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
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.
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FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter on your vehicle must be
replaced at the specified service interval.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which 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 correct ventilation. 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. WARNINGS
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. Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling. Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery which normally
does not require additional water.
When a battery replacement is required, you
must use a recommended replacement
battery that matches the electrical
requirements of the vehicle.
Note:
If your vehicle has a battery cover,
after cleaning or replacing the battery, make
sure you reinstall it. Note:
See an authorized dealer for battery
access, testing, or replacement.
To make sure the battery management
system works correctly, do not connect an
electrical device ground connection directly
to the battery negative post. This can cause
inaccurate measurements of the battery
condition and potential incorrect system
operation.
Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect battery performance and durability.
This may also affect the performance of
other electrical systems in the vehicle.
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 engine control settings are maintained
by power from the battery. Some engine
computer settings, like the idle trim and fuel
trim strategy, optimize the driveability and
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?
Carefully following the maintenance
schedule helps protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance and may help to
increase the value of your vehicle when you
sell or trade it. Keep all receipts for
completed maintenance with your vehicle.
We have established regular maintenance
intervals for your vehicle based upon
rigorous testing. It is important that you have
your vehicle serviced at the proper times.
These intervals serve two purposes; one is
to maintain the reliability of your vehicle and
the second is to keep your cost of owning
your vehicle down.
It is your responsibility to have all scheduled
maintenance performed and to make sure
that the materials used meet the
specifications identified in this owner's
manual. See Capacities and Specifications
(page 368).
Failure to perform scheduled maintenance
invalidates warranty coverage on parts
affected by the lack of maintenance.
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your
Dealership?
Factory-Trained Technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive
factory-sponsored certification training to
help them become experts on the operation
of your vehicle. Ask your dealership about
the training and certification their technicians
have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft® Replacement
Parts
Dealerships stock Ford, Motorcraft and
Ford-authorized branded re-manufactured
replacement parts. These parts meet or
exceed our specifications. Parts installed at
your dealership carry a nationwide 24-month
or unlimited mile (kilometer) parts and labor
limited warranty.
If you do not use Ford authorized parts they
may not meet our specifications and
depending on the part, it could affect
emissions compliance.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening
and Saturday hours to make your service
visit more convenient and they offer one stop
shopping. They can perform any services
that are required on your vehicle, from
general maintenance to collision repairs.
Note:
Not all dealers have extended hours
or body shops. Please contact your dealer
for details.
Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that pays
dividends in the form of improved reliability,
durability and resale value. To maintain the
proper performance of your vehicle and its
emission control systems, make sure you
have scheduled maintenance performed at
the designated intervals.
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Make sure to change your vehicle
’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with
new fluid that is the same as that required
to fill and operate the system or using a
Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals. Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level. Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
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Multi-Point inspection
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure**
Fluid levels *
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer
** If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tir\
e sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive way
to perform a thorough inspection of your
vehicle. Your checklist gives you immediate
feedback on the overall condition of your
vehicle. NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Oil-Life Monitor that determines when you
should change the engine oil based on how
you use your vehicle. By using several
important factors in its calculations, the
monitor helps reduce the cost of owning your
vehicle and reduces environmental waste at
the same time.This means you do not have to remember to
change the oil on a mileage-based schedule.
Your vehicle lets you know when an oil
change is due by displaying a message in
the information display.
The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of use.
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Normal Maintenance Intervals
At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display
*
Change engine oil and filter. **
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection (recommended).
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with a dips\
tick). Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the rear axle.
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints.
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
* Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between service interv\
als.
** Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter change\
s. See Engine Oil Check (page 312).
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Exclusive use of E85 (flex fuel vehicles only)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular unleaded fuel.
Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule:
Axle and PTU Maintenance
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle
(AWD only) in your vehicle does not require
any normal scheduled maintenance. The PTU
lube will be more likely to require a fluid
change if the vehicle has experienced
extended periods of extreme/severe duty
cycle driving. Changing or checking the PTU
lubricant is not necessary unless the unit has
been submerged in water or shows signs of
leakage. Contact your authorized dealer for
service. California Fuel Filter Replacement
If you register your vehicle in California, the
California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item does not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability
before the completion of your vehicle's
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however,
urges you to have all recommended
maintenance services performed at the
specified intervals and to record all vehicle
service.
Hot Climate Oil Change Intervals
Vehicles operating in the Middle East, North
Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with
similar climates using an American Petroleum
Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline Engines
(Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality,
the normal oil change interval is 3000 miles
(5000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not
available, then the oil change interval is 1800
miles (3000 kilometers).
Engine Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter
Replacement
The life of the engine air filter and cabin air
filter is dependent on exposure to dusty and
dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions require frequent inspection and
replacement of the engine air filter and cabin
air filter.
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