
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation. When a system
error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in
the information display. If this happens,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn
off the engine. After at least 10 seconds,
reset the system by restarting the engine,
and watch the information display for a
steering message. If a steering message
returns, or returns while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked.
Obtain immediate service if a system
error is detected. You may not notice
any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist.
Failure to do so may result in loss of
steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill. If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving (or if the ignition is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually,
but it takes more effort. Extreme
continuous steering may increase the effort
it takes for you to steer. This occurs to
prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering
system. If this should occur, you will neither
lose the ability to steer the vehicle
manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to cool
and steering assist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
176
Driving Aids

FUSE SPECIFICATION CHART
Pre-Fuse Box
Your vehicle is equipped with a pre-fuse
box located in the engine compartment
attached to the positive battery post. This
box contains several high current fuses. If
replacement of these high current fuses is
required, see your authorized dealer.
Power Distribution Box
WARNINGS
Always disconnect the battery before
servicing high current fuses.
WARNINGS
To reduce risk of electrical shock,
always replace the cover to the
power distribution box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid
reservoirs.
The power distribution box is located in
the engine compartment. It has
high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle's main electrical systems from
overloads.
If the battery has been disconnected and
reconnected, some features will need to
be reset. See Changing the Vehicle
Battery (page 226).
Lift the release lever at the rear of the cover
to remove it. The high-current fuses are coded as
follows:
208
Fuses
E129925

1. Remove the filler cap.
2. Add engine oil that meets the Fordspecifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 267).
3. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you feel a strong resistance.
Resetting the Oil Life Monitoring
System
Note: Reset the oil life monitoring only after
an oil change.
1. Turn the ignition key to the on position.
Do not start the engine. For vehicles
with push-button start, press and hold
the start button for two seconds
without pressing the brake pedal. Do
not attempt to start the engine.
2. Press both the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time.
3. Keep both pedals fully pressed.
4. After three seconds, the Service: Oil reset in prog. message will be
displayed.
5. After 25 seconds, the Service: Oil reset
complete message will be displayed.
6. Release both the accelerator and brake
pedals.
7. The Service: Oil reset complete message will no longer be displayed.
8. Rotate the key to the off position. For vehicles with push-button start, press
the start button to turn the vehicle off
completely.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the engine
coolant at the intervals listed in the
scheduled maintenance information. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 396). Note:
Make sure that the level is between
the MIN and MAX marks on the coolant
reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the MAX mark
Note: If the level is at the MIN mark, below
the MIN mark, or empty, add coolant
immediately. See Adding Engine Coolant
in this chapter.
The coolant concentration should be
maintained at 50%.
Note: For best results, coolant
concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool
ROB75240 available from your dealer. Ford
does not recommend the use of
hydrometers or coolant test strips for
measuring coolant concentrations.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use engine coolant
or antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
Adding Engine Coolant
WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when the
engine is hot. Steam and scalding
liquids released from a hot cooling
system can burn you badly. Also, you can
be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine
parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the
windshield washer fluid container. If
sprayed on the windshield, engine
coolant could make it difficult to see
through the windshield.
To reduce the risk of personal injury,
make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure
relief cap. The cooling system is under
pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened
slightly.
222
Maintenance

Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford
authorized dealer increase the coolant
concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% will
provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the engine coolant
and may cause engine damage
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It may be necessary to have a Ford
authorized dealer decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40% will
provide improved overheat protection.
Engine coolant concentrations below
40% will decrease the corrosion/freeze
protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted engine
coolant for optimum cooling system and
engine protection.
What you Should Know About Fail-
Safe Cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted,
this feature allows the vehicle to be driven
temporarily before incremental component
damage is incurred. The “fail-safe”
distance depends on ambient
temperatures, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the engine
coolant temperature gauge will move to
the red (hot) area and:
The coolant temperature
warning light will illuminate.
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
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use during
emergencies only. Operate the
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long
as necessary to bring the vehicle to rest in
a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will
have limited power, will not be able to
maintain high-speed operation, and may
completely shut down without warning,
potentially losing engine power, power
steering assist, and power brake assist,
which may increase the possibility of a
crash resulting in serious injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
224
Maintenance

