Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
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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.
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•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
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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.
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Brake fluidBetween MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraftHigh
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or
WSS-M6C65-A1
Door weatherstrips — Silicone Spray LubricantXL-6 /
ESR-M13P4-A
Door latch, hood latch,
auxiliary hood latch,
door hinges, striker
plates, seat tracks and
fuel filler door hinge—Multi-Purpose Grease
(Lithium grease)XG-4 or XL-5 or
equivalent /
ESB-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders —MotorcraftPenetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Engine oil
1
5.5 quarts (5.2L)•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
(US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Synthetic Motor Oil
(Canada)
1
•XO-5W20-QSP (US)
•XO-5W-20-QFS (US)
•CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)
•CXO-5W-20-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C945-A with API
Certification Mark
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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
6-speed automatic transmission
(Aisin AW F21)B
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Ford ESP Can Quickly Pay for Itself
One service bill – the cost of parts and labor – can easily exceed the
price of your Ford ESP Service Contract. With Ford ESP, you minimize
your risk for unexpected repair bills and rising repair costs.
Avoid the rising cost of properly maintaining your vehicle!
Ford ESP also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that covers items that
routinely wear out.
The coverage is prepaid, so you never have to worry about affording
your vehicle maintenance. It covers regular checkups, routine
inspections, preventive care and replacement of items that require
periodic attention fornormal “wear”:
•Wiper blades•Brake pads and linings
•Spark plugs (except
California)•Shock absorbers
•Clutch disc•Belts and hoses
Contact your selling Ford or Lincoln dealership today so they can
customize a Ford Extended Service Plan that fits your driving lifestyle
and budget.
Interest free finance options available
Take advantage of our installment payment plan, just a 10% down
payment will provide you with an affordable no interest, no-fee payment
opportunity.
Ford Extended Service Plan
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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.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraftreplacement parts
Dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraftbranded replacement parts.
These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor Company’s specifications, and
we stand behind them. Parts installed at your dealership carry a
nationwide, 12 month/12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited
warranty. Your dealer can give you details.
Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your dealers
can offer.
Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.
Scheduled Maintenance
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