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When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD 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.
Driving
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•DO NOT MIXdifferent colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Make sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may
harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant
may harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty. Refer toMaintenance product specifications and
capacitiesin this chapter.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•The cooling system should be flushed prior to refilling with the 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water. See your authorized
dealer.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
distilled water to the FULL COLD level. For all other vehicles which have
a coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
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7. Close the bleed valve and reinstall the cap on the coolant reservoir.
Turn the cap until it is tightly installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant).If the concentration is not 50/50, drain
some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take several drains
and additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined previously in theAdding
engine coolantsection.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze
point protection. Increased engine coolant concentrations
above 60% will decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause engine
damage.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Checking automatic transmission fluid at cool temperature
(59°F-77°F [15°C-25°C])
If a fluid check is necessary at a low
fluid temperature (59°F-77°F
[15°C-25°C]), perform the check
using the cold range on the dipstick.
However, the fluid must be
re-checked at the proper fluid temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level does not show at all on the
dipstick.
Driving the vehicle with less than
the recommended fluid level may result in transmission failure. An under
fill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage to the transmission.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the normal
operating range may result in
transmission failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage to
the transmission.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Note:Only one ATF fluid specification has been tested and approved for
use with the automatic 6-speed: Premium Automatic Transmission fluid.
MERCONfluids cannot be used with the automatic 6-speed without
damage or voiding warranty.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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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 arrows 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.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick blade. Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
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.
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
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Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple complex
performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using
different specifications and performance features. That’s why it’s
important to rely upon your dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended maintenance intervals for
various parts and component systems based upon engineering testing.
Ford Motor Company relies upon this testing to determine the most
appropriate mileage for replacement of oils and fluids to protect your
vehicle at the lowest overall cost to you and recommends against
maintenance schedules that deviate from the scheduled maintenance
information.
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement parts.
Parts other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized remanufactured
parts that are used for maintenance replacement or for the service of
components affecting emission control must be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability. It is the
owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete warranty information.
Chemicals or additives not approved by Ford are not required for factory
recommended maintenance. In fact, Ford Motor Company recommends
against the use of such additive products unless specifically
recommended by Ford for a particular application.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Genuine Ford Parts and Service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your dealership for
all your vehicle’s needs.
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your dealership for all your
service needs is a great way to help keep your vehicle running great.
Scheduled Maintenance
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Child safety seats ......................165
attaching with tether straps ..171
in front seat ............................166
in rear seat ..............................166
LATCH .....................................169
recommendations ...................163
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................174
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............280
instrument panel ....................282
interior .....................................283
plastic parts ............................281
washing ....................................278
waxing .....................................279
wheels ......................................279
wiper blades ............................282
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......47, 50
Clock ............................................28
Clutch
fluid ..........................................319
operation while driving ..........228
recommended shift
speeds ..............................227–228
Compass, electronic ....................76
calibration .................................77
set zone adjustment .................77
Console ........................................78
overhead ....................................76
Controls
power seat ...............................122
steering column ........................86
Coolant
checking and adding ..............299
refill capacities ................303, 331
specifications ..........................331
Cross Traffic Alert ....................235Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................83
Cupholder(s) .............................130
Customer Assistance ................248
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................342, 345
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................274
Getting roadside assistance ...248
Getting the service you
need .........................................270
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................276
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................274
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................57
Defrost
windshield .................................50
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................320, 322
engine oil .................................292
Driving under special
conditions ..................228, 242, 244
sand .........................................243
snow and ice ...........................245
through water .................243, 247
E
Electronic message center .........18
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................264
running out of fuel .........264, 311
Emission control system ..........315
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Engine ........................................336
cleaning ...................................280
coolant .....................................299
fail-safe cooling .......................304
idle speed control ...................297
lubrication specifications .......331
refill capacities ........................331
service points ..................288–290
starting after a collision .........249
Engine block heater .................211
Engine oil ..................................292
checking and adding ..............292
dipstick ....................................292
filter, specifications ........296, 330
recommendations ...................296
refill capacities ........................331
specifications ..........................331
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................210
F
Fail safe cooling ........................304
Fleet MyKey programming ........96
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....306
Floor mats .............................93–94
Fluid capacities .........................331
Fog lamps ....................................56
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................241
Fuel ............................................306
calculating fuel economy .21, 313
cap ...........................................308
capacity ...................................331
choosing the right fuel ...........310
detergent in fuel .....................311
filler funnel .............................311filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................306, 308, 313
filter, specifications ........305, 330
fuel pump shut-off ..................250
fuel pump shut-off switch .....249
improving fuel economy ........313
octane rating ...................310, 336
quality ......................................311
running out of fuel .........264, 311
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................306
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................306, 310
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......249
Fuses ..........................................251
G
Garage door opener ....................89
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............308
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................313
Gauges .........................................17
H
Hazard flashers .........................249
Headlamps ...................................55
aiming ........................................58
autolamp system .......................55
bulb specifications ....................61
daytime running lights .............57
flash to pass ..............................57
high beam .................................56
replacing bulbs .........................62
turning on and off ....................55
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................47, 50
Index
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