Removing the spare tire and jack
1. Lift the carpeted load floor panel
located in the rear of the vehicle.
2. Remove the spare tire cover (if
equipped).
3. Remove the wing nut securing
the spare tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Lift and remove the temporary
spare tire from the cargo area.
5. Remove the jack assembly from
the vehicle. Loosen the bag tabs and
remove the jack and lug wrench
from the bag.
6. Fold down the wrench socket
used to loosen the lug nuts and
operate the jack.
Tire change procedure
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire,
be sure to place the transaxle in P (Park), set the parking brake
and block (in both directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite
(other side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
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Note:Inspect the wheel pilot hole
prior to installation. If there is
visible corrosion in wheel pilot hole,
remove loose particles by wiping
with clean rag and apply grease.
Apply grease only to the wheel pilot
hole surface by smearing a “dime”
(1 square cm) sized glob of grease
around the wheel pilot surface (1)
with end of finger. DO NOT apply
grease to lugnut/stud holes or
wheel-to-brake surfaces.
JUMP STARTING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
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Roadside Emergencies
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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
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
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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3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
•3.5L V6 engine
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
•If the oil level iswithin this
range,the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level isbelow this
mark,engineoil must be added
to raise the level within the
normal operating range.
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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.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking automatic transaxle fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes.Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is in the add range or does not
show at all on the dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 149°F (65°C) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ..........................81
AdvanceTrac ..............................224
Air cleaner filter ...............308–310
Air conditioning ..........................60
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................157, 166, 169
and child safety seats ............159
description ..............157, 166, 169
disposal ....................................172
driver airbag ............159, 167, 170
indicator light .........165, 168, 171
operation .................159, 167, 170
passenger airbag .....159, 167, 170
side airbag ...............................166
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................233
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................289
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................222
Anti-theft system ..............124, 128
arming the system ..................128
disarming a triggered
system .....................................129
Audio system (see Radio) .........17
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................307
fluid, checking ........................307
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................229
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specification ..................311
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....24
Auxiliary power point .................78Axle
lubricant specifications ..........311
B
Battery .......................................287
acid, treating emergencies .....287
jumping a disabled battery ....257
maintenance-free ....................287
replacement, specifications ...310
servicing ..................................287
Belt-Minder.............................152
Booster seats .............................173
Brakes ........................................222
anti-lock ...................................222
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................223
fluid, checking and adding ....306
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specifications .................311
lubricant specifications ..........311
parking ....................................223
shift interlock ..........................228
Bulbs ............................................69
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....311
Cargo management system ......107
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .................250, 253
Child safety restraints ..............173
child safety belts ....................173
Child safety seats ......................176
attaching with tether straps ..180
in front seat ............................177
in rear seat ..............................177
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................173
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Index
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positioning ...............................250
storage .....................................250
Jump-starting your vehicle ......257
K
Keyless entry system ...............123
autolock ...................................111
keypad .....................................123
locking and unlocking doors ..124
programming entry code .......123
Keys ...................................109, 126
positions of the ignition .........217
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................64
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................69
daytime running light ...............65
fog lamps ...................................65
headlamps .................................64
headlamps, flash to pass ..........65
instrument panel, dimming .....66
interior lamps .....................68, 70
replacing bulbs .........................70
Liftgate ......................103–104, 118
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........223
Load limits .................................205
Locks
autolock ...................................111
childproof ................................115
doors ........................................111
Lubricant specifications ...........311
Lug nuts ....................................256
Lumbar support, seats .............133
M
Message center .....................93–94english/metric button ...............98
system check button ................98
warning messages ...................100
Mirrors ...................................81–82
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................82
fold away ...................................83
heated ........................................83
programmable memory ..........119
side view mirrors (power) .......82
Moon roof ............................88, 117
Motorcraft parts ........278, 294, 310
N
Navigation system .......................59
O
Octane rating ............................298
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................283
Overdrive ...................................229
P
Parking brake ............................223
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....310
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................143
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................247
Power door locks ......................111
Power liftgate ............................104
Power mirrors .............................82
Power point .................................78
Power steering ..........................227
fluid, checking and adding ....305
fluid, refill capacity ................311
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
321