
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) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
•2.3L I4 engine
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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.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly tightening the fuel cap or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, theService engine soon
indicator should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway
driving. No additional vehicle service is required.
If theService engine soon
indicator remains on, have your vehicle
serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions
detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with theService engine soon
indicator on can
result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if theService engine soon
indicator is on or not working
properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.
If theService engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to the On board
diagnostics (OBD-II) description in this chapter.
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 theService engine
soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing; if theService engine soon
indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully –
put in first gear.
3. Ensure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is
within 3/8 inch (10mm) of the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle
on a level surface.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
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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Changing the air filter element
•2.3L I4 engine
•3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
•2.3L I4 engine
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•3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
3. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 2.3L I4 engine 3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec
engine
Air filter element FA-1683 FA-1771
Battery BXT-96R BXT-40R
Oil filter FL-2017-B
1FL-820-S
PCV valve2
Spark Plugs3
1
When changing oil filter you must also replace the filter cap O-ring. The
oil filter drain plug O-ring must also be replaced whenever the oil filter
drain plug is removed. Reuse of the O-rings may cause engine oil leakage
and may result in severe engine damage. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if the O-rings are not replaced.
2The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed inscheduled maintenance informationand is essential to the
life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
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Vehicle security systems
Wheel locks
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
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Accessories
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Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................218
Power door locks ........................95
Power mirrors .............................76
Power point .................................72
Power steering ..................196–197
fluid, checking and adding ....278
fluid, refill capacity ................288
fluid, specifications .................288
Power Windows ...........................73
R
Radio ................................17, 21, 29
Relays ........................................215
Remote entry system .......102–103
illuminated entry ............105–106
locking/unlocking doors .........103
opening the trunk ...................104
panic alarm .............................103
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................105
replacing the batteries ...........104
Reverse sensing system ...........204
Roadside assistance ..................212
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........129
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........121, 124, 126–129
Safety Canopy ...........................144
Safety defects, reporting ..239–240
Safety
restraints ...........121, 124, 126–129
Belt-Minder...........................130
extension assembly ................129
for adults .........................126–128for children .....................150–151
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................122
safety belt maintenance .........129
warning light and chime ........130
Safety seats for children ..........154
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................292
Satellite Radio Information ........42
Seats ..........................................114
child safety seats ....................154
front seats ...............114–115, 118
heated ........................................50
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................109
Servicing your vehicle ..............249
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................23
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................31
Side air curtain .........................147
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................286, 291
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................288
Speed control ..............................76
Starting your
vehicle ........................188–189, 191
jump starting ..........................227
Steering
speed sensitive .......................197
Steering wheel
controls ......................................79
tilting .........................................70
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................70
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Index
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