Maintenance 172
General information...................................172
Opening and closing the hood............................173
Under hood overview..................................175
Engine oil dipstick....................................176
Engine oil check......................................176
Engine coolant check..................................177
Automatic transmission fluid check........................181
Power steering fluid check..............................184
Fuel filter...........................................184
Washer fluid check....................................185
Changing the vehicle battery.............................185
Checking the wiper blades..............................187
Changing the wiper blades..............................187
Air filter(s).........................................188
Adjusting the headlamps................................189
Changing a bulb......................................190
Removing a headlamp..................................191
Bulb replacement.....................................195
Bulb specification chart.................................200
Vehicle Care 201
Cleaning products.....................................201
Cleaning the exterior..................................201
Waxing.............................................203
Repairing minor paint damage............................203
Cleaning the engine...................................203
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................204
Cleaning the interior...................................204
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......205
Cleaning leather seats..................................206
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................206
Vehiclestorage.......................................207
Table of Contents5
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
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USA(fus)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Note:Fully defrost the windshield before switching on the windshield
wipers.
Note:Make sure the windshield wipers are switched off before entering
car wash.
Note:Clean the windshield and wiper blades if they begin to leave
streaks or smears. If that does not resolve the issue, install new wiper
blades.
Note:Do not operate the wipers on a dry windshield. This may scratch
the glass, damage the wiper blades or cause the wiper motor to burn out.
Always use the windshield washer before wiping a dry windshield.
A. Single wipe
B. Intermittent wipe
C. Normal wipe
D. High-speed wipe
Intermittent Wipe
A. Shortest wipe interval
B. Intermittent wipe
C. Longest wipe interval
Use the rotary control to adjust the
intermittent wipe interval.
D
C
B
A
C
A
B
68Wipers and Washers
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
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USA(fus)
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict
the use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
CHANGING THE VEHICLE BATTERY
WARNING:Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks
or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide
proper ventilation.
WARNING:When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
WARNING:Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against
possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or
eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician
immediately.
WARNING:Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraft® maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require additional water during its life of
service.
Note:If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled after
the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
Maintenance185
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
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6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•Note:If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is reconnected.
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
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Press the lock
tab to release the blade and pull
the wiper blade down toward the
windshield to remove it from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the wiper
arm and press it into place until a
click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers.
The layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge
of the wiper rubber element.
Rear window wiper blades (if equipped)
Refer toChanging the wiper bladesin this section and follow the same
procedure given for checking and changing the wiper blades.
Maintenance187
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
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USA(fus)
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windows and wiper blades should be cleaned regularly. If the wipers
do not wipe properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
•The windows may be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner such as
Motorcraft® Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner.
•
The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft® Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate in the U.S., or
Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid in Canada. Be sure to replace
wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner or
if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer surface of
the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft cloth with a
neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After cleaning, rinse
the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The windshield is clean
if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield with water.
Note:Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause damage
to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
WARNING:Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the
vehicle’s safety belts, as these actions may weaken the belt
webbing.
WARNING:On vehicles equipped with seat-mounted airbags, do
not use chemical solvents or strong detergents. Such products
could contaminate the side airbag system and affect performance of the
side airbag in a crash.
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft® Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner.
204Vehicle Care
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
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USA(fus)
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.
Protect Yourself from the Rising Cost of Vehicle Repairs with a
Ford Extended Service Plan
To learn more, call our Ford ESP specialists at 800–367–3377, and do not
forget to ask about our interest free payment program, allowing you all
the security and benefits Ford ESP has to offer while paying over time.
You’re pre-approved with no credit checks, no hassles!
Or, mail your name, address, city, state and zip code to:
Ford ESP
P.O. Box 8072
Royal Oak, MI 48068–9933
252Ford Extended Service Plan
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USA(fus)
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 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
monthly 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.
256Scheduled Maintenance
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
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USA(fus)
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....244
CD ..........................................88–89
CD player ....................................86
Cell phone use ............................15
Changing a tire .........................235
Changing the air filter ..............188
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....28
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................36
LATCH .......................................26
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................21
Cleaning your vehicle ...............201
engine compartment ..............203
instrument panel ....................205
interior .....................................204
plastic parts ............................202
washing ....................................201
waxing .....................................203
wheels ......................................206
wiper blades ............................204
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............94
Clock ......................................88–89
Console ......................................107
overhead ..................................107
Coolant ......................................177
checking and adding ..............177
refill capacities ........................244
specifications ..........................244
Customer Assistance ................149
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................251, 253
Getting roadside assistance ...149Getting the service
you need .................................155
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................161
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................159
D
Defrost .........................................94
rear window ..............................98
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid .......181
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................181
engine oil .................................176
Doors
central unlocking ......................58
lubricant specifications ..........244
Driving under special
conditions ..................................124
through water .........................146
E
Electronic stability control ......129
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................151
running out of fuel .................114
Emission control system ..........117
End user license agreement ....307
Engine ........................................243
cleaning ...................................203
coolant .....................................177
fail-safe cooling .......................180
lubrication specifications .......244
refill capacities ........................244
service points ..........................176
Engine block heater .................110
316Index
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)