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Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze pointprotection. Coolant concentrationsabove 60% decrease the overheatprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the freeze and corrosionprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Addprediluted coolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 282).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, thecoolant temperature gauge moves towardthe red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use duringemergencies only. Operate yourvehicle in fail-safe mode only as longas necessary to bring your vehicle to restin a safe location and seek immediaterepairs. When in fail-safe mode, yourvehicle will have limited power, will not beable to maintain high-speed operation, andmay completely shut down withoutwarning, potentially losing engine power,power steering assist, and power brakeassist, which may increase the possibilityof a crash resulting in serious injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap when the engine is running orhot.
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Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING
To reduce the risk of crash and injury,be prepared that the vehicle speedmay reduce and the vehicle may notbe able to accelerate with full power untilthe coolant temperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power.In order to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is no needto pull off the road. You can continue todrive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. Afterseveral minutes, if the temperaturedoes not drop, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer checkand change the transmission fluid at thecorrect service interval. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 441).
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick. Yourtransmission does not consume fluid.
An authorized dealer should check thefluid:
•If the transmission is not workingproperly.
•If you notice signs of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than therecommended brake fluid as this willreduce brake efficiency. Use ofincorrect fluid could result in the loss ofvehicle control, serious personal injury ordeath.
Only use brake fluid from a sealedcontainer. Contamination with dirt,water, petroleum products or othermaterials may result in brake systemdamage or failure. Failure to adhere to thiswarning could result in the loss of vehiclecontrol, serious personal injury or death.
Do not allow the fluid to touch yourskin or eyes. If this happens, rinse theaffected areas immediately withplenty of water and contact your physician.
WARNINGS
A fluid level between the MAX andMIN lines is within the normaloperating range and there is no needto add fluid. A fluid level not in the normaloperating range could compromise theperformance of the system. Have yourvehicle checked immediately.
To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoircap must remain in place and fully tight,unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 282).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electricpower steering (EPS) system. There is nofluid reservoir to check or fill.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING
If you operate your vehicle intemperatures below 40°F (5°C), usewasher fluid with antifreezeprotection. Failure to use washer fluid withantifreeze protection in cold weather couldresult in impaired windshield vision andincrease the risk of injury or accident.
Note:The front and rear washer systemsare supplied from the same reservoir.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsFord specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 282).
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State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosivegases which can cause personalinjury. Therefore, do not allowflames, sparks or lighted substances tocome near the battery. When working nearthe battery, always shield your face andprotect your eyes. Always provide correctventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,excessive pressure on the end wallscould cause acid to flow through thevent caps, resulting in personal injury anddamage to the vehicle or battery. Lift thebattery with a battery carrier or with yourhands on opposite corners.
WARNINGS
Keep batteries out of reach ofchildren. Batteries contain sulfuricacid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes orclothing. Shield your eyes when workingnear the battery to protect against possiblesplashing of acid solution. In case of acidcontact with skin or eyes, flushimmediately with water for a minimum of15 minutes and get prompt medicalattention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and relatedaccessories contain lead and leadcompounds. Wash hands afterhandling.
Your vehicle has a Motorcraft®maintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water duringits life of service.
Note:If your vehicle's battery has a coveror shield, make sure it is reinstalled after thebattery has been cleaned or replaced.
Note:See an authorized dealer for lowvoltage battery access, testing, orreplacement.
When a low voltage battery replacementis necessary, see an authorized dealer toreplace the low voltage battery with a Fordrecommended replacement low voltagebattery that matches the electricalrequirements of the vehicle.
To ensure proper operation of the batterymanagement system (BMS), do not allowa technician to connect any electricaldevice ground connection directly to thelow voltage battery negative post. Aconnection at the low voltage batterynegative post can cause inaccuratemeasurements of the battery conditionand potential incorrect system operation.
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Note:If a person adds electrical orelectronic accessories or components to thevehicle, the accessories or components mayadversely affect the low voltage batteryperformance and durability and may alsoaffect the performance of other electricalsystems in the vehicle.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry. Also,make certain the battery cables are alwaystightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
When a battery replacement is required,the battery should only be replaced witha Ford recommended replacement batterythat matches the electrical requirementsof the vehicle.
