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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.
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 operating range 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 185°F-200°F (85°C-93°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
the zone, identified by the arrow in
this figure, if at normal operating
temperature 185°F-200°F
(85°C-93°C).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the zone,
identified by the arrows in this
figure, 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.
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
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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, located on
the lower, forward driver side of the
transmission, 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 at
the bottom of the opening.
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 air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraftpart 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.
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Changing the air filter element
1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
•2.5L I4 engine
•3.0L V6 engine
2. Pull the air filter housing cover away.
3. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
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VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
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MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 2.5L I4 engine 3.0L V6 engine
Air filter element FA-1772 FA-1893
Battery BXL-40R
Oil filter FL-910S FL-500-S
Spark Plugs
1
Windshield wiper
bladeWW-2001-PF (driver side)
WW-2001-PF (passenger side)
WW-1201-PF (rear)
1For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraftor
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford Specification
Brake fluid and (clutch
fluid –if equipped)Between MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraftHigh
Performance DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or
WSS-M6C65-A1
Door weatherstrips — Silicone LubricantXL-6 /
ESR-M13P4-A
Body hinges, latches,
door striker plates and
rollers, seat tracks, fuel
filler door hinge and
spring, primary and
auxiliary hood latches—Multi-Purpose Grease
(Lithium grease)XG-4 or XL-5 or
equivalent /
ESB-M1C93-B
Engine coolant
(2.5L engine)7.4 quarts (7.0L)
MotorcraftSpecialty
Orange Engine Coolant
1
VC-3-B (US)
CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D Engine coolant
(3.0L engine)9.5 quarts (9.0L)
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Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford Specification
Engine oil
(2.5L engine)5.3 quarts
(5.0L)•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
(US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor Oil
(Canada)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Synthetic Motor Oil
(Canada)
2
•XO-5W20-QSP (US)
•XO-5W20-QFS (US)
•CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)
•CXO-5W20-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C945-A with API
Certification Mark Engine oil
(3.0L engine)6.0 quarts (5.7L)
Lock cylinders —MotorcraftPenetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Power Transfer Unit fluid
(4X4)
3
12 ounces (0.35L)MotorcraftSAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Rear axle (4X4) 2.4 pints (1.15L)
4
MotorcraftSAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
5
XY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Automatic transmission
fluid9.0 quarts (8.5L)
6
Motorcraft
MERCONLV AT F
7
XT-10-QLV /
MERCONLV
Manual transmission fluid 2.4 quarts (2.3L)
8
MotorcraftSAE 75W-90
Gear OilXT-4 -QGL /
WSS-M2C203-A1 and GL-4
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Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford Specification
Windshield washer fluid Fill as requiredMotorcraftPremium
Windshield Washer
Concentrate (US)
Premium Quality
Windshield Washer Fluid
(Canada)ZC-32-A (US)
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
WSB-M8B16-A2/- -
Fuel tank17.5 gallons
(66.2L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A and the API Certification mark.3The power transfer unit is lubricated for life with synthetic lube. Lubricant levels are not to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. Replace power transfer unit
lubricant with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in water.4Fill to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.54X4 vehicles exposed for prolonged periods to temperatures less than -40°F (-40°C) should
change out the rear axle fluid to MotorcraftSAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, Ford
part number XY-75W140-QL meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.6Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.7Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.8Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with
the vehicle on a level surface.
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