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
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for useduring emergencies 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.
WARNING: Do not remove the coolantreservoir cap when the cooling system is hot.Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system tocool down. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent the possibilityof scalding and slowly remove the cap.Failure to follow this instruction could resultin personal injury.
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:
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.
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Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk of crashand injury, be prepared that the vehiclespeed may reduce and the vehicle may notbe able to accelerate with full power until thecoolant temperature 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 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 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.
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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 notproperly working. For example, if thetransmission slips or shifts slowly or if younotice some sign of fluid leakage. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 504).
Do not use supplemental transmission fluidadditives, treatments or cleaning agents. Theuse of these materials may affecttransmission operation and result in damageto internal transmission components.
6F55 Transmission (If Equipped)
WARNING: The dipstick andsurrounding components are hot. Use gloveswhen moving components and checking thetransmission fluid level. Failure to follow thiswarning could result in serious personalinjury.
Note:Automatic transmission fluid expandswhen warmed. To obtain an accurate fluidcheck, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up(approximately 20 mph (30 km/h). If yourvehicle has been operated for an extendedperiod at high speeds, in city traffic duringhot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicleshould be switched off until normal operatingtemperatures are reached to allow the fluidto cool before checking. Depending onvehicle use, cooling times could take up to30 minutes or longer.
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.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 mph (30 km/h) oruntil it reaches normal operatingtemperature
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface andengage the parking brake.
3.With the parking brake engaged and yourfoot on the brake pedal, start the engineand move the gearshift lever through allof the gear ranges. Allow a minimum of10 seconds for each gear to engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in park (P) andleave the engine running.
Note:You will need to move the air filterassembly to access the transmissiondipstick.
5.Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean witha clean, dry lint free rag. If necessary,refer to Under hood overview in thischapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fullyseated in the filler tube by turning it tothe locked position.
7.Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluidlevel. The fluid should be in thedesignated areas for normal operatingtemperature.
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Moving the Air Filter Assembly (Accessingthe Dipstick)
WARNING: Do not start the engine withthe air filter removed. This can causedamage not covered by the vehicle Warrantyand can result in serious injury.
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamp thatconnects the air filter assembly to therubber hose (A).
3. Remove the bolt cover (if equipped).
4.Remove two bolts that attach the air filterassembly to the front of the vehicle (B).
5. Loosen the clamp holding the air filterassembly to the rubber hose (A).
6. Remove the harness retaining clip bypulling up (C). Do not disconnect thesensor (D).
7.Without disconnecting the sensor (D), pullthe air filter assembly up to disconnectthe air filter assembly from the seatedgrommets located underneath the airfilter assembly.
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8.Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degreescounterclockwise and reinstall into therubber hose.
9. Tighten the clamp (A).
10. The transmission fluid level indicatorcan now be accessed.
Checking the fluid level
Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN range ofthe dipstick, add fluid to reach the hash marklevel.
Note:If the fluid level is below the MIN level,do not drive the vehicle. An underfillcondition may cause shift or engagementconcerns or possible damage.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked atnormal operating temperature 180°F-200°F(82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normaloperating temperature can be reached afterapproximately 20 mph (30 km/h) of driving.
The transmission fluid level should betargeted within the cross-hatch area if atnormal operating temperature 180°F-200°F(82°C-93°C).
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High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX range ofthe dipstick, remove fluid to reach thehashmark level.
Note:Fluid level above the MAX level maycause shift or engagement concerns orpossible damage. High fluid levels can becaused by an overheating condition. If yourvehicle has been operated for an extendedperiod at high speeds, in city traffic duringhot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicleshould be switched off until normal operatingtemperatures are reached. Depending onvehicle use, cooling times could take up to30 minutes or longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission FluidLevels
Before adding any fluid, make sure thecorrect type is used. The type of fluid usedis normally indicated on the dipstick and alsoin the Technical Specifications section in thischapter.
Note:An overfill condition of transmissionfluid may cause shift or engagementconcerns or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluidadditives, treatments or cleaning agents. Theuse of these materials may affecttransmission operation and result in damageto internal transmission components.Reinstall the air filter assembly. After the fluidlevel has been checked and adjusted asnecessary, do the following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filterassembly to the rubber hose.
3.Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degreesclockwise without disconnecting thesensor.
4.Seat the air filter assembly back into thegrommets by pushing down on the airfilter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attachair filter assembly to the front of thevehicle.
7. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
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8. Reinstall the harness retaining clip intothe front of the air filter assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluid otherthan the recommended brake fluid as thiswill reduce brake efficiency. Use of incorrectfluid could result in the loss of vehiclecontrol, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluid froma sealed container. 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.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluid totouch your skin or eyes. If this happens, rinsethe affected areas immediately with plentyof water and contact your physician.
WARNING: A fluid level between theMAX and MIN 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 (page366).
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING: If you operate your vehiclein temperatures 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 ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 366).
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.
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3.0L Engines with AWD
The fuel filter on your vehicle must bereplaced at the specified service interval.See Scheduled Maintenance (page 504).
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING: Batteries normally produceexplosive gases which can cause personalinjury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparksor lighted substances to come near thebattery. When working near the battery,always shield your face and protect youreyes. Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting a plastic-casedbattery, 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.
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reachof children. Batteries contain sulfuric acid.Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.Shield your eyes when working near thebattery to protect against possible splashingof acid solution. In case of acid contact withskin or eyes, flush immediately with waterfor a minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminalsand related accessories contain lead andlead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING: For vehicles withAuto-Start-Stop the battery requirement isdifferent. You must replace the battery withone of exactly the 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.
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.
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