
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 269).A
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 266).B
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 266).C
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 273).D
Engine compartment fuse box. See Changing a Fuse (page 261).E
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 275).F
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 277).G
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 267).H
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1.Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2.Look at the brake fluid reservoir to seewhere the brake fluid level is relativeto the MIN and the MAX marks on thereservoir.
Note:If the brake fluid level is between theMIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir, itis acceptable.
Note:If the brake fluid level is below theMIN mark or above the MAX mark, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:To avoid fluid contamination, thereservoir cap must remain in place and fullytight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 325).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time whichdegrades the effectiveness of the brakefluid. Change the brake fluid at thespecified intervals to prevent degradedbraking performance.
For detailed interval information, seeScheduled Maintenance in your Owner'sManual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electricpower steering (EPS) system. There is nofluid reservoir to check or fill.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHARGING THE 12V BATTERY
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The battery management system monitorsbattery conditions and takes actions toextend battery life. If excessive batterydrain is detected, the system maytemporarily disable certain electricalfeatures to protect the battery. Thoseelectrical accessories affected include therear defrost, heated/cooled seats, climatecontrol fan, heated steering wheel, audioand navigation system. A message may beshown in the information displays to alertthe driver that battery protection actionsare active. These messages are only fornotification that an action is taking place,and not intended to indicate an electricalproblem or that the battery requiresreplacement.
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Electrical accessory installation
Note:Charging and replacing the batteryrequires the driver power window to bere-initialized. See Windows and Mirrors(page 83).
To ensure proper operation of the BatteryManagement System, any electricaldevices that are added to your vehicleshould not have their ground connectionmade directly at the negative battery post.
A connection at the negative batteryterminal can cause inaccuratemeasurements of the battery conditionand potential incorrect system operation.
When a battery replacement is required,you must use a recommendedreplacement battery that matches theelectrical requirements of the vehicle.
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with theexternal charger, the Battery ManagementSystem requires eight hours of vehiclesleep time (key off with doors closed) torelearn the new battery state of charge.Prior to relearning the state of charge, theBattery Management System may disableelectrical features (to protect the battery)earlier than normal.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING: Batteries normallyproduce explosive gases which cancause personal injury. Therefore, do notallow flames, sparks or lightedsubstances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, alwaysshield your face and protect your eyes.Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting aplastic-cased battery, excessive pressureon the end walls could cause acid to flowthrough the vent caps, resulting inpersonal injury and damage to thevehicle or battery. Lift the battery with abattery carrier or with your hands onopposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out ofreach of children. Batteries containsulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes whenworking near the battery to protectagainst possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skinor eyes, flush immediately with water fora minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed,call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and related accessoriescontain lead and lead compounds. Washhands after handling.
WARNING: This vehicle may havemore than one battery. Removing thebattery cables from only one batterydoes not disconnect your vehicleelectrical system. Make sure youdisconnect the battery cables from allbatteries when disconnecting power.Failure to do so may cause seriouspersonal injury or property damage.
WARNING: For vehicles withAuto-Start-Stop the battery requirementis different. You must replace the batterywith one of exactly the samespecification.
The battery is located in the enginecompartment. See Under HoodOverview (page 265).
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Your vehicle has a maintenance-freebattery. It does not require additionalwater during service.
If your vehicle battery has a cover, makesure you correctly install it after cleaningor replacing the battery.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry and thebattery cables tightly fastened to thebattery terminals. If any corrosion ispresent on the battery or terminals, removethe cables from the terminals and cleanwith a wire brush. You can neutralize theacid with a solution of baking soda andwater.
We recommend that you disconnect thenegative battery cable terminal from thebattery if you plan to store your vehicle foran extended period.
To maintain correct operation of thebattery management system, if you addany electrical devices to your vehicle, donot connect the ground connection directlyto the negative battery terminal. Aconnection at the negative battery terminalcan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:Electrical accessories or componentsadded to your vehicle by you or anauthorized dealer, may adversely affectbattery performance, durability and theperformance of other electrical systems onyour vehicle.
If a replacement battery is required, werecommend you use a Ford replacementbattery that matches the electricalrequirements of your vehicle.
