Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113km/h) during the first 500 miles (800kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 miles (80kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P (automatictransmission) or neutral (manualtransmission) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inposition P or manual transmission in alow gear.
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 inches (15 centimeters) abovethe bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting drivability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to helpmaintain its roadworthiness and resalevalue. There is a large network of Fordauthorized dealers that are there to helpyou with their professional servicingexpertise. We believe that their speciallytrained technicians are best qualified toservice your vehicle properly and expertly.They are supported by a wide range ofhighly specialized tools developedspecifically for servicing your vehicle.
To help you service your vehicle, weprovide scheduled maintenanceinformation which makes tracking routineservice easy. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 428).
If your vehicle requires professional service,your authorized dealer can provide thenecessary parts and service. Check yourwarranty information to find out whichparts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,fluids and service parts conforming tospecifications. Motorcraft® parts aredesigned and built to provide the bestperformance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught inmoving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with theengine running in an enclosed space,unless you are sure you have enoughventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burningmaterial (such as cigarettes) awayfrom the battery and all fuel relatedparts.
Working with the Engine Off
1.Set the parking brake and shift to P(Park).
2.Turn off the engine and remove the key(if equipped).
3.Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On
WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damageand/or personal burn injuries, do notstart your engine with the air cleanerremoved and do not remove it while theengine is running.
1.Set the parking brake and shift to P(Park).
2.Block the wheels
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
1.To open the hood, go inside the vehicleand pull the hood release handlelocated under the left-hand side of theinstrument panel.
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WARNINGS
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,excessive pressure on the end wallscould cause acid to flow through thevent caps, resulting in personal injury anddamage to the vehicle or battery. Lift thebattery with a battery carrier or with yourhands on opposite corners.
Keep batteries out of reach ofchildren. Batteries contain sulfuricacid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes orclothing. Shield your eyes when workingnear the battery to protect against possiblesplashing of acid solution. In case of acidcontact with skin or eyes, flushimmediately with water for a minimum of15 minutes and get prompt medicalattention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
Your vehicle is equipped with aMotorcraft® maintenance-free batterywhich normally does not require additionalwater during its life of service.
Note:If your battery has a cover/shield,make sure it is reinstalled after the batteryhas been cleaned or replaced.
Note:See an authorized dealer for lowvoltage battery access, testing, orreplacement.
When a low voltage battery replacementis necessary, see an authorized dealer toreplace the low voltage battery with a Fordrecommended replacement low voltagebattery that matches the electricalrequirements of the vehicle
To ensure proper operation of the batterymanagement system (BMS), do not allowa technician to connect any electricaldevice ground connection directly to thelow voltage battery negative post. Aconnection at the low voltage batterynegative post can cause inaccuratemeasurements of the battery conditionand potential incorrect system operation.
Note:If a person adds electrical orelectronic accessories or components to thevehicle, the accessories or components mayadversely affect the low voltage batteryperformance and durability and may alsoaffect the performance of other electricalsystems in the vehicle.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry. Also,make certain the battery cables are alwaystightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
When a battery replacement is required,the battery should only be replaced witha Ford recommended replacement batterythat matches the electrical requirementsof the vehicle.
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically-controlled by a computer,some engine control settings aremaintained by power from the low voltagebattery. Some engine computer settings,like the idle trim and fuel trim strategy,optimize the driveability and performanceof the engine. Some other computersettings, like the clock and radio stationpresets, are also maintained in memory bypower from the low voltage battery. Whena technician disconnects and connects thelow voltage battery, these settings areerased. Complete the following procedurein order to restore the settings:
1.With the vehicle at a complete stop,set the parking brake.
2.Shift the transmission into P.
3.Turn off all accessories.
4.Step on the brake pedal and start thevehicle.
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Replacing the Low Beam HeadlampBulb
1.Remove the headlamp assembly.
2.Remove the service cap.
3.Disconnect the electrical connector.
4.Release the retainer spring and removeit from the headlamp assembly.
5.Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing the Front Parking/TurnSignal Lamp Bulb
1.Remove the headlamp assembly.
2.Turn the bulb assemblycounterclockwise and remove it fromthe headlamp assembly.
3.Separate the bulb from the bulbsocket.
4.Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing the Side Marker Lamp Bulb
1.Remove the headlamp assembly.
2.Remove the service cap.
3.Depress the tabs on the socket andremove the socket and bulb together.
4.Separate the bulb from the bulbsocket.
5.Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing the Tail, Brake, High-Mount Brake Lamp, and TurnSignal Lamp Bulbs
These lamps are designed with LED lightsources. For replacement, see yourauthorized dealer.
Replacing a Reverse Lamp Bulb
1.Make sure the lighting control is in theoff position.
2.Open the trunk deck lid.
3.Remove the push pins and repositionthe inner body side trim.
4.Remove the three lamp assembly nuts.
5.Gently pull the lamp assembly awayfrom the vehicle.
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REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
Your authorized dealer has touch-up paintto match your vehicle’s color. Take yourcolor code (printed on a sticker in thedriver’s door jamb) to your authorizeddealer to ensure you get the correct color.
•Remove particles such as birddroppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tarspots, road salt and industrial falloutbefore repairing paint chips.
•Always read the instructions beforeusing the products.
