STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for a low power steering fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by a low power
steering fluid level. Check for a low power steering fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering fluid reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to off, then remove the key.
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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
Guide/Customer Information 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
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get 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.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must “relearn” its idle condition
before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBatteryin this
section.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
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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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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 at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 120°F-140°F (50°C-60°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (120°F-140°F
[50°C-60°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
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.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
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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 transmission components.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
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.
WARNING: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.
Air filter element (PZEV)
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime air filter. The air filter is
designed to last the life of the vehicle. See your authorized dealer or a
qualified technician for replacement. The technician can check the
diagnostics system for the possibility of an excessively dirty air filter.
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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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waxing .....................................225
wheels ......................................225
wiper blades ............................227
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............38
Clutch
fluid ..........................................258
operation while driving ..........181
recommended shift speeds ....182
Console ........................................51
Controls
steering column ........................58
Coolant
checking and adding ..............240
refill capacities ................244, 263
specifications ..........................263
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................55
Customer Assistance ................184
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................220
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................221
Getting roadside assistance ...184
Getting the service you
need .........................................216
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................222
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................220
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................42
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................258
engine oil .................................236Driving under special
conditions ..................................181
through water .........................183
E
Electronic message center .........61
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................209
Emergency Flashers .................185
Emission control system ..........254
Engine ................................265–266
cleaning ...................................226
coolant .....................................240
fail-safe cooling .......................244
idle speed control ...................238
lubrication specifications .......263
refill capacities ........................263
service points ..................234–235
starting after a collision .........186
Engine block heater .................168
Engine fan .................................234
Engine oil ..................................236
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................236
checking and adding ..............236
dipstick ....................................236
filter, specifications ........237, 261
recommendations ...................237
refill capacities ........................263
specifications ..........................263
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................167
F
Fail safe cooling ........................244
Fan, Engine Cooling .........231, 234
Floor mats ...................................67
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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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