
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•
It may be necessary to have a Ford
authorized dealer increase the coolant
concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations above 60% decrease
the overheat protection characteristics
of the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It may be necessary to have a Ford
authorized dealer decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40%
provides improved overheat protection.
Engine coolant concentrations below
40% will decrease the corrosion or
freeze protection characteristics of the
engine coolant and may cause engine
damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted engine
coolant for optimum cooling system and
engine protection.
What You Should Know About Fail-
Safe Cooling
If you deplete the engine coolant supply,
fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before you incur
incremental component damage. 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
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle will still
operate. However:
• The engine power will be limited.
• This will disable the air conditioning
system.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to shut
down completely. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
Once the engine temperature cools, the
engine can be re-started. Take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to minimize engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use during
emergencies only. Operate your
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long
as necessary to bring your vehicle to rest
in a safe location and seek immediate
repairs. When in fail-safe mode, your
vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and
may completely shut down without
warning, potentially losing engine power,
power steering assist, and power brake
assist, which may increase the possibility
of a crash resulting in serious injury. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
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You have limited engine power when in the
fail-safe mode, so drive your vehicle with
caution. Your vehicle will not maintain
high-speed operation and the engine will
operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine.
2. Tow your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and add if low.
5. Re-start the engine and drive your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage. See
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Engine Fluid Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNINGS
To reduce the risk of collision and
injury, be prepared that the vehicle
speed may reduce and the vehicle
may not be able to accelerate with full
power until the fluid temperatures reduce. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle can pull a trailer, but because
of the added load, your vehicle
’s engine
may temporarily reach higher
temperatures during severe operating
conditions such as ascending a long or
steep grade while pulling a trailer in high
temperatures. At this time, you may notice your engine
coolant temperature gauge needle move
toward the H and the POWER REDUCED
TO LOWER TEMP message may appear
in the information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power.
In order to manage the engine fluid
temperatures, your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
many factors such as vehicle loading,
towing, grade and ambient temperature.
If this occurs, there is no need to pull off
the road. You can continue to drive your
vehicle while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and
off during severe operating conditions to
protect overheating of the engine. When
the engine coolant temperature decreases
to a normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
moves fully into the red (hot) area, or if the
coolant temperature warning or service
engine soon messages appear in your
information display:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and shift the transmission into
P
.
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the red (hot) area.
After several minutes, if the
temperature does not drop, follow the
remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool before checking the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is normal, restart your engine and continue.
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5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, and
restart the engine. See Adding Engine
Coolant or How Fail-Safe Cooling
Works in this chapter for more
information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Note: Transmission fluid should be checked
by an authorized dealer. If required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
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, (i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components. TRANSFER CASE FLUID
CHECK
1. Clean the area around the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug.
3. Inspect the fluid level. The fluid level
should be within 0.40 in (10mm) from
the bottom of the hole.
4. Add fluid through the filler opening, fill
to the bottom of the opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
specifications. Refer to the
See
Capacities and Specifications (page
296).
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BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating range;
there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid
levels are outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
3.5L, 3.7L and 5.0L Engines
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering (EPS) system. There is no
fluid reservoir to check or fill.
6.2L Engines
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to
See Scheduled Maintenance (page 438).
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature
(the engine coolant temperature gauge
indicator will be near the center of the
normal area between
H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN and MAX
lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in
this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the
level until it reaches the range between
the MIN and MAX lines. For the proper
fluid type, See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 296).
6. Put the cap back on the reservoir. WASHER FLUID CHECK WARNING
If you operate your vehicle in
temperatures below 40°F (5°C), use
washer fluid with antifreeze
protection. Failure to use washer fluid with
antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and
increase the risk of injury or accident. Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is
low. Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 296).
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.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosive
gases that 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.
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WARNINGS
This vehicle may be equipped with
more than one battery, removal of
cable from only one battery does not
disconnect your vehicle electrical system.
Be sure to disconnect cables from all
batteries when disconnecting power.
Failure to do so may cause serious
personal injury or property damage. 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
damage to the vehicle or battery. Lift the
battery with a battery carrier or with your
hands on opposite corners. 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. Note:
If your battery has a cover/shield,
make sure it is reinstalled after the battery
has been cleaned or replaced.
Note: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories
or components added to your vehicle by the
dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery which normally
does not require additional water during
its life of service. 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.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.
It is recommended that the negative
battery cable terminal be disconnected
from the battery if you plan to store your
vehicle for an extended period of time.
Because your vehicle
’s engine is
electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery
is installed, the engine must relearn its idle
and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. Flexible fuel
vehicles (FFV) must also relearn the
ethanol content of the fuel for optimum
driveability and performance. To begin this
process:
1. With your vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P(Park), turn off all
accessories.
