6.8L V10 gasoline engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Power distribution box
12356789104
Maintenance and Specifications
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WARNING:If fail-safe cooling activates, pull off the road as
soon as safely possible and turn the engine off. The engine may
automatically shut off while driving without further indication.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The message center will indicate the engine is overheating.
•The service engine soon
indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage; therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Maintenance and Specifications
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If the service engine soonindicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer toOn-board
diagnostics (OBD-II)in this chapter.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the service engine
soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing; if the service engine soon
indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer toscheduled maintenance
information.If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
•Gasoline engine shown; diesel
engine similar. Refer to
Identifying components in the
engine compartmentin the
diesel supplement.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20°F–80°F
(-7°C–25°C):
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Hinges, latches, striker
plates, fuel filler door
hinge and seat tracks— Multi-Purpose GreaseXG–4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylinders —MotorcraftPenetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 / None
Transmission / parking
brake linkages and
pivots, brake pedal shift—MotorcraftPremium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or XG-1-K /
WSD-M1C227-A
Power steering fluidKeep fluid level
between MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Transfer case fluid 2.0 quarts (1.9L)MotorcraftTransfer
Case FluidXL-12 / —
Automatic transmission
fluid
(5–speed)
3
17.5 quarts
(16.6L)
4, 6
Motorcraft
MERCONLV AT FXT-10–QLV /
MERCONLV
Automatic transmission
fluid
(6-speed)
3
18.5 quarts
(17.5L)
4, 7
16.7 quarts
(15.8L)
4, 7
Maintenance and Specifications
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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
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
Scheduled Maintenance
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LATCH .....................................210
recommendations ...................201
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................215
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............367
instrument panel ............369–370
interior .....................................371
plastic parts ............................368
safety belts ..............................371
washing ....................................365
waxing .....................................366
wheels ......................................366
wiper blades ............................368
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......80, 83
Clock ......................................62, 64
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................28
Console ......................................102
overhead ..................................102
Controls
power seat ...............................163
steering column ......................115
Coolant
checking and adding ..............383
refill capacities ................386, 414
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................113
Customer Assistance ................322
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................373
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................424, 427
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................361
Getting roadside assistance ...322
Getting the service you
need .........................................357Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................363
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................361
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................91
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................83
windshield .................................83
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................404
engine oil .................................379
Driving under special
conditions ..................300, 312, 316
sand .........................................314
snow and ice ...........................316
through water .................315, 318
E
Electronic message center ...22, 40
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................351
Emergency Flashers .................323
Emission control system ..........399
Engine ........................................418
cleaning ...................................367
coolant .....................................383
diesel ...........................................6
fail-safe cooling .......................387
idle speed control ...................381
refill capacities ........................414
service points ..................376–377
Engine block heater .................273
Engine oil ..................................379
Index
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P
Parental MyKey
programming .............................133
Parking brake ............................277
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........413
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................113
Power adjustable foot pedals ...113
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................329
Power door locks ......................141
Power mirrors ...........................109
Power point ...............................103
Power steering ..........................286
fluid, checking and adding ....402
fluid, refill capacity ................414
Power Windows .........................105
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................289
R
Radio ......................................61, 63
Rear-view camera system .........302
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................201
Relays ........................................324
Remote entry system .......145–146
illuminated entry ....................149
locking/unlocking
doors ................................146–147
Remote start ...........................150
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................149replacing the batteries ...........148
Remote start .............................150
Remote start climate
operation .....................................87
Reverse sensing system ...........300
Roadside assistance ..................322
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..172, 174, 176, 178–179
Safety Canopy ...................189–190
Safety defects, reporting ..........364
Safety
restraints ...172, 174, 176, 178–179
Belt-Minder...........................180
extension assembly ................179
for adults .................174, 176, 178
for children .............................199
warning light and
chime ...............................179–180
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................210
Safety seats for children ..........203
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................419
Satellite Radio Information ........76
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............433
Seats ..........................................157
child safety seats ....................203
cleaning ...................................372
climate control ..................83, 166
easy access/easyout feature ..168
memory seat ...................147, 167
Index
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SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................152
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................153–154
Servicing your vehicle ..............374
Setting the clock ...................62, 64
Snowplowing .................7, 319–320
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............193
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................413, 418
Special notice ................................7
ambulance conversions ..............7
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
four-wheel drive vehicles .......321
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Speed control ............................113
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......272
Starting your vehicle ........269–272
jump starting ..........................351
Steering wheel
controls ....................................115
tilting .......................................101
SYNC..........................................79
T
Tailgate ......................................127
Tilt steering wheel ....................101
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....240
Tires ...........................222–224, 334
alignment ................................232
care ..........................................228
changing ..................334, 337, 340
checking the pressure ............227
inflating ...................................225label .........................................239
replacing ..................................230
rotating ....................................233
safety practices .......................231
sidewall information ...............234
snow tires and chains ............247
spare tire .................................335
terminology .............................224
tire grades ...............................223
treadwear ........................223, 229
Towing .......................................255
recreational towing .................267
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............260
trailer towing ..........................255
wrecker ....................................355
Traction control ........................278
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................260
Trailer sway control ..................285
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................407
Transmission .............................291
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....289
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................404
fluid, refill capacities ..............414
Turn signal ..................................93
U
Universal garage door opener ..120
Upfitter controls .......................117
USB port ......................................72
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................420
Vehicle loading ..........................248
Index
453
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USA(fus)