When a battery replacement is required,
the battery should only be replaced with
a Ford recommended replacement battery
that matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle.
When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, the automatic
transmission must relearn its adaptive
strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly when first
driven. This operation is considered normal
and will fully update transmission
operation to its optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a
new battery has been installed, the clock
and the preset radio stations must be reset
once the battery is reconnected.
Note:Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner. Follow
your local authorized standards for disposal.
Call your local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling automotive
batteries.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid
or water applied with a soft sponge or
cloth. CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
The wiper arms can be manually moved
when the ignition is off. This allows for ease
of blade replacement and cleaning under
the blades.
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm away
from the glass.
2. Press the locking buttons together.
3. Rotate and remove the wiper blade.
4. Install in the reverse order.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade locks
into place. Lower the wiper arm and blade
back to the windshield. The wiper arms will
automatically return to their normal position
when the ignition is turned on.
To change the rear blades, do the
following:
227
Maintenance
E142463
E129990
1
1 2

Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove
dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior
surfaces, rear-wheel housing and
underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash vehicles stored in
exposed locations.
• Touch-up raw or primed metal to
prevent rust
• 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.
• Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid
hinges, and latches with a light grade
oil.
• 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.
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
meters) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
241
Vehicle Care

Driving Restrictions
For your safety, certain features are
speed-dependent and restricted when your
vehicle is traveling over 3 mph (5 km/h).
Safety Information
WARNING
Driving while distracted can result in
loss of vehicle control, accident and
injury. Ford strongly recommends
that drivers use extreme caution when
using any device that may take their focus
off the road. Your primary responsibility is
the safe operation of the vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
handheld device while driving, encourage
the use of voice-operated systems when
possible and that you become aware of
applicable state and local laws that may
affect use of electronic devices while
driving.
When using SYNC:
• Do not operate playing devices if the
power cords or cables are broken, split
or damaged. Carefully place cords and
cables where they cannot be stepped
on or interfere with the operation of
pedals, seats, compartments or safe
driving abilities.
• Do not leave playing devices in the
vehicle during extreme conditions as it
could cause them damage. Refer to
your device's user guide for further
information.
• Do not attempt to service or repair the
system. See your authorized dealer. Privacy Information
When a mobile phone is connected to
SYNC, the system creates a profile within
your vehicle that is linked to that mobile
phone. This profile is created in order to
offer you more mobile features and to
operate more efficiently. Among other
things, this profile may contain data about
your mobile phone book, text messages
(read and unread), and call history,
including history of calls when your mobile
phone was not connected to the system.
In addition, if you connect a media device,
the system creates and retains an index of
supported media content. The system also
records a short development log of
approximately 10 minutes of all recent
system activity. The log profile and other
system data may be used to improve the
system and help diagnose any problems
that may occur.
The mobile profile, media device index, and
development log will remain in the vehicle
unless you delete it and are generally
accessible only in the vehicle when the
mobile phone or media player is
connected. If you no longer plan to use the
system or the vehicle, we recommend you
perform a Master Reset to erase all stored
information.
280
SYNC®

You Can
When You Select
Place an emergency call to a 911 operator for you after an
accident (if the feature is used properly).
911 Assist
4
Create and receive a diagnostic report card on your vehicle.
Vehicle Health Report 3
Interact with SYNC-capable mobile applications on your
smartphone.
Mobile Apps
3
Access Bluetooth Devices menu listings (add, connect,
set as primary, on/off, delete) as well as Advanced menu
listings (prompts, languages, defaults, master reset, install
application and system information).
System Settings
Exit the phone menu by pressing OK.
Exit Phone Menu
1 This is a phone-dependent feature.
2 This is a phone-dependent and speed-dependent feature.
3 If equipped, U.S. only.
4 If equipped, U.S. and Canada only.
Text Messaging
Note: This is a phone-dependent feature.
SYNC allows you to receive, send,
download and delete text messages. The
system can also read incoming text
messages to you so that you do not have
to take your eyes off the road.
Receiving a Text Message
Note: This is a phone-dependent feature.
Your phone must support downloading text
messages using Bluetooth to receive
incoming text messages.
Note: Forwarding a text message is a
speed-dependent feature and can only be
done when the vehicle is traveling at 3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.
Note: Only one recipient is allowed per text
message.
289
SYNC®