•Theindicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more
accurate measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles
(3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
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•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.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
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If theindicator remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some malfunctions detected by the
OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent, continued driving
with the
indicator on can result in increased emissions, lower fuel
economy, reduced engine and transmission smoothness, and lead to more
costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if the
indicator is on or not working properly (bulb is burned
out), or if the OBD-II system has determined that some of the emission
control systems have not been properly checked. In this case, the vehicle
is considered not ready for I/M testing.
If the
indicator is on or the bulb does not work, the vehicle may
need to be serviced. Refer to the On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
description in this chapter.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the ON position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the
indicator blinks
eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the
indicator stays on solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for
I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
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POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval
schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir. Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for
the proper fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
M
AX
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the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (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 area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a
transmission/transaxle code on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle
each code represents.
Description Code
Four-speed automatic overdrive (4R75E) Q
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................179
Air cleaner filter ...............261–262
Air conditioning ..........................35
Air suspension ...........................184
description ..............................184
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................120, 129
and child safety seats ............122
description ......................120, 129
disposal ....................................132
driver airbag ....................122, 130
indicator light .................129, 131
operation .........................122, 130
passenger airbag .............122, 130
side airbag ...............................129
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................239
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................179–180
Anti-theft system ..................94, 98
arming the system ....................99
disarming a triggered
system .......................................99
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 23, 28
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................187
fluid, adding ............................259
fluid, checking ........................259
fluid, refill capacities ..............263
fluid, specification ..................263
Auxiliary power point .................61
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........263
refill capacities ........................263traction lok ..............................185
B
Battery .......................................237
acid, treating emergencies .....237
jumping a disabled battery ....208
maintenance-free ....................237
replacement, specifications ...262
servicing ..................................237
Belt-Minder.............................115
Booster seats .............................133
Brakes ................................178–179
anti-lock ...........................179–180
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................180
fluid, checking and adding ....258
fluid, refill capacities ..............263
fluid, specifications .................263
lubricant specifications ..........263
shift interlock ..................185–186
Bulbs ............................................44
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....263
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............132
child safety belts ....................132
Child safety seats ......................136
attaching with tether straps ..140
in front seat ............................137
in rear seat ..............................137
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................133
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............225
instrument panel ....................227
interior .....................................227
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plastic parts ............................226
washing ....................................223
waxing .....................................224
wheels ......................................224
wiper blades ............................226
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............35
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................31
AM/FM .......................................19
AM/FM/CD .................................22
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................26
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................54
Console ........................................52
overhead ..............................52–53
Controls
power seat ...............................102
steering column ........................68
Coolant
checking and adding ..............239
refill capacities ................243, 263
specifications ..........................263
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................65
Cupholder(s) .............................105
Customer Assistance ................191
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................219
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................220
Getting roadside assistance ...191
Getting the service
you need .................................215
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................221
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................219D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................39
Defrost
rear window ..............................37
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................259
engine oil .................................234
Driving under special
conditions ..................................189
through water .........................190
E
Electronic message center .........74
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................208
Emission control system ..........255
Engine ........................................266
cleaning ...................................225
coolant .....................................239
fail-safe cooling .......................244
idle speed control ...................237
lubrication specifications .......263
refill capacities ........................263
service points ..........................232
starting after a collision .........193
Engine block heater .................177
Engine oil ..................................234
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................234
checking and adding ..............234
dipstick ....................................234
filter, specifications ........236, 262
recommendations ...................236
refill capacities ........................263
specifications ..........................263
Event data recording ....................6
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