Note:Industrial-strength or heavy-dutycleaners in combination with brush agitationto remove brake dust and dirt, could wearaway the clear coat finish over a period time.
Note:Do not use hydrofluoric acid-basedor high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steelwool, fuels or strong household detergents.
Note:If you intend parking your vehicle foran extended period after cleaning thewheels with a wheel cleaner, drive yourvehicle for a few minutes before doing so.This will reduce the risk of increasedcorrosion of the brake discs.
Alloy wheels and wheel covers are coatedwith a clear coat paint finish. To maintaintheir condition we recommend that you:
•Clean the wheels weekly usingMotorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner.Apply using manufacturer'sinstructions.
•Use a sponge to remove heavydeposits of dirt and brake dustaccumulation.
•Rinse thoroughly with a strong streamof water when you have completed thecleaning process.
•To remove tar and grease, useMotorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30days or more, read the followingmaintenance recommendations to makesure your vehicle stays in good operatingcondition.
We engineer and test all motor vehiclesand their components for reliable, regulardriving. Under various conditions,long-term storage may lead to degradedengine performance or failure unless youuse specific precautions to preserve enginecomponents.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilatedplace.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, theyrequire regular maintenance to protectagainst rust and damage.
Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud fromexterior surfaces, rear-wheel housingand the underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash your vehicle if it isstored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen you wash your vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood, door and luggagecompartment hinges and latches witha light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oilcontains contaminates which maycause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days for aminimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idlewith the climate controls set to defrostuntil the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
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•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no coolingsystem leaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery,we recommend that you disconnectthe battery cables to maintain batterycharge for quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, leversand pins under your vehicle are coveredwith grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)every 15 days to lubricate working partsand prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirtor grease film build-up on windowsurfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage such as mice or squirrelnests.
•Check the exhaust for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tireinflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Driveyour vehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back andforth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant,oil and gas) to make sure there are noleaks, and fluids are at recommendedlevels.
•If you remove the battery, clean thebattery cable ends and check fordamage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you haveany concerns or issues.
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General Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelinescould result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Note:Do not use the kit if a tire has becomeseverely damaged by driving the vehicle witha tire that has insufficient air pressure. Onlypunctured areas located within the tire treadcan be sealed with the kit.
Do not attempt to repair punctures largerthan ¼ inch (6 millimeters) or damage tothe tire's sidewall. The tire may notcompletely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affecttire performance. For this reason:
Note:Do not drive the vehicle above50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:Do not drive further than 120 mi(200 km). Drive only to the closestauthorized Ford dealer or tire repair shop tohave your tire inspected.
•Drive carefully and avoid abruptsteering maneuvers.
•Periodically monitor tire inflationpressure in the affected tire. If the tireis losing pressure, have the vehicletowed.
•Read the information in the Tips forUse of the Kit section to make sure safeoperation of the kit and your vehicle.
Tips for Use of the Kit
Read the following list of tips to ensuresafe operation of the kit:
•Before operating the kit, make sureyour vehicle is safely off the road andaway from moving traffic. Turn on thehazard lights.
•Always set the parking brake to ensurethe vehicle does not moveunexpectedly.
•Do not remove any foreign objects,such as nails or screws, from the tire.
•When using the kit, leave the enginerunning (only if the vehicle is outdoorsor in a well-ventilated area) so thecompressor does not drain the vehiclebattery.
•Do not allow the compressor tooperate continuously for more than 15minutes. This will help prevent thecompressor from overheating.
•Never leave the kit unattended whenit is operating.
•Sealant compound contains latex.Make sure that you use the non-latexgloves provided to avoid an allergicreaction.
•Keep the kit away from children.
•Only use the kit when the ambienttemperature is between -22°F (-30°C)and 158°F (70°C).
•Only use the sealing compound beforethe use by date. The use by date is onthe lower right hand corner of the labellocated on the sealant canister(bottle). Check the use by dateregularly and replace the canister afterfour years.
•Do not store the kit unsecured insidethe passenger compartment of thevehicle as it may cause injury during asudden stop or crash. Always store thekit in its original location.
•After sealant use, the tire pressuremonitoring system sensor and valvestem on the wheel must be replacedby an authorized Ford dealer.
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•When inflating a tire or other objects,use the black air hose only. Do not usethe transparent hose which is designedfor sealant application only.
•Operating the kit could cause anelectrical disturbance in radio, CD, andDVD player operation.
What to do when a Tire IsPunctured
A tire puncture within the tire tread areacan be repaired in two stages with the kit.