If you disconnect or replace the batteryand your vehicle has an automatictransmission, transmission must relearnits adaptive strategy. Because of this, thetransmission may shift firmly when firstdriven. This is normal operation while thetransmission fully updates its operation tooptimum shift feel.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
To disconnect or remove the battery, dothe following:
1.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
2.Switch all electrical equipment off, forexample lights and radio.
3.Wait a minimum of two minutes beforedisconnecting the battery.
Note:The engine management system hasa power hold function and remains poweredfor a period after you switch the ignition off.This is to allow diagnostic and adaptivetables to be stored. Disconnecting thebattery without waiting can cause damagenot covered by the vehicle Warranty.
4.Disconnect the negative (-) batterycable terminal first.
5.Disconnect the positive (+) batterycable terminal last.
6.Remove the battery securing clamp.
7.Remove the battery.
8.Install in the reverse order.
Note:Before reconnecting the battery,make sure the ignition remains switched off.
Note:If you only disconnect the negativebattery cable terminal, make sure it isisolated or placed away from the batteryterminal to avoid un-intended connectionor arcing.
Note:Make sure the battery cable terminalsare fully tightened.
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Note:If you disconnect or replace thebattery, you must reset the clock and thepre-set radio stations once the battery isreconnected.
Battery Disposal
Make sure that you dispose ofold batteries in anenvironmentally friendly way.Seek advice from your local authorityabout recycling old batteries.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING: If you operate yourvehicle in temperatures below 40°F(5°C), use washer fluid with antifreezeprotection. Failure to use washer fluidwith antifreeze protection in coldweather could result in impairedwindshield vision and increase the riskof injury or accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsFord specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 325).
State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge ofthe blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with isopropylalcohol or windscreen washer concentrate.
CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
Changing the Windshield WiperBlades
Note:The windshield wiper blades aredifferent in length.
Note:If you install wiper blades of thewrong length, the wiper blades can clashdamaging the wiper system.
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•Never wash or rinse the engine while itis hot or running; water in the runningengine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,spark plug wire or spark plug well, orthe area in and around these locations.
•Cover the battery, power distributionbox, and air filter assembly to preventwater damage when cleaning theengine.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES
Car wash chemicals and environmentalfallout can result in windshield and wiperblade contamination. Dirty windshield andwipers will result in poor windshield wiperoperation. Keep the windshield and wiperblades clean to maintain windshield wiperperformance.
To clean the windshield and wiper blades:
•Clean the windshield with anon-abrasive glass cleaner. Whencleaning the interior of the windshield,avoid getting any glass cleaner on theinstrument panel or door panels. Wipeany glass cleaner off these surfacesimmediately.
•For windshields contaminated withtree sap, chemicals, wax or bugs, cleanthe entire windshield using steel wool(no greater than 0000 grade) in acircular motion and rinse with water.
•Clean the wiper blades with isopropylrubbing alcohol or windshield washerconcentrate.
Note: Do not use razor blades or othersharp objects to clean or remove decalsfrom the inside of the heated rear window.The vehicle warranty does not coverdamage caused to the heated rear windowgrid lines.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
WARNING: Do not use cleaningsolvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle'sseatbelts, as these actions may weakenthe belt webbing.
WARNING: On vehicles equippedwith seat-mounted airbags, do not usechemical solvents or strong detergents.Such products could contaminate theside airbag system and affectperformance of the side airbag in a crash.
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and seatsequipped with side airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with avacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil withMotorcraft Professional StrengthCarpet & Upholstery Cleaner.
•If grease or tar is present on thematerial, spot-clean the area first withMotorcraft Spot and Stain Remover. InCanada, use Motorcraft Multi-PurposeCleaner.
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spotcleaning, clean the entire areaimmediately (but do not oversaturate)or the ring will set.
•Do not use household cleaningproducts or glass cleaners, which canstain and discolor the fabric and affectthe flame retardant abilities of the seatmaterials.
Mirrors
Do not clean the housing or glass of anymirror with harsh abrasives, fuel or otherpetroleum or ammonia-based cleaningproducts.
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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 fastidle with the climate controls set todefrost until the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
•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.
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt 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 you disconnect the batterycables.
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.
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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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