
Note:
During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced.
In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without engine coolant
in order to reach a vehicle service location.
In this instance, qualified personnel:
1. Must drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the coolant system with Motorcraft Premium Cooling
System Flush.
3. Refill with engine coolant as soon as possible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, can
cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine
damage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to
the coolant. These can be harmful and
compromise the corrosion protection of
the coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled
coolant as an approved recycling process
is not yet available. Dispose of used engine coolant in an
appropriate manner. Follow your
community's regulations and standards
for recycling and disposing of automotive
fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•
It may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection. Coolant concentrations
above 60% decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• You can decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
• Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the freeze and corrosion
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in
the scheduled maintenance information,
the coolant should be changed. Add
prediluted coolant approved to the correct
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 224).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
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How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,
the coolant temperature gauge
moves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use during
emergencies only. Operate your
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long
as necessary to bring your vehicle to rest
in a safe location and seek immediate
repairs. When in fail-safe mode, your
vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and
may completely shut down without
warning, potentially losing engine power,
power steering assist, and power brake
assist, which may increase the possibility
of a crash resulting in serious injury. WARNINGS
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is running or
hot.
Your vehicle has limited engine power
when in the fail-safe mode, drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNING
To reduce the risk of crash and injury,
be prepared that the vehicle speed
may reduce and the vehicle may not
be able to accelerate with full power until
the coolant temperature reduces. 179
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If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a 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 coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no need
to pull off the road. You can continue to
drive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automatically
turn on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant
temperature decreases to the normal
operating temperature, the air conditioning
turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves
fully into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine
soon messages appear in your information
display, do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and shift the transmission into
park (P).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. After
several minutes, if the temperature
does not drop, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level. 4. If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 2.0L
ECOBOOST™
6F35 Transmission
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
The automatic transmission does not
consume fluid. If the transmission is not
working correctly, for example, the
transmission slips, shifts slowly or there
are signs of fluid leakage, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Change the automatic transmission fluid
and filter at the correct service interval.
Do not use supplemental automatic
transmission fluid additives because they
are unnecessary and could lead to
transmission damage that may not be
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 3.5L DURATEC/
3.5L ECOBOOST™/3.7L
6F50/6F55 Transmission (If Equipped) WARNING
The dipstick and surrounding
components are hot. Use gloves
when moving components and
checking the transmission fluid level.
Failure to follow this warning could result
in serious personal injury. 180
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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.
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 start the engine with the air
filter removed. This can cause
damage not covered by the vehicle
Warranty and can result in serious injury. 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.
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2
3

High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MIN range of
the dipstick, remove fluid to reach the MIN
level.
Note:
Fluid level above the MIN 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
Low fluid level Overfilled fluid level
Note:
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift or engagement
concerns or possible damage.
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.
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:
Reinstalling The Air Filter
Assembly
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Replace the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down
on the air filter assembly.
3. Tighten the clamp holding the air filter
assembly to the rubber hose.
4. Install and tighten the two bolts that attach the air filter assembly to the
front of the vehicle.
5. Install the bolt cover.
6. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into
the front of the air filter assembly.
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If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.
Because your vehicle
’s engine is
electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery
is installed, the engine must relearn its idle
and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. Flexible fuel
vehicles (FFV) must also relearn the
ethanol content of the fuel for optimum
driveability and performance.
To restore the settings, do the following:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
3. Switch off all accessories.
4. Press the brake pedal and start your vehicle.
5. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. While the
engine is warming up, complete the
following: Reset the clock. See Audio
System (page 251). Reset the power
windows bounce-back feature. See
Windows and Mirrors
(page 62).
Reset the radio station presets. See
Audio System
(page 251).
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
7. Drive the vehicle at least 10 mi (16 km)
to completely relearn the idle trim and
fuel trim strategy.
Note: If you do not allow the engine to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the engine computer
eventually relearns the idle trim and fuel
trim strategy. Note:
For flexible fuel vehicles, if you are
operating on E85, you may experience poor
starts or an inability to start the engine and
driveability problems until the fuel trim and
ethanol content have been relearned.
Make sure that you dispose of old batteries
in an environmentally friendly way. Seek
advice from your local authority about
recycling old batteries.
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.
Battery Management System
(If
Equipped)
The battery management system monitors
battery conditions and takes actions to
extend battery life. If excessive battery
drain is detected, the system temporarily
disables some electrical systems to
protect the battery.
Systems included are:
• Heated rear window.
• Heated seats.
• Climate control.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Audio unit.
• Navigation system.
A message may appear in the information
displays to alert you that battery
protection actions are active. These
messages are only for notification that an
action is taking place, and not intended to
indicate an electrical problem or that the
battery requires replacement.
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CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER
WARNING
Do not start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. This can cause
damage not covered by the vehicle
Warranty and can result in serious injury. When changing the air filter element, use
only the air filter element listed. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
224).
For vehicles with EcoBoost engines, when
servicing the air cleaner, it is important that
no foreign material enters the air induction
system. The engine and turbocharger are
susceptible to damage from even small
particles.
Change the air filter element at the correct
interval. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 301).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. Resulting component damage
may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
To replace the air filter element do the
following:
1. Switch the ignition off. 2. Remove the clips that secure the air
filter housing cover.
3. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
4. Remove the air filter element from the
air filter housing.
5. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter
housing and cover to make sure no dirt
gets in the engine and that you have a
good seal.
6. Install a new air filter element.
7. Install the air filter housing cover. 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 it is not properly
seated.
8. Engage the clips to secure the air filter housing cover to the air filter housing.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Your dealer has many quality products
available to clean your vehicle and protect
its finishes.
CLEANING PRODUCTS
Materials
For best results, use the following products
or products of equivalent quality: Specification
Name
Motorcraft® Bug and Tar Remover ZC-42 (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Custom Bright Metal Cleaner ZC-15 (U.S. & Canada) ESR-M14P4-A
Motorcraft® Detail Wash ZC-3-A (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Engine Shampoo and Degreaser ZC-20 (U.S.)
Motorcraft® Engine Shampoo CXC-66-A (Canada)
Motorcraft® Leather and Vinyl Cleaner ZC-56 (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Multi-Purpose Cleaner CXC-101 (Canada)
WSS-M14P19-A
Motorcraft® Premium Windshield Wash Concentrate with Bitterant
ZC-32-B2 (U.S.)
WSS-M14P19-A
Motorcraft® Premium Windshield Wash Concentrate with Bitterant
CXC-37-A/B/D/F (Canada)
Motorcraft® Professional Strength Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
ZC-54 (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Spot and Stain Remover ZC-14 (U.S.)
ESR-M14P5-A
Motorcraft® Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner ZC-23 (U.S.)
ESR-M14P5-A
Motorcraft® Premium Glass Cleaner CXC-100 (Canada)
Motorcraft® Wheel and Tire Cleaner ZC-37-A (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Dusting Cloth (ZC-24)
CLEANING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or
lukewarm water and a neutral pH
shampoo, we recommend Motorcraft
Detail Wash. •
Never use strong household detergents
or soap, for example dish washing or
laundry liquid. These products can
discolor and spot painted surfaces.
• Never wash your vehicle when it is hot
to the touch, or during strong or direct
sunlight.
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