Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number / Ford
Specification
Windshield washer
fluidFill 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 tank18.6 gallons
(70.4L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only have the API
Certification mark and meet the requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A (2.0L
EcoBoost™ engine) or WSS-M2C945-A (3.5L V6 engine).3Indicates 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
checked by a qualified technician.4Use of a dual usage fluid in an automatic transmission requiring MERCONLV may cause
transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission
damage. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
Devices and their location
3. Make, vehicle line, series, body
type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a transmission code on
the Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The following table tells you
which transmission each code
represents.
Description Code
Six-speed automatic (6F50) J
Six-speed automatic (6F55) C
Mid transmission (6F35) 6
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
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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.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your 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, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance
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A
Accessory delay ..........................94
Active Park Assist .....................300
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........100
AdvanceTrac ..............................275
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................193, 201, 204
and child safety seats ............195
description ..............193, 201, 204
disposal ....................................207
driver airbag ............195, 202, 205
indicator light .................201, 206
operation .................195, 202, 205
passenger airbag .....195, 202, 205
side airbag ...............................201
Air cleaner filter ...............398, 401
Air conditioning ..............60, 63, 65
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................60
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................313
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................376
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................272
Anti-theft system ..............148, 152
arming the system ..........148, 152
disarming a triggered
system .....................................152
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................286
fluid, adding ....................395, 397
fluid, checking ................395, 397
fluid, refill capacities ..............402
fluid, specification ..................402Selectshift (SST) ....................289
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....57
Auxiliary powerpoint ..................90
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........402
refill capacities ........................402
B
Battery .......................................373
acid, treating emergencies .....373
jumping a disabled battery ....343
maintenance-free ....................373
replacement, specifications ...401
servicing ..................................373
Belt-Minder.............................188
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................307
Blind spot mirror ......................305
Booster seats .............................224
Brakes ........................................272
anti-lock ...................................272
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................273
fluid, checking and adding ....395
fluid, refill capacities ..............402
fluid, specifications .................402
lubricant specifications ..........402
parking ....................................274
shift interlock ..........................284
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....402
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................111
Cargo net ...................................118
Cell phone use ..............................9
Index
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Changing a tire .........................334
Child safety seats ......................212
in front seat ............................212
in rear seat ..............................212
LATCH .....................................218
recommendations ...................210
tether anchorage hardware ...220
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................224
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............358
instrument panel ....................360
interior .....................................361
plastic parts ............................359
washing ....................................356
waxing .....................................357
wheels ......................................357
wiper blades ............................359
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................60, 63, 65
Clock ............................................49
Collision Warning System .........297
Console ........................................90
overhead ....................................89
rear ............................................90
Controls
power seat ...............................157
steering column ......................108
Coolant
checking and adding ..............376
refill capacities ................379, 402
specifications ..........................402
Cross Traffic Alert ....................307
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................98
Customer Assistance ................322Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................410, 413
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................352
Getting roadside assistance ...322
Getting the service you
need .........................................348
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................354
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................352
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................73
Defrost
rear window ..............................68
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................395, 397
engine oil .................................370
Driving under special
conditions ..................291, 314, 317
sand .........................................316
snow and ice ...........................318
through water .................316, 321
E
Electronic message center ...22, 26
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................343
running out of fuel .........342, 388
Emission control system ..........392
Engine ........................................405
cleaning ...................................358
coolant .....................................376
fail-safe cooling .......................381
Index
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idle speed control ...................373
lubrication specifications .......402
refill capacities ........................402
service points ..................366, 368
Engine block heater .................270
Engine oil ..................................370
checking and adding ..............370
dipstick ....................................370
filter, specifications ................401
refill capacities ........................402
specifications ..........................402
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................270
F
Fail safe cooling ........................381
Fleet MyKey programming ......127
Floor mats .........................117–118
Fluid capacities .........................402
Fog lamps ....................................72
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................313
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................283
Fuel ............................................383
calculating fuel economy .......389
cap ...........................................385
capacity ...................................402
choosing the right fuel ...........386
detergent in fuel .....................388
filler funnel .............................388
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................383, 385, 389
filter, specifications ........383, 401
fuel pump shut-off ..................324
improving fuel economy ........389
octane rating ...........................405
quality ......................................387running out of fuel .........342, 388
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................383
Fuses ..................................324–325
G
Garage door opener ..................111
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............385
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................389
Gauges .........................................19
H
Hazard flashers .........................323
Headlamps ...................................71
aiming ........................................74
autolamp system .......................71
bulb specifications ....................79
daytime running lights .............73
flash to pass ..............................73
high beam .................................72
turning on and off ....................71
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................60, 63, 65
Hill descent mode .....................280
Hill start assist ..........................290
Hood ..........................................365
I
Ignition ...............................264, 405
Illuminated visor mirror .............89
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................212
Index
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