Towing 288
Trailertowing........................................288
Wrecker towing.......................................293
Recreational towing....................................294
Driving Hints 296
Economical driving....................................296
Floormats..........................................298
Roadside Emergencies 300
Getting roadside assistance..............................300
Hazard warning flashers................................301
Fuel cut-off switch....................................302
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................302
Customer Assistance 305
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)........................312
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................312
Fuses 313
Changing a fuse......................................313
Fuses and relays......................................313
Fuse specification chart.................................314
Maintenance 323
General information...................................323
Opening and closing the hood............................324
Under hood overview..................................325
Engine oil dipstick....................................327
Engine oil check......................................327
Engine coolant check..................................328
Automatic transmission fluid check........................333
Brake fluid check.....................................336
Power steering fluid check..............................336
Fuel filter...........................................336
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Washer fluid check....................................337
Battery.............................................337
Checking the wiper blades...............................339
Air filter(s)..........................................341
Adjusting the headlamps................................342
Changing a bulb......................................344
Bulb specification chart.................................349
Vehicle Care 350
Cleaning products.....................................350
Cleaning the exterior...................................350
Waxing.............................................352
Repairing minor paint damage............................352
Cleaning the engine...................................352
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................353
Cleaning the interior...................................353
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......354
Cleaning leather seats..................................355
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................355
Vehicle storage.......................................356
Wheels and Tires 359
Tire care...........................................362
Using snow chains.....................................377
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)....................378
Changing a road wheel.................................383
Technical specifications.................................391
Wheel lug nut torque..................................391
Capacities and Specifications 392
Part numbers........................................397
Vehicle identification number.............................397
Vehicle certification label................................398
Transmission code designation............................399
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SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
10Introduction
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Remote Start (If Equipped)
WARNING:To avoid exhaust fumes, do not use remote start if
your vehicle is parked indoors or areas that are not well
ventilated.
Note:Do not use remote start if your vehicle is low on fuel.
Your vehicle has remote start if the transmitter has this button.
The remote start feature allows you to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. The transmitter has an extended operating range.
Vehicles with automatic climate control can be configured to operate
when the vehicle is remote started. Refer to theClimate Controlchapter
for more information. A manual climate control system will run at the
setting it was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
Many states and provinces have restrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements
regarding remote start systems.
The remote start system will not work if:
•the ignition is on
•the alarm system is triggered
•the feature has been disabled
•the hood is not closed
•two remote vehicle starts have already been attempted within the last
hour
•the vehicle is not in P (Park)
•the vehicle battery voltage is too low
•the service engine soon light is on.
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CLEARING ALL MYKEYS
Note:All programmed MyKeys can be cleared within the same key cycle
in which a MyKey was created, otherwise an admin key is required to
clear the keys.
To clear all MyKeys as admin keys, use the information display control to
do the following:
1. Access the main menu and select Settings, then MyKey .
2. Scroll to Clear All and press the OK button.
3. Hold the OK button until ALL MYKEYS CLEARED is displayed.
CHECKING MYKEY SYSTEM STATUS
The information display control displays information about keys
programmed to the vehicle:
•MYKEY MILES:Tracks mileage when a restricted key is used. If
mileage does not accumulate as expected, then the key is not being
used by the intended user. The only way to reset this to zero is by
resetting the keys. If the mileage is lower than the last time you
checked, then the key system has been recently reset.
•# MYKEY(S):Indicates how many restricted keys are programmed
to the vehicle. Can also be used to detect deletion of a restricted key.
•# ADMIN KEY(S):Indicates how many admin keys are programmed
to the vehicle. Can also be used to detect if an additional key has
been programmed to the vehicle.
USING MYKEY WITH REMOTE START SYSTEMS
MyKey is NOT compatible with non-Ford-approved aftermarket remote
start systems. If you choose to install a remote start system please see
your Ford authorized dealer for a Ford-approved remote start system.
The following information MAY help customers who choose to use a
non-Ford-approved remote start system. The actions provided below do
NOT make MyKey compatible with non-Ford-approved remote start
system, but it MAY help you to retain some MyKey functions.
Vehicles Equipped with Traditional Keys
When using a non-Ford-approved remote start system, the default
settings may recognize the remote start system as an additional admin
key with its associated privileges. This makes it NOT compatible with
MyKey. Restart the engine when you insert a key into the ignition
cylinder it may help you to retain some MyKey functions.
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In addition to the key that they have already programmed as a MyKey,
owners of vehicles equipped with traditional keys may want to program
the non-Ford-approved remote start system as a MyKey if the remote
start fob is used by the MyKey driver. To program a non-Ford-approved
remote start system as a MyKey, do the following:
1. Enter the vehicle and close all doors.
2. Remote start the vehicle using a non-Ford approved remote start fob.
3. Follow Steps 1-5 in theCreating a MyKeysection.
Vehicles Equipped with Intelligent Access Key (Push Button Start)
Note:It is not possible to program the remote start system as a MyKey
on vehicles equipped with intelligent access key (push button start).
Therefore, you should treat the remote start fob as you would any other
admin key. When the vehicle is started using remote start, the system
will stall the engine when you either enter the vehicle or shift the vehicle
into gear. Prior to the engine stall, the vehicle will have administrative
privileges. When you restart the engine, the vehicle will identify the user
as an admin or MyKey driver depending on the settings of the actual key
used to start the vehicle.
Note:For all vehicles, the number of MYKEY(S) PROGRAMMED or
ADMIN KEYS PROGRAMMED that is displayed in the MyKey system
status menus may include the non-Ford-approved remote start system as
an additional key in the total count. See theChecking system status
section.
For all vehicles with a non-Ford-approved remote start installed, it is
possible to program all ’real’ keys as MyKeys, in which case, you will
need to use your remote start system to clear all MyKeys as admin keys
by doing the following:
1. Enter the vehicle and close all doors.
2. Remote start the vehicle using your non-Ford-approved remote start
fob.
3. Follow Steps 1-3 in theClearing all MyKeyssection.
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Brake system warning light
To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the on
position when the engine is not running, or in a position
between on and start, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition
is turned to the on position.
If it illuminates when you are driving, check that the parking brake is not
engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, this indicates low brake
fluid level or a brake system malfunction. Have the system checked
immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Driving
extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
Charging system (RTT)
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Door ajar (RTT)
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine oil pressure (RTT)
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range.
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Service engine soon
Theservice engine soonindicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and
to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the “service engine soon”
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the “service
engine soon” light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testingin theFuel and Refuelingchapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theFuel and Refuelingchapter. If
the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration
and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Speed control (if equipped) (RTT)
The speed control system indicator light changes color to
indicate what mode the system is in:
•On (gray light–type 1 and type 2): Illuminates when the speed control
system is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system is
turned off.
•Engaged (white light-type 1, green light-type 2): Illuminates when the
speed control system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control
system is disengaged.
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