
AdvanceTrac ..............................170
Air cleaner filter ...............268–270
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................87
and child safety seats ..............89
description ................................87
disposal ......................................91
driver airbag ..............................89
indicator light ...........................91
operation ...................................89
passenger airbag .......................89
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................92
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................243
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................167–168
Anti-theft system ........................66
arming the system ....................67
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................20, 22, 26
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................178, 180, 183
fluid, adding ............................264
fluid, checking ........................264
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specification ..................271
Auxiliary power point .................51
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........271
refill capacities ........................271
traction lok ..............................174
B
Battery .......................................240acid, treating emergencies .....240
battery saver .............................35
jumping a disabled battery ....210
maintenance-free ....................240
replacement, specifications ...270
servicing ..................................240
Belt-Minder...............................82
Booster seats ...............................98
Brakes ........................................167
anti-lock ...........................167–168
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................168
fluid, checking and adding ....263
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specifications .................271
lubricant specifications ..........271
parking ....................................168
shift interlock ..........................176
Bulbs ............................................41
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....271
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................200
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
Child safety seats ......................101
in front seat ............................102
in rear seat ..............................102
tether anchorage hardware ...105
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................98
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............228
exterior ....................................231
instrument panel ....................230
interior .....................................230
plastic parts ............................229
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L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................41
daytime running light ...............36
headlamps .................................35
headlamps, flash to pass ..........36
instrument panel, dimming .....37
interior lamps ...........................40
replacing bulbs .........................42
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........168
Load limits .................................145
Loading instructions .................151
Locks ............................................58
autolock .....................................58
doors ..........................................58
Lubricant specifications ...........271
Lug nuts ....................................209
Lumbar support, seats ...............71
M
Mirrors .........................................53
fold away ...................................54
side view mirrors (power) .......53
Motorcraft parts ........232, 249, 270
O
Octane rating ............................254
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................237
P
Parking brake ............................168
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....270Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................196
Power door locks ........................58
Power mirrors .............................53
Power point .................................51
Power steering ..........................173
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacity ................271
fluid, specifications .................271
Power Windows ...........................52
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................174
R
Radio ................................20, 22, 26
Relays ................................192, 199
Remote entry system .................62
illuminated entry ......................66
locking/unlocking doors ..........58,
63–64
panic alarm ...............................64
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................65
replacing the batteries .............64
Reverse sensing system ...........185
Roadside assistance ..................189
Roll stability control .................170
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............86
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..............................77–81
Safety defects, reporting ..224–225
Safety restraints ....................77–81
Belt-Minder.............................82
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