BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as the
brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid
levels between the MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating
range; there is no need to add fluid.
If the fluid levels are outside of the
normal operating range, the
performance of the system could be
compromised; seek service from your
authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking 6–speed automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Checking automatic transmission fluid at normal operating
temperature (140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C])
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]) until the engine coolant gauge
indicates normal operating temperature. 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 for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until the coolant gauge indicates
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 (approximately
10–15 seconds in each position).
4. Move the gearshift lever to 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
If you have any concerns or issues, contact your authorized dealer.
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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Normal Scheduled Maintenance
At every oil change
interval as indicated
by the message
centerChange engine oil and filter
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)
Inspect engine cooling system strength and hoses
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
Inspect rear axle and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (AWD vehicles)
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Do not exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) between
service intervals
Scheduled Maintenance
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A
Accessory delay ..........................75
AdvanceTrac ..............................210
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................142–143, 151, 154
and child safety seats ............144
description ..............143, 151, 154
disposal ....................................157
driver airbag ....143, 145, 152, 155
indicator light .........151, 153, 157
operation .........143, 145, 152, 155
passenger airbag ............143, 145,
152, 155
side airbag ...............................151
Air cleaner filter ...............306, 310
Air conditioning ....................43, 46
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................231
Ambient mood/lighting ...............58
AM/FM .........................................27
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................285
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................208–209
Anti-theft system ..............109, 113
arming the system ..................113
disarming a triggered
system .....................................114
Audio system (see Radio) .........27
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................217
fluid, adding ............................304
fluid, checking ........................304
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specification ..................311
Selectshift (SST) ....................218Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....35
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........311
B
Battery .......................................283
acid, treating emergencies .....283
jumping a disabled battery ....255
maintenance-free ....................283
replacement, specifications ...310
servicing ..................................283
Belt-Minder.............................138
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................225
Blind spot mirror ......................224
Booster seats .............................172
Brakes ........................................208
anti-lock ...........................208–209
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................209
fluid, checking and adding ....304
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specifications .................311
lubricant specifications ..........311
parking ....................................210
shift interlock ..........................215
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................58
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....311
Car2UHome Automation
System .........................................82
CD ................................................27
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................247
Index
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Parking brake ............................210
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........310
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................130
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................244
Power door locks ........................96
Power mirrors .............................76
Power point .................................72
Power steering ..........................215
fluid, checking and adding ....303
fluid, refill capacity ................311
fluid, specifications .................311
Power Windows ...........................73
Power windows
opening using remote entry
system ...............................74, 103
R
Radio ............................................27
6-CD in dash .............................27
Rear-view camera system .........222
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................160
Relays ........................................240
Remote entry system .......102–103
illuminated entry ....................106
locking/unlocking doors .........103
opening the trunk ...................104
opening the windows .......74, 103
panic alarm .............................103
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................105
replacing the batteries ...........105
Reverse sensing system ...........220Roadside assistance ..................238
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................132–134, 136
Safety defects, reporting ..........268
Safety restraints ........132–134, 136
Belt-Minder...........................138
extension assembly ................137
for adults .........................133–134
for children .............................158
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................130
warning light and chime ........137
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................167
Safety seats for children ..........163
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................315
Satellite Radio .............................27
Satellite Radio Information ........39
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............329
Seats ..........................................115
child safety seats ....................163
climate control ..................46, 122
easy access/easyout feature ..123
front seats ...............................120
memory seat ...................104, 119
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................107
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................109
Servicing your vehicle ..............276
Setting the clock .........................28
Side air curtain .........................154
Index
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