
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive vacuum in
the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause the fuel cap
to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Note:Only one ATF fluid specification has been tested and approved for
use with the automatic 6-speed: Premium Automatic Transmission fluid.
Mercon fluids cannot be used with the automatic 6-speed without
damage or voiding warranty.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
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 transaxle components.
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
1. Release the clamps that secure
the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves
of the air filter housing.
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. Be
sure that the air cleaner cover tabs
are engaged into the slots of the air
cleaner housing.
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.
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MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.5L V6 Engine
Engine air filter element FA-1884
Battery BXT-40R
Oil filter FL-400-SB12
PCV valve
1
Spark plugs2
1
The 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.
For PCV valve replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the PCV valve.
Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.
2For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Air cleaner filter ...............265–267
Air conditioning ....................31, 33
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........125, 134, 137
and child safety seats ............127
description ..............125, 134, 137
disposal ....................................140
driver airbag ............127, 135, 138
indicator light .........134, 136, 140
operation .................127, 135, 138
passenger airbag .....127, 135, 138
side airbag ...............................134
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................193
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................245
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................184–185
Anti-theft system ................96, 100
arming the system ..................100
disarming a triggered
system .....................................101
Audio system (see Radio) .........16
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................189
fluid, adding ............................263
fluid, checking ........................263
fluid, refill capacities ..............268
fluid, specification ..................268
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....23
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........268
B
Battery .......................................243acid, treating emergencies .....243
jumping a disabled battery ....214
maintenance-free ....................243
replacement, specifications ...267
servicing ..................................243
Belt-Minder.............................120
Booster seats .............................141
Brakes ........................................184
anti-lock ...........................184–185
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................185
fluid, checking and adding ....263
fluid, refill capacities ..............268
fluid, specifications .................268
lubricant specifications ..........268
parking ....................................185
shift interlock ..........................188
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................42
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....268
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................208
Child safety restraints ..............141
child safety belts ....................141
Child safety seats ......................144
attaching with tether straps ..148
in front seat ............................145
in rear seat ..............................145
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................141
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............230
instrument panel ....................231
interior .....................................232
plastic parts ............................230
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washing ....................................228
waxing .....................................229
wheels ......................................229
wiper blades ............................231
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......31, 33
Clock ............................................55
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................72
Console
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat ...............................103
steering column ........................62
Coolant
checking and adding ..............245
refill capacities ................249, 268
specifications ..........................268
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................60
Cupholder(s) .............................111
Customer Assistance ................199
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................224
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............225
Getting roadside assistance ...199
Getting the service you
need .........................................220
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................226
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................224
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................38Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid .263
engine oil .................................239
Driving under special
conditions ..................191, 194, 196
sand .........................................195
snow and ice ...........................197
through water .................196, 198
E
Electronic message center .........69
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................214
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................270
cleaning ...................................230
coolant .....................................245
fail-safe cooling .......................250
idle speed control ...................243
lubrication specifications .......268
refill capacities ........................268
service points ..........................237
starting after a collision .........201
Engine block heater .................182
Engine oil ..................................239
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................239
checking and adding ..............239
dipstick ....................................239
filter, specifications ........242, 267
recommendations ...................242
refill capacities ........................268
specifications ..........................268
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................182
F
Fail safe cooling ........................250
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Fluid capacities .........................268
Foglamps .....................................38
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................193
Fuel ............................................251
calculating fuel
economy ............................71, 256
cap ...........................................253
capacity ...................................268
choosing the right fuel ...........254
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................259
detergent in fuel .....................255
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................251, 253, 256
filter, specifications ........251, 267
fuel pump shut-off switch .....201
improving fuel economy ........256
octane rating ...................255, 270
quality ......................................255
running out of fuel .................255
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................251
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......201
Fuses ..................................201–202
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............253
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................256
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................200
Head restraints .........................102
Headlamps ...................................37
aiming ........................................40autolamp system .......................37
bulb specifications ....................42
daytime running lights .............38
flash to pass ..............................39
high beam .................................39
replacing bulbs .........................43
turning on and off ....................37
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................31, 33
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................66
Hood ..........................................236
I
Ignition ...............................179, 270
Illuminated visor mirror .............53
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................144
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................261
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................231
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................39
J
Jack ............................................208
positioning ...............................208
storage .....................................208
Jump-starting your vehicle ......214
K
Keyless entry system .................94
autolock .....................................82
keypad .......................................95
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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