Note:
Automatic transmission fluid
expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle
until it is warmed up (approximately
20 miles [30 kilometers]). If your
vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds, in city
traffic during hot weather or pulling a
trailer, the vehicle should be turned off
until normal operating temperatures
are reached to allow the fluid to cool
before checking. Depending on vehicle
use, cooling times could take up to 30
minutes or longer.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals
for fluid checks and changes. Your
transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not
working properly. For example, if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or
if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches
normal operating temperature
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow a minimum of
10 seconds for each gear to
engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park)
and leave the engine running. Note:
You will need to move the air
filter assembly to access the
transmission dipstick.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
If necessary, refer to Under hood
overview in this chapter for the
location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it
is fully seated in the filler tube by
turning it to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the designated areas for normal
operating temperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly
(Accessing the Dipstick) WARNING
Do not run engine with the air
filter disconnected.
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Maintenance
Note:
To check for compatibility, first
test any cleaner or stain remover on an
inconspicuous part of the leather.
You should:
• remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner.
• clean spills and stains as quickly
as possible.
• To check for compatibility, first
test any cleaner or stain remover
on an inconspicuous part of the
leather.
Do not use the following products as
these may damage the leather:
• oil/petroleum-based leather
conditioners.
• household cleaners.
• alcohol solutions.
• solvents or cleaners intended for
rubber, vinyl and plastics.
CLEANING THE ALLOY
WHEELS
Note: Do not apply a cleaning
chemical to warm or hot wheel rims
and covers.
Note: Some automatic car washes
may cause damage to the finish on
your wheel rims and covers.
Note: Industrial-strength (heavy-duty)
cleaners or cleaning chemicals, in
combination with brush agitation to
remove brake dust and dirt, could wear
away the clear coat finish over a period
time. Note:
Do not use hydrofluoric
acid-based or high caustic-based
wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuels or
strong household detergents.
Note: If you intend parking your vehicle
for an extended period after cleaning
the wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive
your vehicle for a few minutes before
doing so. This will reduce the risk of
increased corrosion of the brake discs.
Alloy wheels and wheel covers are
coated with a clear coat paint finish.
To maintain their condition we
recommend that you:
• Clean the wheels weekly, with the
recommended Ford service wheel
and tire cleaner. Apply using
manufacturer's instructions. Use
Motorcraft® Wheel and Tire
Cleaner. See cleaning products
(page ?).
• Use a sponge to remove heavy
deposits of dirt and brake dust
accumulation.
• Rinse thoroughly with a strong
stream of water when you have
completed the cleaning process.
• To remove tar and grease, use
Motorcraft® Bug and Tar Remover.
See cleaning products (page ?).
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for
an extended period of time (30 days
or more), read the following
maintenance recommendations to
make sure your vehicle stays in good
operating condition.
289
Vehicle Care
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. Removing Vehicle From
Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come
out of storage, do the following:
•
Wash your vehicle to remove any
dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any
foreign material that may have
collected during storage
(mice/squirrel nests).
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
the vehicle 15 feet (4.5 meters)
back and forth to remove rust
build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including
coolant, oil and gas) to make sure
there are no leaks, and fluids are
at recommended levels.
• If the battery was removed, clean
the battery cable ends and inspect.
Contact your authorized dealer if you
have any concerns or issues.
291
Vehicle Care
General Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelines
could result in an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, injury or
death. Note:
Do not use the kit if a tire has
become severely damaged by driving
the vehicle with a tire that has
insufficient air pressure. Only punctured
areas located within the tire tread can
be sealed with the kit.
Do not attempt to repair punctures
larger than 1.4 inch (6.4 mm) or
damage to the tire's sidewall. The tire
may not completely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely
affect tire performance. For this
reason:
Note: Do not drive the vehicle above
50 mph (80 km/h).
Note: Do not drive further than 120
miles (200 km). Drive only to the
closest Ford Motor Company
authorized dealer or tire repair shop to
have your tire inspected.
• Drive carefully and avoid abrupt
steering maneuvers.
• Periodically monitor tire inflation
pressure in the affected tire; if the
tire is losing pressure, have the
vehicle towed.
• Read the information in the Tips
for Use of the Kit section to ensure
safe operation of the kit and your
vehicle. Tips for Use of the Kit
Read the following list of tips to
ensure safe operation of the kit:
•
Before operating the kit, make sure
your vehicle is safely off the road
and away from moving traffic. Turn
on the hazard lights.
• Always set the parking brake to
ensure the vehicle doesn't move
unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects,
such as nails or screws, from the
tire.
• When using the kit, leave the
engine running (only if the vehicle
is outdoors or in a well-ventilated
area) so the compressor doesn't
drain the vehicle's battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to
operate continuously for more
than 15 minutes; this will help
prevent the compressor from
overheating.
