If you notice any of the following:
•the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle inP
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
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.
322Maintenance
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•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
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 hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges 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 contains 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.
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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
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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EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) or three months,
whichever comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled
with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification
WSL-M2C192-A, part number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction
modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles (seeTechnical specificationsin theCapacities
and Specificationschapter for details).
Police, Taxi and Livery vehicle axle maintenance:
Change rear axle
fluid every 100000 miles (160000 kilometers). Rear axle fluid change may be
waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add
four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or
equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles. The axle fluid should
be changed anytime the axle has been submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5000 miles (8000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
service interval is 3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement:Engine air filter and
cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty
conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions require frequent
inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
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911 Assist™ ......................438, 512
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................222
Accessing and using your USB
port ............................................490
Accessing call history/phone
book during active call .............427
Accessing your calendar ..........511
Accessing your media menu
features ......................................450
Accessing your phone menu
features ......................................429
Accessory delay ........................107
Active call menu options .........427
Active Park Assist .....................230
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........241
Adding (pairing) a phone ........498
Advanced menu options ...436, 456
Advanced menu options
(prompts, languages, defaults,
master reset, installing
applications) ..............................436
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................51
and child safety seats ..............52
description ................................51
disposal ......................................60
driver airbag ..............................51
passenger airbag .......................51
side airbag ...........................51, 55
Air cleaner filter .......333–334, 391
Air conditioning ........................144
manual heating and air
conditioning system ...............144
Air filter .....................................334Air filter, cabin ..........................152
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................214
Ambient mood/lighting .............518
Ambulance packages ..................15
AM/FM .......................................478
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................318
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................222
Anti-theft system ..................85, 88
arming the system ..............85, 88
disarming a triggered system ..88
Audio system
Single CD ................402, 406, 408
Audio system
(see Radio) ................402, 406, 408
Automatic transmission ............206
fluid, adding ............................324
fluid, checking ........................324
fluid, refill capacities ..............387
fluid, specification ..................387
Selectshift (SST) ....................209
Auxiliary Input Jack .................487
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ..415
Auxiliary powerpoint ................183
A/V inputs ..........................417, 495
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........387
refill capacities ........................387
B
Battery .......................................329
acid, treating emergencies .....329
jumping a disabled battery ....291
maintenance-free ....................329
578Index
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replacement, specifications ...391
servicing ..................................329
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................256
Booster seats ...............................22
Brakes ........................................221
anti-lock ...................................222
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................222
brake warning light ................222
fluid, checking and adding ....328
fluid, refill capacities ..............387
fluid, specifications .................387
lubricant specifications ..........387
parking ....................................222
shift interlock ..........................210
trailer .......................................280
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....387
Cargo net ...................................266
CD ..............................402, 406, 408
CD player ..........................400, 489
CD voice commands .................490
Cell phone use ............................16
Changing a tire .........................376
Changing the air filter ..............334
Child safety restraints ..........30, 32
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....32
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................40
LATCH .......................................30
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................22
Cleaning the touchscreen ........468Cleaning your vehicle ...............343
engine compartment ..............345
instrument panel ....................347
interior .....................................347
plastic parts ............................344
washing ....................................343
waxing .....................................345
wheels ......................................349
wiper blades ............................346
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ..........144
Climate voice commands .........529
Clock ..................................402, 516
Collision Warning System .........261
Console ......................................186
overhead ..................................187
rear ..........................................186
Coolant ......................................318
checking and adding ..............318
refill capacities ........................387
specifications ..........................387
Cross Traffic Alert ....................256
Cruise control ...........................240
Customer Assistance ................289
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................397
Getting roadside assistance ...289
Getting the service you
need .........................................294
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................300
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................298
D
Defrost .......................144, 146, 148
rear window ............................152
Index579
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