AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the gearshift islatched in P (Park). Turn the ignitionto the off position and remove the keywhenever you leave your vehicle.
Do not apply the brake pedal andaccelerator pedal simultaneously.Applying both pedals simultaneouslyfor more than three seconds will limitengine rpm, which may result in difficultymaintaining speed in traffic and could leadto serious injury.
Understanding the Positions ofYour Automatic Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptivetransmission shift strategy. Adaptivetransmission shift strategy offers theoptimal transmission operation and shiftquality. When the vehicle’s battery hasbeen disconnected for any type of serviceor repair, the transmission will need torelearn the normal shift strategyparameters, much like having to reset yourradio stations when your vehicle batteryhas been disconnected. The adaptivetransmission shift strategy allows thetransmission to relearn these operatingparameters.
This learning process could take severaltransmission upshifts and downshifts;during this learning process, slightly firmershifts may occur. After this learningprocess, normal shift feel and shiftscheduling will resume.
Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
1.Fully press down the brake pedal.
2.Move the gearshift lever into thedesired gear.
3.Come to a complete stop.
4.Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in P (Park)
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission andprevents the rear wheels from turning.Come to a complete stop before puttingyour vehicle into and out of P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), thevehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), thevehicle can be started and is free to roll.Hold the brake pedal down while in thisposition.
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is thenormal driving position for the best fueleconomy. The overdrive function allowsautomatic upshifts and downshifts throughgears one through five.
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4.After three seconds, the Service: Oilreset in prog. message will bedisplayed.
5.After 25 seconds, the Service: Oil resetcomplete message will be displayed.
6.Release the accelerator and brakepedals, then rotate the key to the offposition.
Note:The Service: Oil reset completemessage will no longer be displayed.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when theengine is hot. Steam and scaldingliquids released from a hot coolingsystem can burn you badly. Also, spillingcoolant on hot engine parts can burn you.
Do not put engine coolant in thewindshield washer fluid container. Ifsprayed on the windshield, enginecoolant could make it difficult to seethrough the windshield.
To reduce the risk of personal injury,make sure the engine is cool beforeunscrewing the coolant pressurerelief cap. The cooling system is underpressure; steam and hot liquid can comeout forcefully when you loosen the capslightly.
Do not add coolant further than theMAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the enginecoolant at the intervals listed in thescheduled maintenance information. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 121).
Note:Make sure that the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the coolantreservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, belowthe MIN mark, or empty, add coolantimmediately. See Adding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should bemaintained within 48% to 50%, whichequates to a freeze point between -30°F(-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolantconcentration should be tested with arefractometer such as Robinair Coolant andBattery Refractometer 75240. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use engine coolant,antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outsideof its specified function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or additives as they cancause damage to the engine cooling orheating systems. Your vehicle’s warrantydoes not cover this damage.
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What you Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling
If you deplete the engine coolant supply,this feature allows you to drive your vehicletemporarily before you incur incrementalcomponent damage. The fail-safe distancedepends on ambient temperatures, vehicleload and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the enginecoolant temperature gauge will move tothe red (hot) area and:
The coolant temperaturewarning indicator will light.
The service engine soonindicator will light.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the enginewill automatically switch to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, the vehicle will stilloperate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•This will disable the air conditioningsystem.
Continued operation will increase theengine temperature and the engine willcompletely shut down, causing steeringand braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, theengine can be re-started. Take your vehicleto an authorized dealer as soon as possibleto minimize engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use duringemergencies only. Operate thevehicle in fail-safe mode only as longas necessary to bring the vehicle to rest ina safe location and seek immediate repairs.When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle willhave limited power, will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
You have limited engine power when in thefail-safe mode, so drive the vehicle withcaution. The vehicle will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation and theengine will run rough. Remember that theengine is capable of completely shuttingdown automatically to prevent enginedamage, therefore:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch off the engine.
2.Have your vehicle towed to anauthorized dealer.
3.If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4.Check the coolant level and replenishif low.
5.Re-start the engine and take yourvehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairingthe engine problem increases the chance ofengine damage. Take your vehicle to anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Engine Coolant Check..................................75Adding Engine Coolant.......................................75Recycled Engine Coolant...................................76Severe Climates....................................................76What you Should Know About Fail-SafeCooling.................................................................77Engine Oil Check.............................................74Adding Engine Oil.................................................74Resetting the Oil Life MonitoringSystem.................................................................74Engine Oil Dipstick.........................................74Engine Specifications..................................110Drivebelt Routing.................................................110Essential Towing Checks............................44Before Towing a Trailer......................................46Hitches.....................................................................44Launching or Retrieving a Boat or PersonalWatercraft (PWC)..........................................46Safety Chains.........................................................45Trailer Brakes.........................................................45Trailer Lamps.........................................................45When Towing a Trailer.......................................46Export Unique Options...................................7Extended Service Plan (ESP)...................119SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY).............120SERVICE PLANS (U.S. Only)...........................119
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Ford Credit...........................................................5(U.S. Only).................................................................5Fuel and Refueling.........................................22Fuel Consumption.........................................25Calculating Fuel Economy................................25Filling the Tank......................................................25Fuel Filter...........................................................82Fuel Quality......................................................23Choosing the Right Fuel.....................................23Octane Recommendations..............................23Fuses....................................................................61Fuse Specification Chart..............................61Diode and Relay Module....................................67Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel..........68Power Distribution Box.......................................61
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Gauges.................................................................12Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge.............13Engine Oil Pressure Gauge.................................12Fuel Gauge...............................................................13Speedometer..........................................................12Transmission Fluid TemperatureGauge....................................................................12General Maintenance Information..........121Multi-point Inspection.......................................123Owner Checks and Services...........................122Protecting Your Investment.............................121Why Maintain Your Vehicle?............................121Why Maintain Your Vehicle at YourDealership?.......................................................121Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. andCanada...........................................................58Getting the Services You Need.................55Away From Home................................................55
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HandbrakeSee: Parking Brake...............................................34Hazard Warning Flashers............................52Hints on Driving With Anti-LockBrakes..............................................................33
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Ignition Switch................................................20In California (U.S. Only)...............................56Information Displays......................................16General Information.............................................16Information Messages...................................17Engine........................................................................18Maintenance...........................................................18Transmission...........................................................19Instrument Cluster..........................................12Instrument Lighting Dimmer......................10Introduction........................................................3
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