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 pull off the road. You cancontinue to drive your vehicle.
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. 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. If thetemperature does not drop after severalminutes, 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
6F35/HF35 transmission (If Equipped)
Note:Transmission fluid should be checkedby an authorized dealer. If required, fluidshould be added by an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmission doesnot consume fluid. However, the fluid levelshould be checked if the transmission is notworking properly, (For example: if thetransmission slips or shifts slowly) or if younotice some sign of fluid leakage. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 509).
Do not use supplemental transmission fluidadditives, treatments or cleaning agents. Theuse of these materials may affecttransmission operation and result in damageto internal transmission components.
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WARNINGS
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 (page373).
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 373).
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
2.0L Engines and 3.0L Engines withFWD
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuelfilter that is integrated with the fuel tank.Regular maintenance or replacement is notneeded.
3.0L Engines with AWD
The fuel filter on your vehicle must bereplaced at the specified service interval.See Scheduled Maintenance (page 509).
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.
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?
Carefully following the maintenanceschedule helps protect against major repairexpenses resulting from neglect orinadequate maintenance and may help toincrease the value of your vehicle when yousell or trade it. Keep all receipts forcompleted maintenance with your vehicle.
We have established regular maintenanceintervals for your vehicle based uponrigorous testing. It is important that you haveyour vehicle serviced at the proper times.These intervals serve two purposes; one isto maintain the reliability of your vehicle andthe second is to keep your cost of owningyour vehicle down.
It is your responsibility to have all scheduledmaintenance performed and to make surethat the materials used meet thespecifications identified in this owner'smanual. See Capacities and Specifications(page 373).
Failure to perform scheduled maintenanceinvalidates warranty coverage on partsaffected by the lack of maintenance.
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at YourDealership?
Factory-Trained Technicians
Service technicians participate in extensivefactory-sponsored certification training tohelp them become experts on the operationof your vehicle. Ask your dealership aboutthe training and certification their technicianshave received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft® ReplacementParts
Dealerships stock Ford, Motorcraft andFord-authorized branded re-manufacturedreplacement parts. These parts meet orexceed our specifications. Parts installed atyour dealership carry a nationwide 24-monthor unlimited mile (kilometer) parts and laborlimited warranty.
If you do not use Ford authorized parts theymay not meet our specifications anddepending on the part, it could affectemissions compliance.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended eveningand Saturday hours to make your servicevisit more convenient and they offer one stopshopping. They can perform any servicesthat are required on your vehicle, fromgeneral maintenance to collision repairs.
Note:Not all dealers have extended hoursor body shops. Please contact your dealerfor details.
Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that paysdividends in the form of improved reliability,durability and resale value. To maintain theproper performance of your vehicle and itsemission control systems, make sure youhave scheduled maintenance performed atthe designated intervals.
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Scheduled Maintenance
Your vehicle is equipped with the IntelligentOil-Life Monitor system, which displays amessage in the information display at theproper oil change interval. This interval maybe up to one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km).
When the oil change message appears inthe information display, it is time for an oilchange. Make sure you perform the oilchange within two weeks or 500 mi (800 km)of the message appearing. Make sure youreset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor aftereach oil change. See Oil Change IndicatorReset (page 309).
If your information display resets prematurelyor becomes inoperative, you should performthe oil change interval at six months or5,000 mi (8,000 km) from your last oilchange. Never exceed one year or 10,000 mi(16,000 km) between oil change intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and builtwith multiple, complex, performance systems.Every manufacturer develops these systemsusing different specifications andperformance features. That is why it isimportant to rely upon your dealership toproperly diagnose and repair your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommendedmaintenance intervals for various parts andcomponent systems based upon engineeringtesting. Ford Motor Company relies upon thistesting to determine the most appropriatemileage for replacement of oils and fluids toprotect your vehicle at the lowest overall costto you and recommends againstmaintenance schedules that deviate fromthe scheduled maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlygenuine Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorizedre-manufactured replacement partsengineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford WorkshopManual list the recommended additives andchemicals for your vehicle. We do notrecommend using chemicals or additives notapproved by us as part of your vehicle’snormal maintenance. Please consult yourwarranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normaloperating characteristic and, by itself, doesnot necessarily indicate a concern or that thefluid needs to be changed. However, aqualified expert, such as the factory-trainedtechnicians at your dealership, shouldinspect discolored fluids that also show signsof overheating or foreign materialcontamination immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viableway to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduled maintenance.It is critical that systems are flushed only withnew fluid that is the same as that requiredto fill and operate the system or using aFord-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
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Scheduled Maintenance
Multi-Point Inspection
Steering and linkageExterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure2Fluid levels1; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pitsFor oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operationHalf-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer2If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership serviceadvisor or technician about the multi-pointvehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive wayto perform a thorough inspection of yourvehicle. Your checklist gives you immediatefeedback on the overall condition of yourvehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle is equipped with an IntelligentOil-Life Monitor that determines when youshould change the engine oil based on howyour vehicle is used. By using severalimportant factors in its calculations, themonitor helps reduce the cost of owning yourvehicle and reduces environmental waste atthe same time.
This means you do not have to remember tochange the oil on a mileage-based schedule.Your vehicle lets you know when an oilchange is due by displaying a message inthe information display.
The following table provides examples ofvehicle use and its impact on oil changeintervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oilchange intervals depend on several factorsand generally decrease with severity of use.
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Scheduled Maintenance
Maintenance Intervals
At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display1
Change engine oil and filter.2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection (recommended).
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. 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 and U-joints (All-Wheel Drive only).
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.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change Indicator Reset (page 309).
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Scheduled Maintenance
Operating in dusty or sandy conditions (such as unpaved or dusty roads)
Perform multi-point inspection.
Change automatic transmission fluid.Every 30000 miles (48000km)
*Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Engine Oil Check (page 308).
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 NormalSchedule:
Rear Axle and PTU Maintenance
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle(AWD only) in your vehicle does not requireany normal scheduled maintenance unlessthe unit shows signs of leakage. Contact anauthorized dealer for service.
California Fuel Filter Replacement
If you register your vehicle in California, theCalifornia Air Resources Board hasdetermined that the failure to perform thismaintenance item does not nullify theemission warranty or limit recall liabilitybefore the completion of your vehicle'suseful life. Ford Motor Company, however,urges you to have all recommendedmaintenance services performed at thespecified intervals and to record all vehicleservice.
Hot Climate Oil Change Intervals
Vehicles operating in the Middle East, NorthAfrica, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations withsimilar climates using an American PetroleumInstitute (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 notavailable, then the oil change interval is 1800miles (3000 kilometers).
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Scheduled Maintenance