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• Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or
any engine coolants mixed with alcohol
or methanol antifreeze (coolant).
Alcohol and other liquids can cause
engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or additives
to the coolant. These can be harmful
and compromise the corrosion
protection of the engine coolant.
Adding Engine Coolant 1. Unscrew the engine coolant reservoir
cap slowly. Any pressure will escape
as you unscrew the cap.
2. Use a funnel to add prediluted engine
coolant to the engine coolant reservoir.
Make sure that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the engine
coolant reservoir. Use prediluted engine
coolant meeting the Ford specification.
See Capacities and Specifications
(page 293).
3. Close the engine coolant reservoir cap.
Whenever you add coolant, check the
coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir
the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough prediluted engine
coolant to bring the engine coolant level
to the proper level.
Adding Inverter System Controller
Coolant 1. Open the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir cap.
2. Use a funnel to add prediluted coolant
to the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir. Make sure that the
level is between the MIN and MAX
marks on the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir. Use prediluted
coolant meeting the Ford specification.
See Capacities and Specifications
(page 293). 3. Close the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir cap.
Whenever you add coolant, check the
coolant level in the inverter system
controller coolant reservoir the next few
times you drive the vehicle. If necessary,
add enough prediluted coolant to bring the
inverter system controller coolant level to
the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant Ford Motor Company does not recommend
the use of recycled engine coolant since a
Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed
of in an appropriate manner. Follow your
community’s regulations and standards
for recycling and disposing of automotive
fluids.
Severe Climates If you drive in extremely cold climates:
• It may be necessary to have an
authorized Ford dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% will
provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will
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 an
authorized Ford dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40% will
provide improved overheat protection.
Engine coolant concentrations below
40% will decrease the corrosion/freeze
protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
247Maintenance
Page 271 of 473

• 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 make sure 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). • 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 crash. 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 (about 4 miles
[6 kilometers]) 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.
268Wheels and Tires
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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, 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.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
446Scheduled Maintenance