Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles:
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h)
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km)
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford Motor Company
recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician at an authorized dealer. See your authorized dealer for
driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto
find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission/transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission/transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N
(Neutral).
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Maintenance and Specifications
232
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The 5R55S transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. Use only
MERCONV automatic transmission fluid. The type of fluid used is
indicated on the transmission fluid pan, extension housing. Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage and void the warranty.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
3. Note: There are two different manual transmissions used in this
vehicle and they have different fluid levels. For vehicles equipped with a
V6 engine the correct manual transmission fill level is at the lower edge
of the filler hole. For vehicles equipped with a V8 engine the correct
manual transmission fill level is 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) below the edge of the
filler hole.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford Specification
Windshield washer fluid 4.0 quarts (3.8L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank16.0 gallons
(60.6L)——
1Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not require changing unless the axle
has been submerged in water.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON/MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto
determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause transmission damage.3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.4Approximate dry capacity, including cooler and tubes. Fluid level should be checked by an
authorized dealer.5Service refill capacity is covered underchecking and adding manual transmission fluidin this
chapter.6Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C929-A (4.0L) or WSS-M2C930-A (4.6L) and the API
Certification mark.
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Maintenance and Specifications
269
A
Accessory delay ..........................61
Air cleaner filter ...............264–266
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................115, 123
and child safety seats ............117
description ......................115, 123
disposal ....................................126
driver airbag ....................117, 124
indicator light .........................126
operation .........................117, 124
passenger airbag .............117, 124
side airbag ...............................123
Ambient mood/lighting ...............50
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................244
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................175
Anti-theft system ..................88, 91
arming the system ....................92
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 23, 27
Automatic transmission ............179
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................180
fluid, adding ............................262
fluid, checking ........................262
fluid, refill capacities ..............267
fluid, specification ..................267
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....35
Auxiliary power point .................58
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........267
refill capacities ........................267
traction lok ..............................178B
Battery .......................................242
acid, treating emergencies .....242
jumping a disabled battery ....210
maintenance-free ....................242
replacement, specifications ...266
servicing ..................................242
Belt-Minder.............................111
Booster seats .............................127
Brakes ........................................175
anti-lock ...................................175
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................175
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacities ..............267
fluid, specifications .................267
lubricant specifications ..........267
parking ....................................176
shift interlock ..........................179
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................50
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....267
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............126
child safety belts ....................126
Child safety seats ......................130
attaching with tether straps ..134
in front seat ............................131
in rear seat ..............................131
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................127
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............226
instrument panel ....................228
interior .....................................229
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Index
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plastic parts ............................227
washing ....................................224
waxing .....................................225
wheels ......................................225
wiper blades ............................227
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................30
AM/FM/CD .................................24
Clutch
fluid ..........................................262
operation while driving ..........183
recommended shift speeds ....184
Compass, electronic ....................62
calibration .................................63
set zone adjustment .................63
Console ........................................58
Controls
power seat .................................96
Convertible ..................................66
cleaning ...................................228
installation of the boot .............67
lowering the convertible top ...66
raising the convertible top ......69
Coolant
checking and adding ..............244
refill capacities ................248, 267
specifications ..........................267
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................64
Customer Assistance ................186
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................220
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................221
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service you
need .........................................216
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................222Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............220
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................47
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................262
engine oil .................................237
Driving under special
conditions ..................................182
through water .........................185
E
Electronic message center .........70
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................210
Emission control system ..........258
Engine ........................................270
cleaning ...................................226
coolant .....................................244
fail-safe cooling .......................249
idle speed control ...................242
lubrication specifications .......267
refill capacities ........................267
service points ..................234–235
Engine block heater .................173
Engine oil ..................................237
checking and adding ..............237
dipstick ....................................237
filter, specifications ........240, 266
recommendations ...................240
refill capacities ........................267
specifications ..........................267
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................172
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Index
276
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................50
daytime running light ...............47
fog lamps ...................................46
headlamps .................................46
headlamps, flash to pass ..........47
instrument panel, dimming .....47
interior lamps .....................49, 51
replacing bulbs .........................51
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................49
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........175
Limited slip axle
(see Traction Loc) ....................178
Load limits .................................160
Locks ............................................79
autolock .....................................81
doors ..........................................79
Lubricant specifications ...........267
Lug nuts ....................................209
Lumbar support, seats ...............96
M
Manual transmission .................183
fluid capacities ........................267
lubricant specifications ..........267
reverse .....................................184
Message center ...........................70
display color ..............................72
english/metric button .........72–73
MyColor display ........................72
system check button ................71
warning messages .....................76Mirrors ...................................62, 64
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................62
side view mirrors (power) .......64
Motorcraft parts ........231, 250, 266
N
Navigation system .......................41
O
Octane rating ............................254
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................237
P
Parking brake ............................176
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....266
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................102
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................191
Power door locks ........................81
Power mirrors .............................64
Power point .................................58
Power steering ..........................178
fluid, checking and adding ....261
fluid, refill capacity ................267
fluid, specifications .................267
Power Windows ...........................59
R
Radio ................................19, 23, 27
Relays ........................................189
Remote entry system ...........83–84
illuminated entry ......................87
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Index
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