•In the first stage, the tire will bereinflated with a sealing compoundand air. After the tire has beenreinflated, you will need to drive thevehicle a short distance 4 mi (6 km) todistribute the sealant in the tire.
•In the second stage, you will need tocheck the tire pressure and adjust, ifnecessary, to the vehicle tire inflationpressure.
First Stage: Reinflating the Tirewith Sealing Compound and Air
WARNINGS
Do not stand directly over the kitwhile inflating the tire. If you noticeany unusual bulges or deformationsin the tire sidewall during inflation, stopand call roadside assistance.
If the tire does not inflate to therecommended tire pressure within15 minutes, stop and call roadsideassistance.
Preparation: Park the vehicle in a safe, leveland secure area, away from moving traffic.Turn the hazard lights on. Apply the parkingbrake and turn the engine off. Inspect theflat tire for visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. Toavoid any allergic reactions, use thenon-latex gloves located in the accessorybox on the underside of the kit housing.
Do not remove any foreign object that haspierced the tire. If a puncture is located inthe tire sidewall, stop and call roadsideassistance.
1. Remove the valve cap from the tirevalve.
2. Unwrap the clear tube from thecompressor housing.
3. Remove the tube cap and fasten themetal connector of the tube to the tirevalve, turning clockwise. Make sure theconnection is tightly fastened.
4. Plug the power cable into the 12-voltpower point in the vehicle.
5. Remove the warning sticker found onthe canister and place it on the top ofthe instrument panel or the center ofthe dash.
6. Start the vehicle only if the vehicle isoutdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
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Note:The suspension insulation andbumpers will help prevent vehicle damage.Do not remove these components from yourvehicle when using snow tires and chains.
If the tires on your vehicle have all seasontreads, they will provide traction in rain andsnow. However, in some climates, you mayneed to use snow tires and cables. If youneed to use cables, it is recommended thatsteel wheels (of the same size andspecifications) be used, as cables may chipaluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snowtires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading yourvehicle.
•Use only SAE Class S snow chains,snow cables or equivalent on the frontaxle for P235/55R18 equipped vehicles.The use of snow chains, snow cablesor other traction assist devices that arelarger than SAE Class S may causedamage to your vehicle’s wheel house,suspension and/or body.
•Do not install tire chains, cables, oroptional traction devices on the reartires. This could cause damage to thevehicle’s wheel house or body.
•Install cable chains securely, verifyingthat the cables do not touch any wiring,brake lines or fuel lines.
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) withtire cables on your vehicle.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cablesrub or bang against your vehicle, stopand retighten the cables. If this doesnot work, remove the cables to preventdamage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cables when they areno longer needed. Do not use tirecables on dry roads.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM
WARNING
The tire pressure monitoring systemis not a substitute for manuallychecking tire pressures. You shouldperiodically check tire pressures using apressure gauge. Failure to correctlymaintain tire pressures could increase therisk of tire failure, loss of control, vehiclerollover and personal injury.
Each tire, including the spare (ifprovided), should be checkedmonthly when cold and inflatedto the inflation pressure recommended bythe vehicle manufacturer on the vehicleplacard or tire inflation pressure label. (Ifyour vehicle has tires of a different sizethan the size indicated on the vehicleplacard or tire inflation pressure label, youshould determine the proper tire inflationpressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehiclehas been equipped with a Tire PressureMonitoring System (TPMS) thatilluminates a low tire pressure telltalewhen one or more of your tires issignificantly under-inflated. Accordingly,when the low tire pressure telltaleilluminates, you should stop and checkyour tires as soon as possible, and inflatethem to the proper pressure. Driving on asignificantly under-inflated tire causes thetire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiencyand tire tread life, and may affect thevehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
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How Temperature Affects Your TirePressure
The tire pressure monitoring systemmonitors tire pressure in each pneumatictire. While driving in a normal manner, atypical passenger tire inflation pressuremay increase about 2–4 psi (14–28 kPa)from a cold start situation. If the vehicle isstationary overnight with the outsidetemperature significantly lower than thedaytime temperature, the tire pressure maydecrease about 3 psi (21 kPa) for a drop of30°F (17°C) in ambient temperature. Thislower pressure value may be detected bythe tire pressure monitoring system asbeing significantly lower than therecommended inflation pressure andactivate the system warning light for lowtire pressure. If the low tire pressurewarning light is on, visually check each tireto verify that no tire is flat. If one or moretires are flat, repair as necessary. Checkthe air pressure in the road tires. If any tireis under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicleto the nearest location where air can beadded to the tires. Inflate all the tires tothe recommended inflation pressure.