3. Start the engine. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
5. Turn the air conditioning on and allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
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6. Release the parking brake. With your
foot on the brake pedal and with the
air conditioning on, put your vehicle in
D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle
for at least one minute.
• 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.
7. Drive your vehicle to complete the relearning process
•Your vehicle may need to be driven
10 miles (16 kilometers) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy along with the ethanol
content for flexible fuel vehicles.
• For flexible fuel vehicles, if you are
operating on E85, you may
experience poor starts or an
inability to start the engine and
driveability problems until the fuel
trim and ethanol content have been
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.
Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized standards
for disposal. Call your local authorized
recycling center to find out more about
recycling automotive batteries.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The battery management system (BMS)
monitors battery conditions and takes
actions to extend battery life. If excessive
battery drain is detected, the system may
temporarily disable certain electrical
features to protect the battery. Those
electrical accessories affected include the
rear defrost, heated/cooled seats, climate control fan, heated steering wheel, audio
and navigation system. A message may be
shown in the information displays to alert
the driver that battery protection actions
are active. These messages are only for
notification that an action is taking place,
and not intended to indicate an electrical
problem or that the battery requires
replacement.
Electrical accessory installation
To ensure proper operation of the Battery
Management System, any electrical
devices that are added to your vehicle
should not have their ground connection
made directly at the negative battery post.
A connection at the negative battery post
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.
Note:
Electrical or electronic accessories
added to your vehicle by the dealer or the
owner, may adversely affect battery
performance and durability, and may affect
the performance of other electrical systems
in your vehicle.
When a battery replacement is required,
the battery should only be replaced with
a Ford-recommended replacement battery
that matches the electrical requirements
of your vehicle. After battery replacement,
or in some cases after charging the battery
with the external charger, the Battery
Management System requires eight hours
of vehicle sleep time (key off with doors
closed) to relearn the new battery state of
charge. Prior to relearning the state of
charge, the Battery Management System
may disable electrical features (to protect
the battery) earlier than normal.
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CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 3.5L ECOBOOST™
WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage
and personal burn injuries, do not
start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running. Note:
Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if the
correct air filter element is not used.
Note: For EcoBoost equipped vehicles:
When servicing the air cleaner, it is
important that no foreign material enter the
air induction system. The engine and
turbocharger are susceptible to damage
from even small particles.
When changing the air filter element, use
only the air filter element listed. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
296).
Change the air filter element at the proper
interval.
See Scheduled Maintenance
(page 438). 1.
Locate the sensor electrical connector
on the air outlet tube (1). This
connector will need to be unplugged. 2. Pull up to disconnect wiring harness
(2).
3. Disconnect the sensor by pressing the retaining tab and pulling back on the
lead. 4. Clean the area around the air tube to
air cover connection to prevent debris
from entering the system, and then
loosen the bolt on the air tube clamp
so the clamp is no longer snug to the
air tube. It is not necessary to
completely remove the clamp.
5. Pull the air tube off from the air cleaner
housing.
6. Release the clamps that secure the cover to the air filter housing. Push the
air filter cover toward the center of the
vehicle and up slightly to release it.
7. Remove the air filter element from the
air filter housing.
8. Install a new air filter element.
9. Replace the air filter housing cover and
secure the clamps. Be careful not to
crimp the filter element edges between
the air filter housing and cover and
ensure that the tabs on the edge are
properly aligned into the slots.
10. Slip the air tube onto the air filter housing and tighten the air-tube
clamp bolt snugly, but do not
overtighten it.
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11. Reconnect the sensor electrical
connector to the outlet tube.
12. Push the wiring harness back in place.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 3.7L/5.0L/6.2L WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage
and personal burn injuries, do not
start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running. Note:
Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if the
correct air filter element is not used.
Note: For EcoBoost equipped vehicles:
When servicing the air cleaner, it is
important that no foreign material enter the
air induction system. The engine and
turbocharger are susceptible to damage
from even small particles.
When changing the air filter element, use
only the air filter element listed. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
296).
Change the air filter element at the proper
interval.
See Scheduled Maintenance
(page 438). 1. Locate the mass air flow sensor
electrical connector on the air outlet
tube. Disconnect the Mass Air Flow
(MAF) sensor electrical connector. 2. Reposition the locking clip on the
connector (connector shown from
below for clarity), squeeze the
connector and pull it off of the air
outlet tube. 3. Clean the area around the air tube to
air cover connection to prevent debris
from entering the system and then
loosen the bolt on the air tube clamp
so the clamp is no longer snug to the
air tube. It is not necessary to
completely remove the clamp.
4. Pull the air tube off from the air cleaner
housing.
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