
At this time, you may notice your engine
coolant temperature gauge needle move
toward the H and the POWER REDUCED
TO LOWER TEMP message may appear in
the information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle speed
caused by reduced engine power. In order to
manage the engine fluid temperatures, your
vehicle may enter this mode if certain
high-temperature and high-load conditions
take place. The amount of speed reduction
depends on many factors such as vehicle
loading, towing, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no need
to pull off the road. You can continue to drive
your vehicle while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and
off during severe operating conditions to
protect overheating of the engine. When the
engine coolant temperature decreases to a
normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
moves fully into the red (hot) area, or if the
coolant temperature warning or service
engine soon messages appear in your
information display:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and shift the transmission into
P
. 2.
Leave the engine running until the coolant
temperature gauge needle moves away
from the red (hot) area. After several
minutes, if the temperature does not
drop, follow the remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is normal, restart your
engine and continue.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, and restart the engine. See 
Adding Engine
Coolant or How Fail-Safe Cooling
Works in this chapter for more
information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
6F50/6F55 Transmission
 (If Equipped) WARNINGS
The dipstick cap and surrounding
components may be hot, use gloves.
Use gloves when moving the air filter
assembly. Components will be hot. Note:
Automatic transmission fluid expands
when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid
check, drive your vehicle until you warm it up,
approximately 
20 mi (30 km). If you operate
your vehicle for an extended period at high
speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, switch your vehicle off until it
reaches normal operating temperatures to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
Depending on vehicle use, cooling times could
take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes. Your transmission does
not consume fluid. However, you should
check the fluid level if the transmission is not
working properly. For example, if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of a fluid leak.
1. Drive your vehicle 20 mi (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your
foot on the brake pedal, start the engine
and move the gearshift lever through all
of the gear ranges. Allow a minimum of
10 seconds for each gear to engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in park (P) and leave the engine running.
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Note:
For vehicles with the EcoBoost engine,
move the air filter assembly aside to access
the transmission dipstick. See Moving the Air
Filter Assembly for more information.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a dry, lint free clean rag. If necessary,
refer to the Under hood overview in this
chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure you fully seat it in the filler tube by turning it to the
locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid
level. The fluid should be in the
designated areas for normal operating
temperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly
(Accessing the Dipstick) WARNING
Do not run engine with the air filter
disconnected.
1. Switch the engine off. 2. Clean the area around the clamp that
connects the air filter assembly to the
rubber hose and then loosen it.
3. Remove the bolt cover. 4.
Remove two bolts that attach the air filter
assembly to the front of the vehicle.
5. Remove the harness retaining clip by pulling up.
6. Do not disconnect the sensor.
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7. Pull the air filter assembly up to
disconnect it from the seated grommets
located under the air filter assembly.
8. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees
counterclockwise. Make sure the rubber
hose is still connected to the air filter
assembly.
9. Tighten the clamp.
You can now access the transmission fluid
level indicator. Checking the fluid level
Low fluid level If the fluid level is below the MIN range of the
dipstick, add fluid to reach the hash mark
level.
Note:
If the fluid level is below the MIN level,
do not drive the vehicle. An underfill condition
may cause shift or engagement concerns or
possible damage.
Correct fluid level Check the transmission fluid at the normal
operating temperatures between 180°F
(82°C) and 200°F (93°C) on a level surface.
Drive your vehicle until you warm it up to the
normal operating temperature after
approximately 20 mi (30 km).
Target the transmission fluid level within the
cross-hatch area if at the normal operating
temperature between 180°F (82°C) and
200°F (93°C).
High fluid level If the fluid level is above the MAX range of
the dipstick, remove fluid to reach the
hashmark level.
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Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level may
cause shift or engagement concerns or
possible damage. An overheating condition
can cause high fluid levels. If you operate your
vehicle for an extended period at high speeds,
in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a
trailer, you should switch your vehicle off until
your vehicle reaches normal operating
temperatures. Depending on vehicle use,
cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or
longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid
Levels Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct
type is used. The type of fluid used is
normally indicated on the dipstick and 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 you
check the fluid level and adjust as necessary,
do the following:
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose. 3. Seat the air filter assembly back into the
grommets by pushing down on the air
filter assembly.
4. Tighten the clamp.
5. Install and tighten the two bolts that attach the air filter assembly to the front
of the vehicle.