CLEANING THE ALLOY
WHEELS
Note:Do not apply a cleaning chemical towarm or hot wheel rims and covers.
Note:Some automatic car washes maycause damage to the finish on your wheelrims and covers.
Note:Industrial-strength or heavy-dutycleaners in combination with brush agitationto remove brake dust and dirt, could wearaway the clear coat finish over a period time.
Note:Do not use hydrofluoric acid-basedor high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steelwool, fuels or strong household detergents.
Note:If you intend parking your vehicle foran extended period after cleaning thewheels with a wheel cleaner, drive yourvehicle for a few minutes before doing so.This will reduce the risk of increasedcorrosion of the brake discs.
Alloy wheels and wheel covers are coatedwith a clear coat paint finish. To maintaintheir condition we recommend that you:
•Clean the wheels weekly usingMotorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner.Apply using manufacturer'sinstructions.
•Use a sponge to remove heavydeposits of dirt and brake dustaccumulation.
•Rinse thoroughly with a strong streamof water when you have completed thecleaning process.
•To remove tar and grease, useMotorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for anextended period of time (30 days or more),read the following maintenancerecommendations to make sure yourvehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their componentswere engineered and tested for reliable,regular driving. Long term storage undervarious conditions may lead to componentdegradation or failure unless specificprecautions are taken to preserve thecomponents.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilatedplace.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, theyrequire regular maintenance to protectagainst rust and damage.
Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud fromexterior surfaces, rear-wheel housingand underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash your vehicle storedin exposed locations.
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•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen your vehicle is washed.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lidhinges, and latches with a light gradeoil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should bechanged prior to storage, as usedengine oil contain contaminates thatmay cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run atfast idle until it reaches normaloperating temperature
•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm there are no cooling systemleaks, and fluid is at the recommendedlevel.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery, itmay be advisable to disconnect thebattery cables to ensure battery chargeis maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, itwill be necessary to reset memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brakeare fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, leversand pins under your vehicle are coveredwith grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8meters) every 15 days to lubricateworking parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirtor grease film build-up on windowsurfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tireinflation per the Tire Label.
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1.T-type mini-spare: This spare tirebegins with the letter T for tire size andmay have Temporary Use Only molded inthe sidewall.
2.Full-size dissimilar spare with labelon wheel: This spare tire has a label onthe wheel that states: THIS WHEEL ANDTIRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USEONLY.
When driving with one of the dissimilarspare tires listed above, do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximumvehicle load rating listed on the SafetyCompliance Label.
•Tow a trailer.
•Use snow chains on the end of thevehicle with the dissimilar spare tire.
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tireat a time.
•Use commercial car washingequipment.
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire.
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tireslisted above at any one wheel location canlead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and brakingperformance.
•Comfort and noise.
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
•Winter weather driving capability.
•Wet weather driving capability.
•All-wheel driving capability (ifapplicable).
3.Full-size dissimilar spare withoutlabel on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly, do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•Use more than one dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly at a time.
•Use commercial car washingequipment.
•Use snow chains on the end of thevehicle with the dissimilar spare wheeland tire assembly.
The usage of a full-size dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly can lead toimpairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and brakingperformance.
•Comfort and noise.
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
•Winter weather driving capability.
•Wet weather driving capability.
•All-wheel driving capability
When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly additionalcaution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer.
•Driving vehicles equipped with acamper body.
•Driving vehicles with a load on thecargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-sizedissimilar spare wheel and tire assemblyand seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNINGS
When one of the front wheels is offthe ground, the transmission alonewill not prevent the vehicle frommoving or slipping off the jack, even if thetransmission selector lever is in position P.
To help prevent your vehicle frommoving when you change a tire, besure to place the transmissionselector lever in position P, set the parkingbrake and block (in both directions) thewheel that is diagonally opposite (otherside and end of the vehicle) to the tirebeing changed.
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WARNINGS
Never get underneath a vehicle thatis supported only by a jack. If yourvehicle slips off the jack, you orsomeone else could be seriously injured.
Do not attempt to change a tire onthe side of the vehicle close tomoving traffic. Pull far enough off theroad to avoid the danger of being hit whenoperating the jack or changing the wheel.
Always use the jack provided asoriginal equipment with your vehicle.If using a jack other than the oneprovided as original equipment with yourvehicle, make sure the jack capacity isadequate for the vehicle weight, includingany vehicle cargo or modifications.
Note:Passengers should not remain in thevehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
1.Park on a level surface, set the parkingbrake and activate the hazard flashers.
2.Place the transmission selector leverin position P (automatic transmission)or position R (manual transmission)and turn the engine off.
3.Remove the carpeted wheel cover.
4.Remove the spare tire bolt securing thespare tire by turning itcounterclockwise.
5.Remove the spare tire from the sparetire compartment.
6.Remove the lug wrench and jack fromthe foam holder.
7.Block the diagonally opposite wheel.
8.Loosen each wheel lug nut one-halfturn counterclockwise but do notremove them until the wheel is raisedoff the ground.
Note:Jack at the specified locations toavoid damage to the vehicle.
9.The vehicle jacking points are shownhere, and are depicted on the yellowwarning label on the jack.
10.Small arrow-shaped marks on thesills show the location of the jackingpoints.
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