Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that pays dividends in the form of improved
reliability, durability and resale value. To maintain the proper performance
of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is imperative that
scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated intervals.
Vehicles with a 3.5L, 3.7L or 5.0L engine,are equipped with the
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor(IOLM) system which shows a message in
the information display at the proper oil change service interval. This
interval may be up to one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers). When
ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED appears in the
information display, it’s time for an oil change; the oil change must be
done within two weeks or 500 miles (800 kilometers) of the ENGINE OIL
CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing. The
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitormust be reset after each oil change. See the
Information Displayschapter.
If your information display is prematurely reset or becomes inoperative,
you should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5000 miles
(8000 kilometers) from your last oil change. Never exceed one year or
10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between oil change intervals.
Vehicles with a 6.2L engine,do not have an IOLM system. See the
7500 mile (12000 kilometers) maintenance schedule for oil change
service intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple complex
performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using
different specifications and performance features. That is why it is
important to rely upon your dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended maintenance intervals for various
parts and component systems based upon engineering testing. Ford Motor
Company relies upon this testing to determine the most appropriate
mileage for replacement of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at the
lowest overall cost to you and recommends against maintenance schedules
that deviate from the scheduled maintenance information.
Ford strongly recommends using only genuine Ford, Motorcraftor
Ford-authorized remanufactured replacement parts because they are
engineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
Ford Motor Company recommended additives and chemicals are listed in
this book and in theWorkshop Manual.Additional chemicals or
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additives not approved by Ford Motor Company are not recommended as
part of normal maintenance. Please consult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six month intervals.
Check Every Month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
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 and 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 and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
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