
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
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•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 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.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA fuel economy estimates
Every new vehicle should have a window sticker containing EPA fuel
economy estimates. Contact your authorized dealer if the window sticker
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is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA fuel economy estimates
should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons with other
vehicles. Your fuel economy may vary depending upon the method of
operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of theService engine soon
indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
WARNING:Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
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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.
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. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully –
put in first gear.
3. Ensure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is
within 3/8 inch (10mm) of the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle
on a level surface.
8. 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.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................73
AdvanceTrac ..............................200
Air cleaner filter ...............295–297
Air conditioning ....................47, 49
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................135, 144, 147
and child safety seats ............137
description ..............135, 144, 147
disposal ....................................150
driver airbag ............137, 145, 148
indicator light .........144, 146, 149
operation .................137, 145, 148
passenger airbag .....137, 145, 148
side airbag ...............................144
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................215
Ambient mood/lighting ...............58
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................272
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................198–199
Anti-theft system ..............106, 110
arming the system ..................110
disarming a triggered
system .....................................111
triggering .................................111
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................17, 21, 29
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................291
fluid, checking ........................291
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................208–209
fluid, adding ....................293, 295
fluid, checking ................293, 295fluid, refill capacities ..............299
fluid, specification ..................299
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....37
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........299
B
Battery .......................................270
acid, treating emergencies .....270
jumping a disabled battery ....236
maintenance-free ....................270
replacement, specifications ...297
servicing ..................................270
Belt-Minder.............................130
Booster seats .............................162
Brakes ........................................198
anti-lock ...........................198–199
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................199
fluid, checking and adding ....290
fluid, refill capacities ..............299
fluid, specifications .................299
lubricant specifications ..........299
parking ....................................199
shift interlock ..........................206
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................58
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....299
Cassette tape player ...................21
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................230
Child safety seats ......................154
attaching with tether straps ..160
in front seat ............................154
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in rear seat ..............................154
LATCH .....................................157
recommendations ...................152
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................162
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............254
instrument panel ....................256
interior .....................................257
plastic parts ............................255
washing ....................................252
waxing .....................................253
wheels ......................................253
wiper blades ............................256
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......47, 49
Clock ............................................71
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................31
AM/FM/CD .................................23
Clutch
fluid ..........................................290
operation while driving ..........211
recommended shift speeds ....212
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................84
Console ........................................70
overhead ....................................70
Controls
power seat ...............................117
steering column ........................78
Coolant
checking and adding ..............272
refill capacities ................276, 299
specifications ..........................299
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................75
Cupholder(s) .............................121Customer Assistance ................221
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................248
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................249
Getting roadside assistance ...221
Getting the service you
need .........................................244
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................250
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................248
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................54
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................291, 293
engine oil .................................265
Driving under special
conditions ..................210, 216, 218
sand .........................................217
snow and ice ...........................219
through water .................217, 220
E
Electronic message center .........81
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................236
Emission control system ..........287
Engine ........................................302
cleaning ...................................254
coolant .....................................272
fail-safe cooling .......................277
idle speed control ...................270
lubrication specifications .......299
refill capacities ........................299
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service points ..................262–263
starting after a collision .........223
Engine block heater .................196
Engine oil ..................................265
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................265
checking and adding ..............265
dipstick ....................................265
filter, specifications ........269, 297
recommendations ...................269
refill capacities ........................299
specifications ..........................299
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................196
F
Fail safe cooling ........................277
Fluid capacities .........................299
Foglamps .....................................54
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................215
Fuel ............................................279
calculating fuel
economy ............................83, 284
cap ...........................................281
capacity ...................................299
choosing the right fuel ...........282
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................286
detergent in fuel .....................283
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................279, 281, 284
filter, specifications ........278, 297
fuel pump shut-off switch .....223
improving fuel economy ........284
octane rating ...................282, 302
quality ......................................283
running out of fuel .................283safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................279
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......223
Fuses ..................................223–224
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............281
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................284
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................222
Headlamps ...................................53
aiming ........................................56
autolamp system .......................53
bulb specifications ....................59
daytime running lights .............54
flash to pass ..............................55
high beam .................................55
replacing bulbs .........................60
turning on and off ....................53
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................45, 47, 49
Hood ..........................................261
How to get going ........................17
I
Ignition ...............................193, 302
Illuminated visor mirror .............69
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................154
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................289
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