WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a
5,000 lb (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb (227 kg) tongue weight
capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Be sure to ask your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service advisor
or technician about the multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a
comprehensive way to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s
your checklist that gives you immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle. You’ll know what’s been checked, what’s okay,
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
Multi-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
❑Check and top-up fluid levels: brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission (if equipped with an
underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window washer
❑Inspect tires for wear and check air pressure, including spare.
❑Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign material.
❑Check battery performance.
❑Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
❑Check radiator, coolers, heater and air conditioning hoses.
❑Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
❑Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
❑Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
❑Inspect engine air filter.
❑Inspect half shaft dust boots, if equipped.
❑Check shocks and struts and other suspension components for leaks and damage.
❑Inspect steering and linkage.
❑Inspect accessory drive belt(s).
❑Inspect clutch operation, if equipped.
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Every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km)Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Replace climate-controlled seat filter (if
equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Replace fuel filter (Ranger)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter on
5–speed TorqShifttransmission; consult dealer
for requirements.
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seal on
2WD vehicles (if non-sealed bearings are used)
Every 105,000 miles
(168,000 km)Change engine coolant
1
Change manual transmission fluid (except
Escape)
Change rear axle fluid (Dana axles)
Replace spark plugs
Inspect accessory drive belt(s)
2
Every 150,000 miles
(240,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(except 5–speed TorqShifttransmission) (filter
not required on 6F35, 6F50, DPS6 and AWF-21
transmissions); consult dealer for requirements.
Change front axle fluid (4WD vehicles)
Change manual transmission fluid (Escape)
Change rear axle fluid on all rear-wheel drive
(RWD) vehicles
Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Replace front wheel bearings and seals on 2WD
vehicles (if non-sealed bearings are used)
1Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (160,000 km) or 72 months; every
45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months thereafter
2Perform a follow-up inspection at 120,000 miles (192,000 km)
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicleprimarilyin one of the
more demandingSpecial Operating Conditionslisted below, you will
need to have some items maintained more frequently. If you only
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
Inspect frequently, service as
required.– Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
– See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)– Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
– Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or
6 months– Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
– Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (not required on
6R80 or TorqShifttransmissions).
– Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals on
2WD vehicles (if non-sealed bearings are used).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
– Change manual transmission fluid.
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Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
– Replace engine air filter.
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)– Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
– Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or
6 months– Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
– Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)– Replace fuel filter (Ranger).
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (not required on
6R80 or TorqShifttransmissions).
– Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals on
2WD vehicles (if non-sealed bearings are used).
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
– Change rear axle lubricant (E-450 and F-450/550
only).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
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Off-road operation
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
– Replace engine air filter.
– Inspect and lubricate steering linkage ball joints and
U-joints (if equipped with grease fittings).
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or
6 months– Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
– Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
– Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (not required on
6R80 or TorqShifttransmissions).
– Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals on
2WD vehicles (if non-sealed bearings are used).
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
– Change rear axle lubricant (E-450 and F-450/550
only).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change– If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with
regular unleaded fuel.
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