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Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without engine coolant inorder to reach a vehicle service location. Inthis instance, qualified personnel:
1. Must drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the coolant system.
3. Refill with engine coolant as soon aspossible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, cancause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection of thecoolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling process isnot yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity's regulations and standards forrecycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% providesimproved freeze point protection. Coolant concentrations above 60%decrease the overheat protectioncharacteristics of the coolant and maycause engine damage.
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 the coolantand may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
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Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in thescheduled maintenance information, thecoolant should be changed. Add predilutedcoolant approved to the correct specification.See Capacities and Specifications (page381).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambient temperature,vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,the coolant temperature gaugemoves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and amessage may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternating cylinderoperation. Each disabled cylinder acts as anair 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 enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you canre-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 long asnecessary to bring your vehicle to rest in asafe location and seek immediate repairs.When in fail-safe mode, your vehicle will havelimited power, will not be able to maintainhigh-speed operation, and may completelyshut down without warning, potentially losingengine power, power steering assist, andpower brake assist, which may increase thepossibility of a crash resulting in seriousinjury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap when the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle has limited engine power whenin the fail-safe mode, drive your vehicle withcaution. Your vehicle does not maintainhigh-speed operation and the engine mayoperate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
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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 recommend thatyou contact your roadside assistanceservice provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait a short periodfor 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, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine 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 not be ableto accelerate with full power until the coolanttemperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a long orsteep grade in high ambient temperatures.
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 vehicle speedcaused by reduced engine power in orderto manage the engine coolant temperature. Your vehicle may enter this mode if certainhigh-temperature and high-load conditionstake place. The amount of speed reductiondepends on vehicle loading, grade andambient temperature. If this occurs, there isno need to stop your vehicle. You cancontinue to drive.
The air conditioning may automatically turnon and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolant temperaturedecreases to the normal operatingtemperature, the air conditioning turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves fullyinto the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service engine soonmessages appear in your information display,do the following:
1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so. Fully apply the parking brake, shiftinto park (P) or neutral (N).
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2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. Afterseveral minutes, if the temperature doesnot drop, follow the remaining steps.
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, restart theengine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 2.7L ECOBOOST™/
3.7L
WARNING
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials may affecttransmission operation and result in damageto internal transmission components.
The transmission does not consume fluid.However, if the transmission slips or shiftsslowly you should check the fluid level. If younotice a sign of leaking fluid, contact anauthorized dealer.
Checking the Transmission Fluid Level*
Only check the transmission fluid level whenthe engine is at normal operating temprature179°F (82°C)-199°F (93°C). Normal operatingtemprature is reached after drivingapproximately 20 mi (30 km).
MinimumA
MaximumB
Note:Check the fluid level with the enginerunning and the transmission in park (P).
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
2. Rotate the automatic transmission fluidcap in a counterclockwise direction. SeeUnder Hood Overview (page 310).
3. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipeit with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace thecap and dipstick and remove it again tocheck the fluid level.
4.Make sure that the fluid level is betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks. If the fluidlevel is at the MIN mark, add fluidimmediately. See Adding TransmissionFluid.
5.Replace the automatic transmission fluidcap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise untilyou feel a strong resistance.
Low Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the minimum range(below point A) add the correct specificationfluid to be within the hash mark area. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 381).
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Note:If the fluid level is below the minimumrange do not drive your vehicle. An underfillconition can damage the transmission.
Correct Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the hash mark area(between points A and B) do not add anyfluid.
High Fluid Level
If the fluid level is above the maximum range(above point B) fluid may need to beremoved. High fluid levels may be causedby a overheating condition. If you haveoperated your vehicle at high speeds, towinga trailer or in city traffic during hot weather,allow your vehicle to cool for a minimum of30 minutes before rechecking the level.
Note:An overfill conition can damage thetransmission.
Adding Transmission Fluid*
1. Rotate the automatic transmission fluidcap in a counterclockwise direction.*
2. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipeit with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Add fluid that meets the Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 387). Pour the fluiddirectly into the automatic transmissionfluid cap and dipstick hole.
4.Replace the cap and dipstick and removeit again to check the fluid level.
