Page 338 of 384

WARNING:Do not run engine with the air filter disconnected.
Start the engine and continue with Step 6.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube by
turning it to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN
range of the dipstick, add fluid to
reach the hash mark level.Note:If
the fluid level is below the MIN
level, do not drive the vehicle. An underfill condition may cause shift
and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F (82°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 level should
be targeted within the cross-hatch
area if at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F
(82°C-93°C).
High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid
to reach the hashmark level.Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city
traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached. Depending
on vehicle use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
338
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 371 of 384

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin any of the following conditions,
you need to perform additional maintenance as indicated. If you
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under any of these conditions, it is
not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
message center and perform services listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints
See axle maintenance items underExceptions
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid (except
Focus)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change manual transmission fluid
Perform the services in the preceding table when specified or within
3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
appearing in the message center.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Scheduled Maintenance
371
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 376 of 384

EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever
comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Hot climate oil change intervals:If operating conditions are normal
and you drive your vehicle under typical, everyday conditionsandyou
are using an API performance category oil of SL or later (for example
SM, etc.) then you can follow the 7,500 mile (12,000 km) normal service
oil change intervals schedule. Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates must
follow the oil change interval of 3,000 mile (4,800 km) if the owner is
using oils defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API)
performance category of API SK or earlier (for example SJ, etc).
Scheduled Maintenance
376
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 383 of 384

memory seat ...................116, 136
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................120
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................122
Servicing your vehicle ..............305
Setting the clock .........................33
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............168
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........277
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................344, 349
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................345
Speed control ..............................81
Starting your vehicle ........218–219
jump starting ..........................282
push button start system .......220
Steering wheel
controls ......................................91
tilting .........................................71
Stereo
6-CD in dash .............................32
SYNC..........................................48
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................71
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....201
Tires ...........................186–187, 274
alignment ................................194
care ..........................................190
changing ..................274, 277–278
checking the pressure ............190
inflating ...................................188label .........................................200
replacing ..................................192
rotating ....................................194
safety practices .......................193
sidewall information ...............195
snow tires and chains ............205
spare tire .................................275
terminology .............................187
tire grades ...............................187
treadwear ........................186, 191
Towing .......................................213
recreational towing .................216
trailer towing ..........................213
wrecker ....................................286
Transmission .............................233
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....232
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................335
fluid, refill capacities ..............345
lubricant specifications ..........345
Trunk ...................................99, 111
remote release ........................116
Turn signal ..................................65
U
Universal garage door opener ....94
USB port ......................................41
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................351
Vehicle loading ..........................206
Ventilating your vehicle ...........222
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................309
Index
383
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)