Do not use starting fluid such as ether in the air intake system. Such
fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible
personal injury.
If you should experience cold weather starting problems on E85 ethanol,
and neither an alternative brand of E85 ethanol nor an engine block
heater is available, the addition of unleaded gasoline to your tank will
improve cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on E
85ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two.
SeeChoosing the right fuelin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information on ethanol.
If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions (flexible
fuel vehicles only)
1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then
crank the engine.
2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the
accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to start,
repeat Step 1.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating or
air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
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ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
If your vehicle is factory-equipped
with an engine block heater, a
rubber cap/plug assembly will be
visibly attached to the grille on the
front of the vehicle. For factory
equipped, this assembly is loose
shipped in-vehicle for authorized
dealer installation. If not
factory-equipped, the engine block
heater can be purchased through
authorized dealer accessories.
Replacement rubber caps are
available through an authorized
dealer, 3L1Z-6E088-AA.
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).
For flexible fuel vehicles, if operating with E
85ethanol, an engine block
heater must be used if ambient temperature is below 0°F (-18°C).
SeeCold weather startingin theDrivingchapter for more information
on starting with ethanol.
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged
(cheater) adapters.
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Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
•For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product
certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly markedSuitable for Use
with Outdoor Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord
outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
•Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord
which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.
•Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not
patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.
•To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine
block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.
•Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of
all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.
•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
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How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of power per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer
than three hours will not improve system performance and will
unnecessarily use additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to thescheduled
maintenance informationfor scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or
“continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument
Clusterchapter for information.
WARNING:If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to
a lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
P!
BRAKE
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recommendations ...................168
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................181
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............301
instrument panel ....................303
interior .....................................304
plastic parts ............................302
washing ....................................299
waxing .....................................300
wheels ......................................300
wiper blades ............................302
Clock ......................................33, 71
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................24
Console ........................................70
overhead ..............................69–70
Controls
power seat ...............................125
steering column ........................82
Coolant
checking and adding ..............316
refill capacities ................319, 342
specifications ..........................342
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................80
Customer Assistance ................264
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................351, 354
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............295
Getting roadside assistance ...264
Getting the service you
need .........................................291
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................297
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................295D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................56
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................336
engine oil .................................311
Driving under special
conditions ..................245, 257, 260
sand .........................................258
snow and ice ...........................261
through water .................259, 263
E
Electronic message center .........19
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................285
running out of fuel .........284, 327
Emission control system ..........332
Engine ................................345–346
cleaning ...................................301
coolant .....................................316
fail-safe cooling .......................320
idle speed control ...................314
lubrication specifications .......342
refill capacities ........................342
service points ..........................308
starting after a collision .........266
Engine block heater .................228
Engine oil ..................................311
checking and adding ..............311
dipstick ....................................311
filter, specifications ........313, 341
recommendations ...................313
refill capacities ........................342
specifications ..........................342
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................227
Index
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