2. Insert a tool into the access hole
and depress the override; while the
override is depressed, move the
shift lever to neutral.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above
procedure to move the gearshift
lever, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps
are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
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Driving
178
WARNING:Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
Removing the key
Turn the ignition to position 1 (off) and remove the key.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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Driving
183
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
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 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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
258
A
AdvanceTrac ..............................173
Air cleaner filter ...............260–261
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................38
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................103, 112, 115
and child safety seats ............105
description ..............103, 112, 115
disposal ....................................118
driver airbag ............105, 113, 116
indicator light .................112, 117
operation .................105, 113, 116
passenger airbag .....105, 113, 116
side airbag ...............................112
Ambient mood/lighting ...............45
AM/FM .........................................20
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................240
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................170
Anti-theft system ........................77
Audio system (see Radio) .........20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................258
fluid, checking ........................258
fluid, specification ..................263
Automatic transmission ............177
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................178
fluid, refill capacities ..............263
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....29
Axle
refill capacities ........................263
B
Battery .......................................238acid, treating emergencies .....238
jumping a disabled battery ....209
maintenance-free ....................238
replacement, specifications ...261
servicing ..................................238
Belt-Minder...............................98
Booster seats .............................134
Brakes ................................169–170
anti-lock ...................................170
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................170
fluid, checking and adding ....258
fluid, refill capacities ..............263
fluid, specifications .................263
lubricant specifications ..........263
parking ....................................171
shift interlock ..........................177
Break-in period .............................6
Bulbs ............................................45
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....263
CD ................................................20
Cell phone use ..............................8
Child safety seats ......................123
attaching with tether straps ..132
in front seat ....................124, 127
in rear seat ......................124, 127
LATCH .....................................129
recommendations ...................121
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................134
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............226
instrument panel ....................227
interior .....................................228
plastic parts ............................226
washing ....................................224
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Index
271
headlamps, flash to pass ..........42
instrument panel, dimming .....42
interior lamps .....................44, 46
replacing bulbs .........................46
LATCH anchors .........................129
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........170
Load limits .................................158
Locks
autolock .....................................68
childproof ..................................72
doors ..........................................68
Lubricant specifications ...........263
Lug nuts ....................................208
M
Manual transaxle
lubricant specifications ..........263
Manual transmission .................181
fluid capacities ........................263
reverse .....................................182
Message center ...........................61
english/metric button ...............64
system check button ................63
warning messages .....................65
Mirrors ...................................53–54
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................54
heated ........................................55
side view mirrors (power) .......54
Moon roof ....................................59
Motorcraft parts ........230, 246, 261
O
Octane rating ............................250
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................236P
Parking brake ............................171
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....261
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................90
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................190
Power door locks ........................68
Power mirrors .............................54
Power point .................................51
Power steering ..........................177
fluid, checking and adding ....257
fluid, refill capacity ................263
fluid, specifications .................263
Power Windows ...........................52
R
Radio ............................................20
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................121
Relays ........................................186
Remote entry system .................74
locking/unlocking doors .....74–75
opening the trunk .....................75
panic alarm ...............................75
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................76
replacing the batteries .............76
Roadside assistance ..................184
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................89, 92–97
Safety Canopy ...........................112
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USA(fus)
Index
274