• Never leave the kit unattended
when it is operating.
• Sealant compound contains latex.
Make sure that you use the
non-latex gloves provided to avoid
an allergic reaction.
• Keep the kit away from children.
• Only use the kit when the ambient
temperature is between -22°F
(–30°C) and 158°F (70°C).
293
Wheels and Tires
•
Only use the sealing compound
before the use by date. The use by
date is on the lower right hand
corner of the label located on the
sealant canister (bottle). Check
the use by date regularly and
replace the canister after four
years.
• Do not store the kit unsecured
inside the passenger compartment
of the vehicle as it may cause injury
during a sudden stop or collision.
Always store the kit in its original
location.
• After sealant use, the tire pressure
monitoring system sensor and
valve stem on the wheel must be
replaced by an authorized Ford
dealer.
• When inflating a tire or other
objects, use the black air hose only.
Do not use the transparent hose
which is designed for sealant
application only.
• Operating the kit could cause an
electrical disturbance in radio, CD,
and DVD player operation.
What to do when a Tire Is
Punctured
A tire puncture within the tire's tread
area can be repaired in two stages
with the kit. •
In the first stage, the tire will be
reinflated with a sealing
compound and air. After the tire
has been reinflated, you will need
to drive the vehicle a short
distance (approximately 4 miles
[6 km]) to distribute the sealant
in the tire.
• In the second stage, you will need
to check the tire pressure and
adjust, if necessary, to the vehicle's
tire inflation pressure.
First Stage: Reinflating the Tire
with Sealing Compound and Air WARNINGS
Do not stand directly over the kit
while inflating the tire. If you
notice any unusual bulges or
deformations in the tire's sidewall
during inflation, stop and call roadside
assistance. If the tire doesn't inflate to the
recommended tire pressure
within 15 minutes, stop and call
roadside assistance. Preparation: Park the vehicle in a safe,
level and secure area, away from
moving traffic. Turn the hazard lights
on. Apply the parking brake and turn
the engine off. Inspect the flat tire for
visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. To
avoid any allergic reactions, use the
non-latex gloves located in the
accessory box on the underside of the
kit housing.
294
Wheels and Tires
•
Wet weather driving capability.
• All-wheel driving capability (if
applicable).
3. Full-size dissimilar spare
without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size
dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly, do not:
• Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
• Use more than one dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly at a time.
• Use commercial car washing
equipment.
• Use snow chains on the end of the
vehicle with the dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly.
The usage of a full-size dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly can
lead to impairment of the following:
• Handling, stability and braking
performance.
• Comfort and noise.
• Ground clearance and parking at
curbs.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet weather driving capability.
• All-wheel driving capability (if
applicable).
• Load leveling adjustment (if
applicable). When driving with the full-size
dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly additional caution should
be given to:
•
Towing a trailer.
• Driving vehicles equipped with a
camper body.
• Driving vehicles with a load on the
cargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-size
dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly and seek service as soon as
possible.
Tire Change Procedure WARNINGS
When one of the front wheels is
off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from
moving or slipping off the jack, even if
the transmission selector lever is in
position P. To help prevent the vehicle from
moving when you change a tire,
be sure to place the transmission
selector lever in position
P, set the
parking brake and block (in both
directions) the wheel that is
diagonally opposite (other side and
end of the vehicle) to the tire being
changed. Never get underneath a vehicle
that is supported only by a jack.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously
injured.
321
Wheels and Tires
WARNINGS
Do not attempt to change a tire
on the side of the vehicle close
to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being
hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel. Always use the jack provided as
original equipment with your
vehicle. If using a jack other than the
one provided as original equipment
with your vehicle, make sure the jack
capacity is adequate for the vehicle
weight, including any vehicle cargo or
modifications. 1. Park on a level surface, set the
parking brake and activate the
hazard flashers.
2. Place the transmission selector lever in position P and turn the
engine off.
3. Remove the carpeted wheel cover.
4. Remove the spare tire bolt securing the spare tire by turning
it counterclockwise.
5. Remove the spare tire from the spare tire compartment. 6.
Remove the lug wrench and jack
from the foam holder. 7. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
8. Loosen each wheel lug nut
one-half turn counterclockwise but
do not remove them until the
wheel is raised off the ground.
9. The vehicle jacking points are shown here, and are depicted on
the yellow warning label on the
jack. Jack at the specified
locations to avoid damage to
the vehicle. 10. Small arrow-shaped marks on
the sills show the location of the
jacking points.
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Wheels and TiresE142550 E142551 E145908
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, a qualified expert,
such as the factory-trained
technicians at your dealership, should
inspect discolored fluids that also
show signs of overheating or foreign
material contamination immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle
’s
oils and fluids 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
Make sure you perform the following
basic maintenance checks and
inspections 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.
442
Scheduled Maintenance