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.
When this occurs, the vehicle will still
operate. However:
• The engine power will be limited.
• The air conditioning system will bedisabled.
Continued operation will increase the
engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing
steering and braking effort to increase.
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 the
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long
as necessary to bring the vehicle to
rest in a safe location and seek
immediate repairs. When in fail-safe
mode, the 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.
WARNINGS
Never remove the coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
You have limited engine power when
in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will
not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run
rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down
automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken 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 replenish if low.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note: Driving the vehicle without
repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
275
Maintenance
High fluid level
E158844
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid to
reach the hashmark level.
Note:Fluid level above the MAX level
may cause shift or engagement
concerns or possible damage. High
fluid levels can be caused by an
overheating condition. 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. Depending on vehicle use,
cooling times could take up to 30
minutes or longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission
Fluid Levels
E158845
E158846
Before adding any fluid, make sure the
correct type is used. The type of fluid
used is normally indicated on the
dipstick and also in the Technical
Specifications section in this chapter.
Note: An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift or
engagement concerns or possible
damage.
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. Reinstall
the air filter assembly. After the fluid
level has been checked and adjusted
as necessary, do the following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees clockwise without
disconnecting the sensor.
4. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing
down on the air filter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attach air filter assembly to the
front of the vehicle.
279
Maintenance
Note: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.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
E142463
Run the tip of your fingers over the
edge of the blade to check for
roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer
fluid or water applied with a soft
sponge or cloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
The wiper arms can be manually
moved when the ignition is off. This
allows for ease of blade replacement
and cleaning under the blades.
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm away from the glass.
E129990
1
1 2
2. Press the locking buttons together.
3. Rotate and remove the wiperblade.
4. Install in the reverse order.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade
locks into place. Lower the wiper arm
and blade back to the windshield. The
wiper arms will automatically return to
their normal position when the ignition
is turned on.
Replace wiper blades at least once
per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved
by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER
WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle
damage and/or personal burn
injuries do not start your engine with
the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
283
Maintenance
• Only use the sealing compoundbefore 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.
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.
299
Wheels and Tires
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
The vehicle identification number is
located on the left-hand side of the
instrument panel.
E142476
Please note that in the graphic, XXXX
is representative of your vehicle
identification number.
The Vehicle Identification Number
contains the following information:
E142477
World manufacturer
identifier
A
Brake system, Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, Restraint
Devices and their locations
B
Make, vehicle line, series,
body type
C
Engine type
D
Check digit
E
Model year
F
Assembly plant
G
Production sequence
number
H
331
Capacities and Specifications
Ford part number /Ford specification
Ford part name or
equivalent
Capacity
Item
/ WSH-M1C231-A
1Use only Motorcraft DOT 4 LV High Performance Brake Fluid or equivalent
meeting WSS-M6C65-A2 and ISO 4925 Class 6. Use of any fluid other than
the recommended fluid may cause brake system damage.
2Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.
3Automatic transmissions that require Motorcraft MERCON LV transmission
fluid should only use Motorcraft MERCON LV transmission fluid.
Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission
damage.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter at the correct service interval.
See Scheduled Maintenance (page 436).
4See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.
5Your engine has been designed to use Motorcraft engine oils or equivalent oils
that meet Ford specifications. It is also acceptable to use an engine oil of
recommended viscosity grade that meets API SN requirements and displays
the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines
6Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are
unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is not covered by your Ford
warranty.
7Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
8
WARNING
The A/C refrigerant system contains refrigerant R-134a under high pressure.
Opening the A/C refrigerant system can cause personal injury. A/C
refrigerant system is to be serviced only by qualified personnel.
336
Capacities and Specifications
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.
438
Scheduled Maintenance
Check every six months
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.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running
right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked
regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection
performed at every scheduled
maintenance interval to help make
sure your vehicle keeps running great.
Multi-Point inspection
Hazard warning system operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Horn operation
Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air condi-tioning hoses
Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamage
Exhaust system
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear andproper pressure
**Fluid levels*; fill if necessary
439
Scheduled Maintenance