
This vehicle has a computer assisted cranking system which assists in
starting the engine. If the ignition key is turned to 4 (START) and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the engine may continue
cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt a/c electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).
Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in
property damage or physical injury.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
•For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product
certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly markedSuitable for Use
with Outdoor Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord
outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
213

In some states (in the U.S.) you must directly notify Ford in writing
before pursuing remedies under your state’s warranty laws. Ford is also
allowed a final repair attempt in some states.
In the United States, a warranty dispute must be submitted to the BBB
AUTO LINE before taking action under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act, or to the extent allowed by state law, before pursuing replacement
or repurchase remedies provided by certain state laws. This dispute
handling procedure is not required prior to enforcing state created rights
or other rights which are independent of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act or state replacement or repurchase laws.
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d) requires that, if a manufacturer
or its representative is unable to repair a motor vehicle to conform to the
vehicle’s applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of
attempts, the manufacturer shall be required to either replace the
vehicle with one substantially identical or repurchase the vehicle and
reimburse the buyer in an amount equal to the actual price paid or
payable by the consumer (less a reasonable allowance for consumer
use). The consumer has the right to choose whether to receive a refund
or replacement vehicle.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) presumes that the manufacturer
has had a reasonable number of attempts to conform the vehicle to its
applicable express warranties if, within the first 18 months of ownership
of a new vehicle or the first 18,000 miles (29,000 km), whichever occurs
first:
1. Two or more repair attempts are made on the same non-conformity
likely to cause death or serious bodily injury OR
2. Four or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity (a
defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value or safety of
the vehicle) OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair of nonconformities for a total of
more than 30 calendar days (not necessarily all at one time)
In the case of 1 or 2 above, the consumer must also notify the
manufacturer of the need for the repair of the nonconformity at the
following address:
Ford Motor Company
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
Mail Drop 3NE-B
Dearborn, MI 48126
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Customer Assistance
265

What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The message center will indicate a system warning, refer toMessage
Centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
•TheService engine soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
292

Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as “Regular” that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the Right
Fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
297

•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 or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
300

A
Accessory delay ..........................89
Air cleaner filter ...............308–310
Air conditioning ..........................68
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................155–156
and child safety seats ............158
description ..............................156
disposal ....................................160
driver airbag ....................156, 158
indicator light .........................159
operation .........................156, 158
passenger airbag .............156, 158
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................287
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................215
Anti-theft system ......................131
arming the system ..................132
Audio system (see Radio) ...19, 23
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................221
fluid, adding ............................305
fluid, checking ........................305
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specification ..................311
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....31
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........311
refill capacities ........................311
traction lok ..............................218
B
Battery .......................................285acid, treating emergencies .....285
jumping a disabled battery ....255
maintenance-free ....................285
replacement, specifications ...310
servicing ..................................285
Belt-Minder.............................150
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder...........................153
Booster seats .............................164
Brakes ........................................215
anti-lock ...................................215
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................215
fluid, checking and adding ....305
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specifications .................311
lubricant specifications ..........311
parking ....................................216
shift interlock ..........................219
Bulbs ............................................77
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....311
Cargo cage .................................112
Cargo management system ......114
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................247
Child safety restraints ..............164
child safety belts ....................164
Child safety seats ......................167
attaching with tether straps ..171
in front seat ............................169
in rear seat ..............................169
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................164
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............273
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
320

instrument panel ....................275
interior .....................................276
plastic parts ............................273
safety belts ..............................276
washing ....................................271
waxing .....................................272
wheels ......................................272
wiper blades ............................274
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............68
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................25
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............103
Console ........................................83
overhead ....................................84
Controls
power seat ...............................136
steering column ........................96
Coolant
checking and adding ..............287
refill capacities ................291, 311
specifications ..........................311
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................93
Customer Assistance ................237
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................267
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................268
Getting roadside assistance ...237
Getting the service you
need .........................................263
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................269
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................267D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................73
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................305
engine oil .................................282
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................308
Driving under special
conditions ..................223, 231, 234
sand .........................................233
snow and ice ...........................235
through water .................233, 236
DVD system .................................38
E
Electronic message center .......102
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................255
Emergency Flashers .................239
Emission control system ..........301
Engine ................................314–315
cleaning ...................................273
coolant .....................................287
fail-safe cooling .......................292
idle speed control ...................285
lubrication specifications .......311
refill capacities ........................311
service points ..................280–281
starting after a collision .........239
Engine block heater .................213
Engine oil ..................................282
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................282
checking and adding ..............282
dipstick ....................................282
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
321

filter, specifications ........284, 310
recommendations ...................284
refill capacities ........................311
specifications ..........................311
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................213
F
Fail safe cooling ........................292
Family entertainment system ....38
Floor mats .................................110
Fluid capacities .........................311
Foglamps .....................................72
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......228
driving off road .......................230
electronic shift ........................229
indicator light .........................228
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................218
Fuel ............................................293
calculating fuel
economy ..........................104, 298
cap ...........................................295
capacity ...................................311
choosing the right fuel ...........296
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................301
detergent in fuel .....................297
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................293, 295, 298
filter, specifications ........293, 310
fuel pump shut-off switch .....239
improving fuel economy ........298
octane rating ...........297, 314–315
quality ......................................297
running out of fuel .................297
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................293
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......239Fuses ..................................240–241
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............295
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................298
Gauges .........................................16
H
Hazard flashers .........................239
Head restraints .................134, 138
Headlamps ...................................72
aiming ........................................74
autolamp system .......................72
bulb specifications ....................77
daytime running lights .............73
flash to pass ..............................73
high beam .................................73
replacing bulbs .........................78
turning on and off ....................72
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................68
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................98
Hood ..........................................279
How to get going ........................19
I
Ignition .......................210, 314–315
Illuminated visor mirror .............83
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................167
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................303
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
322