5.Make sure that the fluid level is betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks.
6.Replace the automatic transmission fluidcap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise untilyou feel a strong resistance.
*Vehicles With 2.7L EcoBoost
WARNING
Do not run the engine with the air filterdisconnected.
1. Remove the two air filter assemblysecuring bolts.
2. Lift the air filter assembly to disengagethe locating pins.
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3.Rotate the air filter assembly slightly in acounterclockwise direction.
4. Check the fluid level. See Checking theTransmission Fluid Level.
5. Install in reverse order. Tighten the twoair filter assembly securing bolts until youfeel a strong resistance.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than therecommended brake fluid as this willreduce brake efficiency. Use of incorrect fluidcould result in the loss of vehicle control,serious personal injury or death.
Only use brake fluid from a sealedcontainer. Contamination with dirt,water, petroleum products or other materialsmay result in brake system damage or failure.Failure to adhere to this warning could resultin the loss of vehicle control, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNINGS
Do not allow the fluid to touch yourskin or eyes. If this happens, rinse theaffected areas immediately with plenty ofwater and contact your physician.
A fluid level between the MAX andMIN lines is within the normaloperating range and there is no need to addfluid. A fluid level not in the normal operatingrange could compromise the performanceof the system. Have your vehicle checkedimmediately.
To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoircap must remain in place and fully tight,unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Ford specifications.See Capacities and Specifications (page381).
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WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING
If you operate your vehicle intemperatures below 41.0°F (5°C), usewasher fluid with antifreeze protection.Failure to use washer fluid with antifreezeprotection in cold weather could result inimpaired windshield vision and increase therisk 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 is low.Only use a washer fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 381).
State or local regulations on volatile organiccompounds may restrict the use of methanol,a common windshield washer antifreezeadditive. Washer fluids containingnon-methanol antifreeze agents should beused only if they provide cold weatherprotection without damaging the vehicle’spaint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuelfilter that is integrated with the fuel tank.Regular maintenance or replacement is notneeded.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosivegases which can cause personal injury.Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks orlighted substances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, always shieldyour face and protect your eyes. Alwaysprovide correct ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,excessive pressure on the end wallscould cause acid to flow through the ventcaps, resulting in personal injury and damageto the vehicle or battery. Lift the battery witha battery carrier or with your hands onopposite corners.
WARNINGS
Keep batteries out of reach of children.Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoidcontact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shieldyour eyes when working near the battery toprotect against possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skin oreyes, flush immediately with water for aminimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and relatedaccessories contain lead and leadcompounds. Wash hands after handling.
For vehicles with Auto-Start-Stop thebattery requirement is different. Youmust replace the battery with one of exactlythe same specification.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraftmaintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water.
When a battery replacement is required, youmust use a recommended replacementbattery that matches the electricalrequirements of the vehicle.
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Note:If your vehicle has a battery cover,after cleaning or replacing the battery, makesure you reinstall it.
Note:See an authorized dealer for batteryaccess, testing, or replacement.
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connection directlyto the battery negative post. This can causeinaccurate measurements of the batterycondition and potential incorrect systemoperation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
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.
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically-controlled by a computer,some engine control settings are maintainedby power from the battery. Some enginecomputer settings, like the idle trim and fueltrim strategy, optimize the driveability andperformance of the engine. The clock andradio station presets are also maintained inmemory by power from the low-voltagebattery. These settings are erased when atechnician disconnects and connects thelow-voltage battery.
To restore the settings, do the following:
Note:Until you switch the ignition to the onposition, you will receive a message in yourinformation display stating that your vehicleis not in park.
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 yourvehicle.
5. Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature. While the engineis warming up, complete the following:Reset the clock. See Audio Unit (page402). Reset the power windowsbounce-back feature. See PowerWindows (page 104). Reset the radiostation presets. See Audio Unit (page402).
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
7.Drive the vehicle at least 10 mi (16 km) tocompletely relearn the idle trim 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 fuel trimstrategy.
Note:Certain features may not operate ifthe battery monitor system is not reset witha scan tool following a jump start or batteryreplacement. Normal electrical accessoryoperation should resume after your vehicleis left undisturbed for 8 hours.
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