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GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to help
maintain its roadworthiness and resale value.
There is a large network of authorized dealers
that are there to help you with their
professional servicing expertise. We believe
that their specially trained technicians are
best qualified to service your vehicle properly
and expertly. They are supported by a wide
range of highly specialized tools developed
specifically for servicing your vehicle.
To help you service your vehicle, we provide
scheduled maintenance information which
makes tracking routine service easy. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 392).
If your vehicle requires professional service,
an authorized dealer can provide the
necessary parts and service. Check your
warranty information to find out which parts
and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,
fluids and service parts conforming to
specifications. Motorcraft® parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle. Precautions
•
Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in
moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed space, unless you
are sure you have enough ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other burning
material (such as cigarettes) away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the Engine Off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to park (P).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On 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. 1. Set the parking brake and shift to park
(P). 2. Block the wheels
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the left-hand side
of the instrument panel. 234
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2.
Go to the front of your vehicle and locate
the secondary release lever. The release
lever is located below the grille. 3. Release the hood latch by pushing the
yellow secondary release lever to the
left-hand side of your vehicle.
4. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it open. 5. To close, lower the hood and make sure
that you close the hood properly and fully
latch it.
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Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 239).
C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 247).
D.
Battery. See
Changing the 12V Battery (page 248).
E.
Power distribution box. See
Fuses (page 218).
F.
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 255).
G.
Automatic transmission dipstick (under air filter assembly). See
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check (page 244).
H.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See
Washer Fluid Check (page 248).
I.
Engine Shield Some vehicles may be equipped with an
aero-shield under the engine. This shield
needs to be removed for service, including oil
and filter changes. The shield has four
quick-release fasteners to secure it in place. ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
MINA
MAX
B ENGINE OIL CHECK
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Switch the engine off and wait 15 minutes
for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is in park (P).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
See Under Hood
Overview (page 236).
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Battery
•
Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery, we
recommend that you disconnect the
battery cables to maintain battery charge
for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory features
if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
pins under your vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m) every
15 days to lubricate working parts and
prevent corrosion. Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
•
Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or
grease film build-up on window surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected during
storage such as mice or squirrel nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected during
storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire inflation
per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive your
vehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back and forth to
remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil
and gas) to make sure there are no leaks,
and fluids are at recommended levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have any
concerns or issues.
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