CHANGING A ROAD WHEEL
WARNINGS
Do not use tire sealants as they maydamage the tire pressure monitoringsystem.
If the tire pressure monitor sensorbecomes damaged it may notfunction.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring systemindicator light will illuminate when the sparetire is in use. To restore the full function ofthe monitoring system, all road wheelsequipped with tire pressure monitoringsensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
If you get a flat tire while driving, do notapply the brake heavily. Instead, graduallydecrease your speed. Hold the steeringwheel firmly and slowly move to a safeplace on the side of the road.
Have a flat serviced by an authorizeddealer in order to prevent damage to thetire pressure monitoring system sensors.See Tire Pressure Monitoring System(page 287). Replace the spare tire with aroad tire as soon as possible. Duringrepairing or replacing of the flat tire, havethe authorized dealer inspect the tirepressure monitoring system sensor fordamage.
Dissimilar Spare Wheel and TireAssembly Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelinescould result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare wheel andtire, then it is intended for temporary useonly. This means that if you need to use it,you should replace it as soon as possiblewith a road wheel and tire assembly thatis the same size and type as the road tiresand wheels that were originally providedby Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheelis damaged, it should be replaced ratherthan repaired.
A dissimilar spare wheel and tire assemblyis defined as a spare wheel and tireassembly that is different in brand, size orappearance from the road tires and wheelsand can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare: This spare tirebegins with the letter T for tire size andmay have Temporary Use Only molded inthe sidewall.
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2.Full-size dissimilar spare with labelon wheel: This spare tire has a label onthe wheel that states: THIS WHEEL ANDTIRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USEONLY.
When driving with one of the dissimilarspare tires listed above, do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
•Load the vehicle beyond maximumvehicle load rating listed on the SafetyCompliance Label.
•Tow a trailer.
•Use snow chains on the end of thevehicle with the dissimilar spare tire.
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tireat a time.
•Use commercial car washingequipment.
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire.
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tireslisted above at any one wheel location canlead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and brakingperformance.
•Comfort and noise.
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
•Winter weather driving capability.
•Wet weather driving capability.
•All-wheel driving capability.
3.Full-size dissimilar spare withoutlabel on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly, do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•Use more than one dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly at a time.
•Use commercial car washingequipment.
•Use snow chains on the end of thevehicle with the dissimilar spare wheeland tire assembly.
The usage of a full-size dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly can lead toimpairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and brakingperformance.
•Comfort and noise.
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
•Winter weather driving capability.
•Wet weather driving capability.
•All-wheel driving capability.
When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly additionalcaution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer.
•Driving vehicles equipped with acamper body.
•Driving vehicles with a load on thecargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-sizedissimilar spare wheel and tire assemblyand seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNINGS
When one of the front wheels is offthe ground, the transmission alonewill not prevent the vehicle frommoving or slipping off the jack, even if thetransmission is in park (P).
To help prevent your vehicle frommoving when changing a wheel, shiftthe transmission into park (P), setthe parking brake and use an appropriateblock or wheel chock to secure the wheeldiagonally opposite to the wheel beingchanged. For example, when changing thefront left wheel, place an appropriate blockor wheel chock on the right rear wheel.
Do not work on your vehicle whenthe jack is the only support. If thevehicle slips off the jack, you orsomeone else could be seriously injured.
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WARNINGS
Do not attempt to change a tire onthe side of the vehicle close tomoving traffic. Pull far enough off theroad to avoid the danger of being hit whenoperating the jack or changing the wheel.
Always use the jack provided asoriginal equipment with your vehicle.If using a jack other than the oneprovided, make sure the jack capacity isadequate for the vehicle weight, includingany vehicle cargo or modifications. If youare unsure if the jack capacity is adequate,contact the authorized dealer.
Note:Passengers should not remain in yourvehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
Note:Jack at the specified locations toavoid damage to the vehicle.
1.Park on a level surface, set the parkingbrake and activate the hazard flashers.
2.Place the transmission in park (P) andturn the engine off.
3. Block the diagonally opposite wheel.
4. Lift the trunk cargo cover and removethe wing nut that secures the spare tireby turning it counterclockwise.
5.Lift and remove the spare tire from thetrunk.
6. Remove the second wing nut thatsecures the jack retention bracket byturning it counterclockwise, thenremove the jack kit from your vehicle.
7. Remove the jack and the wrench fromthe felt bag. Fold down the wrenchsocket used to loosen the lug nuts andto operate the jack.
8. Loosen each wheel lug nut one-halfturn counterclockwise, but do notremove them until the wheel is raisedoff the ground.
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