
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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•2.3L I4 engine
•3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
•Do not overfill the engine with oil. Oil levels above this mark
may cause engine damage.If the engine is overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by an authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
On 2.3L I4 engine, be sure the
notch in the dipstick flange is
aligned with the V on the engine
when it is reinserted.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal operating range, add
only certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the
engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
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Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
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.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
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.
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Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle may reduce fuel economy at any speed.
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in front seat ............................155
in rear seat ..............................155
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................151
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............243
instrument panel ....................245
interior .....................................246
plastic parts ............................244
washing ....................................241
waxing .....................................242
wheels ......................................242
wiper blades ............................245
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......48, 50
Clock ............................................72
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................31
AM/FM/CD .................................23
Clutch
fluid ..........................................279
operation while driving ..........202
recommended shift speeds ....203
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................86
Console ........................................71
overhead ....................................71
Controls
power seat ...............................117
steering column ........................79
Coolant
checking and adding ..............261
refill capacities ................265, 288
specifications ..........................288
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................76
Cupholder(s) .............................121
Customer Assistance ................212Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................237
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................238
Getting roadside assistance ...212
Getting the service you
need .........................................233
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................239
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................237
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................55
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................279, 281
engine oil .................................254
Driving under special
conditions ..................201, 207, 209
sand .........................................208
snow and ice ...........................210
through water .................208, 211
E
Electronic message center .........83
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................227
Emission control system ..........275
Engine ........................................291
cleaning ...................................243
coolant .....................................261
fail-safe cooling .......................266
idle speed control ...................259
lubrication specifications .......288
refill capacities ........................288
service points ..................251–252
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Index
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