Maintenance 310
General information...................................310
Opening and closing the hood............................311
Under hood overview..................................312
Engine oil dipstick....................................315
Engine oil check......................................316
Engine coolant check..................................316
Automatic transmission fluid check........................322
Brake fluid check.....................................326
Fuel filter...........................................327
Washer fluid check....................................327
Battery ............................................327
Checking the wiper blades..............................330
Air filter(s).........................................331
Adjusting the headlamps................................333
Changing a bulb......................................335
Bulb specification chart.................................339
Vehicle Care 341
Cleaning products.....................................341
Cleaning the exterior..................................341
Waxing.............................................343
Repairing minor paint damage............................343
Cleaning the engine...................................343
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................344
Cleaning the interior...................................345
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......345
Cleaning leather seats..................................346
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................347
Vehiclestorage.......................................348
Table of Contents7
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SYMBOL GLOSSARY
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
Heated rear
windowInterior
luggage
compartment
releaseJack
Introduction11
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5. PressOKor>to make a selection.
Note:You can clear or change your MyKey settings at any time during
the same key cycle as you created the MyKey. Once you have switched
the engine off, however, you will need an admin key to change or clear
your MyKey settings.
CLEARING ALL MYKEYS
You can clear all MyKeys within the same key cycle as you created the
MyKey. If you switch your ignition off, however, you will need to use an
admin key to clear your MyKeys.
Note:When you clear your MyKeys, you remove all restrictions and
return all MyKeys to their original admin key status at once.
To clear all MyKeys of all MyKey settings, use the information display to
do the following:
1. Access the main menu and selectSettings, thenMyKey.
2. Scroll toClear Alland press theOKbutton.
3. Hold theOKbutton untilALL MYKEYS CLEAREDdisplays .
CHECKING MYKEY SYSTEM STATUS
You can find information about your programmed MyKeys by using the
information display.
MYKEY DISTANCE
Tracks the distance when drivers use a MyKey. The only way to delete
the accumulated distance is by using an admin key to clear your MyKey.
If the distance does not accumulate as expected, then the intended user
is not using the MyKey, or an admin key user recently cleared and then
recreated a MyKey.
NUMBER OF MYKEY(S)
Indicates the number of MyKeys programmed to your vehicle. Use this
feature to detect how many MyKeys you have for your vehicle and
determine when a MyKey has been deleted.
NUMBER OF ADMIN KEY(S)
Indicates how many admin keys are programmed to your vehicle. Use
this feature to determine how many unrestricted keys you have for your
vehicle, and detect if an additional MyKey has been programmed.
USING MYKEY WITH REMOTE START SYSTEMS
MyKey is not compatible with non-Ford-approved aftermarket remote
start systems. If you choose to install a remote start system, please see
your Ford authorized dealer for a Ford-approved remote start system.
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Brake system warning light
To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the on
position when the engine is not running, or in a position
between on and start, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition
is turned to the on position.
If it illuminates when you are driving, check that the parking brake is not
engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, this indicates low brake
fluid level or a brake system malfunction. Have the system checked
immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause
brake failure and the risk of personal injury.
Charging system (RTT)
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Door ajar (RTT)
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine oil pressure (RTT)
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range.
Engine coolant temperature (RTT)
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let
cool.
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Low washer fluid (RTT)
Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.
Parking Lamps (RTT)
It will illuminate when you switch the parking lamps on.
Powertrain malfunction/reduced power
Illuminates when a powertrain or an 4WD fault has been
detected. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Safety belt
Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A Belt-Minder® chime
will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt.
Service engine soon
Theservice engine soonindicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and to
indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testing. Normally, the “service engine soon” light will stay on until the
engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present.
However, if after 15 seconds the “service engine soon” light blinks eight
times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testingin theFuel and
Refuelingchapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theFuel and Refuelingchapter. If
the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration
and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system,
interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a
fire. Have an authorized dealer service your vehicle immediately.
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AWD/4WD Messages Action / Description
AWD Off Displayed when the system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is
caused by operating the vehicle with the
compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The system will resume normal
function and clear this message after driving a
short distance with the road tire re-installed or
after the system is allowed to cool.
Check AWD Displayed in conjunction with the powertrain
malfunction/reduced power light when the
system is not operating properly. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Battery and
Charging System
MessagesAction / Description
Check Charging
SystemDisplayed when the charging system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues
to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Turn Power Off to
Save BatteryDisplayed when the battery management
system determines that:
•the battery is at a low state of charge or,
•the ignition has been in accessory position
or on position with the engine off for
approximately 45 minutes.
Turn the ignition off as soon as possible to
protect the battery. This message will clear
once the vehicle has been started and the
battery state of charge has recovered. Turning
off unnecessary electrical loads will allow
faster battery state-of-charge recovery.
Information Displays135
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Brake System
MessagesAction / Description
Brake Fluid Level Low Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Check Brake System Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues
to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Park Brake Engaged Displayed when the parking brake is set, the
engine is running and the vehicle is driven
more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the warning
stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Collision Warning
System MessagesAction / Description
Collision Warn Not
AvailableDisplayed when there is a system malfunction
with the collision warning system. The system
will be disabled. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Collision Warn Not
Available Sensor
BlockedDisplayed when the collision warning system
radar is blocked because of poor radar
visibility due to bad weather or ice/mud/water
in front of the radar. Driver can typically clean
the sensor to resolve. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Collision Warning
MalfunctionDisplayed when there is a system malfunction
with the collision warning system. The system
will be disabled. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Information Displays137
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Door Messages Action / Description
X Door Ajar Displayed when a door is not completely
closed.
Liftgate Ajar Displayed when the liftgate is not completely
closed.
Driver Alert
MessagesAction / Description
Driver Alert Warning
Rest NowStop and rest as soon as it is safe to do so.
Driver Alert Warning
Rest suggestedTake a rest break soon.
Fuel Messages Action / Description
Check Fuel Fill Inlet Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may not be
properly closed.
Fuel Level Low Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
Keys and Intelligent
Access MessagesAction / Description
No Key Detected Displayed if the intelligent access key is not
detected by the system in the following three
scenarios:
•When the start/stop button is pressed in an
attempt to either start the engine or cycle
through the ignition states.
•When the engine is running and a door is
opened then closed.
•When the vehicle’s speed exceeds 10 mph
(16 km/h) for the first time after starting.
Key Programmed x
Keys TotalDisplayed during spare key programming,
when an intelligent access key is programmed
to the system.
Max Number of Keys
ProgrammedDisplayed during spare key programming when
the maximum number of keys have been
programmed.
138Information Displays
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