
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping; drive slower than usual. Since your vehicle is equipped with
a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily.
Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide durable load carrying capability and predictable
performance whether loaded or empty. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or using
replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
Driving
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Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located on the
right-hand side of the center
console, by the instrument panel.
Remove the panel cover to access
the fuse cover. Press the tabs on the
top and bottom of the fuse cover to
remove.
The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
1 30A 110V inverter
2 15A Brake on/off switch
3 15A SYNCmodule
Roadside Emergencies
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CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass.
2. Squeeze the locking tabs to
release the blade from the arm and
pull the blade away from the arm to
remove it.
3. Attach the new blade to the arm and snap it into place.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield. Refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
refueling your vehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle before
refueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed,
call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are immediately
apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for hours.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
•Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
•Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
WARNING:When refueling always shut the engine off and
never allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never
smoke while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
WARNING:The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can
produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is
pumped into an ungrounded fuel container.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Ford ESP Can Quickly Pay for Itself
One service bill – the cost of parts and labor – can easily exceed the
price of your Ford ESP Service Contract. With Ford ESP, you minimize
your risk for unexpected repair bills and rising repair costs.
Avoid the rising cost of properly maintaining your vehicle!
Ford ESP also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that covers items that
routinely wear out.
The coverage is prepaid, so you never have to worry about affording
your vehicle maintenance. It covers regular checkups, routine
inspections, preventive care and replacement of items that require
periodic attention fornormal “wear”:
•Wiper blades•Brake pads and linings
•Spark plugs (except California)•Shock absorbers
•Clutch disc•Belts and hoses
Contact your selling Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership today so they
can customize a Ford Extended Service Plan that fits your driving
lifestyle and budget.
Interest free finance options available
Take advantage of our installment payment plan, just a 10% down
payment will provide you with an affordable no interest, no-fee payment
opportunity.
Ford Extended Service Plan
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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.
Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check engine oil level
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 levels and 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
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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A
Accessory delay ..........................77
Active Park Assist .....................233
AdvanceTrac ..............................219
Air cleaner filter .......320–321, 324
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................52
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................142, 151, 154
and child safety seats ............144
description ..............142, 151, 154
disposal ....................................157
driver airbag ............144, 152, 155
indicator light .........150, 153, 156
operation .................144, 152, 155
passenger airbag .....144, 152, 155
side airbag ...............................151
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................238
Ambient mood/lighting ...............63
Ambulance packages ..................12
AM/FM .........................................34
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................216
Anti-theft system ......................111
Audio system (see Radio) .........34
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................320
fluid, checking ........................320
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................227
fluid, refill capacities ..............325
fluid, specification ..................325
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....42Auxiliary power point .................74
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........325
refill capacities ........................325
B
Battery .......................................300
acid, treating emergencies .....300
jumping a disabled battery ....269
maintenance-free ....................300
replacement, specifications ...324
servicing ..................................300
Belt-Minder.............................137
Blind spot mirror ......................237
Booster seats .............................171
Brakes ........................................216
anti-lock ...................................216
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................217
fluid, checking and adding ....320
fluid, refill capacities ..............325
fluid, specifications .................325
lubricant specifications ..........325
parking ....................................218
shift interlock ..........................226
Bulbs ............................................63
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....325
Car2UHome Automation
System .........................................84
Cargo area shade ........................91
CD ................................................34
Cell phone use ............................15
Changing a tire .........................257
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J
Jack ............................................257
positioning ...............................257
storage .....................................257
Jump-starting your vehicle ......269
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...........................101, 103
keypad .....................................109
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................110
programming entry code .......109
Keys .....................................95, 112
positions of the ignition .........211
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................64
daytime running light ...............59
fog lamps ...................................58
headlamps .................................57
headlamps, flash to pass ..........59
instrument panel, dimming .....59
interior lamps ...............61–62, 64
replacing bulbs .........................65
LATCH anchors .........................166
Liftgate ................................90, 107
Lights, warning and indicator ....18
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........217
Load limits .................................198
Loading instructions .................205
Locks
autolock ...........................101, 103
childproof ................................105
doors ........................................101Lubricant specifications ...........325
Lug nuts ....................................268
Luggage rack ...............................92
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................325
lubricant specifications ..........325
Message center ...........................25
english/metric button ...............29
system check button ................29
warning messages .....................29
Mirrors ...................................77–78
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................77
fold away ...................................78
heated ........................................79
side view mirrors (power) .......78
Moon roof ....................................82
Motorcraftparts ..............290, 324
MyKey ..........................................96
N
Navigation system .......................51
O
Octane rating ............................312
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................297
P
Parental MyKey programming ...96
Park Assist ................................233
Parking brake ............................218
Index
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