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically-controlled by a computer,some engine control settings aremaintained by power from the low voltagebattery. Some engine computer settings,like the idle trim and fuel trim strategy,optimize the driveability and performanceof the engine. Some other computersettings, like the clock and radio stationpresets, are also maintained in memory bypower from the low voltage battery. Whena technician disconnects and connects thelow voltage battery, these settings areerased. Complete the following procedurein order to restore the settings:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop,set the parking brake.
2. Shift into park (P).
3. Switch off all accessories.
4. Fully press the brake pedal and startthe vehicle.
5. Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature. While theengine is warming up, complete thefollowing: Reset the clock. See AudioSystem (page 289). Reset the powerwindows bounce-back feature. SeeWindows and Mirrors (page 78).Reset the radio station presets. SeeAudio System (page 289).
6.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute. If the engine turns off, pressthe accelerator pedal to start theengine.
7. While the engine is running, press thebrake pedal and shift into neutral (N).
8.Allow the engine to run for at least oneminute by pressing on the acceleratorpedal.
9.Drive the vehicle at least 12 mi (20 km)to completely relearn the idle and fueltrim strategy.
Note:If you do not allow the engine torelearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, theidle quality of your vehicle may be adverselyaffected until the engine computereventually relearns the idle trim and fueltrim strategy.
Make sure that you dispose of old batteriesin an environmentally friendly way. Seekadvice from your local authority aboutrecycling old batteries.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
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Run the tip of your fingers over the edge ofthe blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluidor water applied with a soft sponge orcloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
Replace the wiper blades at least annuallyfor optimum performance.
You can improve poor wiper quality bycleaning the wiper blades and thewindshield.
Note: The windshield wiper blades aredifferent in length. If you install wiperblades of the wrong length, the wiper bladescan clash damaging the wiper system.
Service Position
Set the windshield wipers in the serviceposition to change the wiper blades.
Note:You can use the service position toprovide easier access to the wiper bladesfor freeing them from snow and ice.
Note:Make sure the windshield is free fromsnow and ice before you switch the ignitionon.
1. Switch the ignition on.
2. Switch the ignition off.
3. Press and hold the wiper lever inposition A within three seconds.
4. Release the wiper lever when thewindshield wipers reach the serviceposition.
Note:The wipers remain in the serviceposition when you switch the ignition on.Press and release the wiper lever to returnthem to the park position.
Changing the Windshield WiperBlades
Note:Do not hold the wiper blade whenlifting the wiper arm.
Note:Make sure that the wiper arm doesnot spring back against the glass when thewiper blade is not attached.
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Note:Make sure the windshield is cleanbefore using new wiper blades.
1. Lift the wiper arm and then press thewiper blade locking buttons together.
2. Slightly rotate the wiper blade.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Install in the reverse order.
Note:Make sure that the wiper blade locksinto place.
Changing the Rear Window WiperBlade
Note:Do not hold the wiper blade whenlifting the wiper arm.
Note:Make sure that the wiper arm doesnot spring back against the glass when thewiper blade is not attached.
1. Lift the wiper arm.
2. Slightly rotate the wiper blade.
3. Disengage the wiper blade from thewiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Install in the reverse order.
Note:Make sure that the wiper blade locksinto place.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
The headlamps on your vehicle areproperly aimed at the assembly plant. Ifyour vehicle has been in an accident, thealignment of your headlamps should bechecked by your authorized dealer.
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8 feet (2.4 meters)A
Center height of lamp to groundB
25 feet (7.6 meters)C
Horizontal reference lineD
1. Park the vehicle directly in front of awall or screen on a level surface,approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters)away.
Note:To see a clearer light pattern foradjusting, you may want to block the lightfrom one headlamp while adjusting theother.
2. Measure the height of the headlampbulb center from the ground and markan 8 foot (2.4 meter) horizontalreference line on the vertical wall orscreen at this height.
3. Turn on the low beam headlamps toilluminate the wall or screen and openthe hood.
4. On the wall or screen you will observea flat zone of high intensity lightlocated at the top of the right handportion of the beam pattern. If the topedge of the high intensity light zone isnot at the horizontal reference line, theheadlamp will need to be adjusted.
5. Locate the vertical adjuster on eachheadlamp. Using a Phillips #2screwdriver, turn the adjuster eitherclockwise or counterclockwise in orderto aim the headlamp. The horizontaledge of the brighter light should touchthe horizontal reference line.
6.Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
Horizontal Aim Adjustment
Horizontal aim is not required for thisvehicle and is non-adjustable.
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