6. Install the bolt cover.
7. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into the front of the air filter assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines
are within the normal operating range; there
is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the
performance of the system could be
compromised; seek service from your
authorized dealer immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering (EPS) system. There is no
fluid reservoir to check or fill.
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WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING
If you operate your vehicle in
temperatures below 40°F (5°C), use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection.
Failure to use washer fluid with antifreeze
protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the
risk of injury or accident. Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford
specifications.  See Capacities and
Specifications (page 290).
State or local regulations on volatile organic
compounds may restrict the use of methanol,
a common windshield washer antifreeze
additive. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be
used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle ’s
paint finish, wiper blades or washer system. FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel
filter that is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replacement is not
needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosive
gases that can cause personal injury.
Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks
or lighted substances to come near the
battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your
eyes. Always provide proper ventilation. This vehicle may be equipped with
more than one battery, removal of
cable from only one battery does not
disconnect your vehicle electrical system. Be
sure to disconnect cables from all batteries
when disconnecting power. Failure to do so
may cause serious personal injury or property
damage. WARNINGS
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the end walls
could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and
damage to the vehicle or battery. Lift the
battery with a battery carrier or with your
hands on opposite corners. Keep batteries out of reach of children.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the
battery to protect against possible splashing
of acid solution. In case of acid contact with
skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for
a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call
a physician immediately. Note:
If your battery has a cover/shield, make
sure it is reinstalled after the battery has been
cleaned or replaced.
Note: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or
components added to your vehicle by the
dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
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CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER
WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage
or personal burn injuries, do not start
your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it when the
engine is running. When changing the air filter element, use only
the air filter element listed.  See Capacities
and Specifications (page 290).
For EcoBoost equipped vehicles, when
servicing the air cleaner, it is important that
no foreign material enter the air induction
system. The engine and turbocharger are
susceptible to damage from even small
particles.
Change the air filter element at the proper
interval.  See 
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 392).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine damage.
The customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the engine if the correct air filter
element is not used. 3.5L EcoBoost Engine 3.7L Engine
1. Release the clamps that secure the air
filter housing cover.
2. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
3. Remove the air filter element from the air
filter housing.
4. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter housing and cover to make sure no dirt
gets in the engine and to make sure you
have a good seal.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful
not to crimp the filter element edges
between the air filter housing and cover.
This could cause filter damage and allow
unfiltered air to enter the engine if not
properly seated.
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6. Install the air filter housing cover.
7.
Engage the clamps to secure the air filter
housing cover to the air filter housing.
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When washing:
•
Take care when using a power washer to
clean the engine. The high-pressure fluid
could penetrate the sealed parts and
cause damage.
• Do not spray a hot engine with cold water
to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and
Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Engine Shampoo.
• Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
hot or running; water in the running engine
may cause internal damage.
• Never wash or rinse any ignition coil, spark
plug wire or spark plug well, or the area
in and around these locations.
• Cover the battery, power distribution box,
and air filter assembly to prevent water
damage when cleaning the engine. CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES
Car wash chemicals and environmental
fallout can result in windshield and wiper
blade contamination. Dirty windshield and
wipers will result in poor windshield wiper
operation. Keep the windshield and wiper
blades clean to maintain windshield wiper
performance.
To clean the windshield and wiper blades:
•
Clean the windshield with a non-abrasive
glass cleaner.
• For windshields contaminated with tree
sap, chemicals, wax or bugs, clean the
entire windshield using steel wool (no
greater than 0000 grade) in a circular
motion and rinse with water.
• Clean the wiper blades with isopropyl
rubbing alcohol or windshield washer
concentrate.
Note:  Do not use razor blades or other sharp
objects to clean or remove decals from the
inside of the heated rear window.  The vehicle
warranty does not cover damage caused to
the heated rear window grid lines. CLEANING THE INTERIOR WARNINGS
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or
dye on the vehicle
’s safety belts, as
these actions may weaken the belt
webbing. On vehicles equipped with
seat-mounted airbags, do not use
chemical solvents or strong detergents.
Such products could contaminate the side
airbag system and affect performance of the
side airbag in a collision. For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts
and seats equipped with side airbags:
•
Remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner.
• Remove light stains and soil with
Motorcraft Professional Strength Carpet
& Upholstery Cleaner.
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