1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so. Fully apply the parking brake,shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop afterseveral minutes, follow the remainingsteps.
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, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Note:Transmission fluid should be checkedby an authorized dealer. If required, fluidshould be added by an authorized dealer.
Have an authorized dealer check andchange the transmission fluid at thecorrect service interval. See Maintenance(page 263).Your transmission does notconsume fluid. However, the fluid levelshould be checked if the transmission isnot working properly, (i.e., if thetransmission slips or shifts slowly) or if younotice some sign of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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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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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 whenyou sell 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 youhave your vehicle serviced at the propertimes. These intervals serve two purposes;one is to maintain the reliability of yourvehicle and the second is to keep your costof owning your vehicle down.
It is your responsibility to have allscheduled maintenance performed and tomake sure that the materials used meetthe specifications identified in this owner'smanual. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 325).
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 theoperation of your vehicle. Ask yourdealership about the training andcertification their technicians havereceived.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft®Replacement Parts
Dealerships stock Ford, Motorcraft andFord-authorized branded re-manufacturedreplacement parts. These parts meet orexceed our specifications. Parts installedat your dealership carry a nationwide24-month or unlimited mile (kilometer)parts and labor limited warranty.
If you do not use our 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 onestop shopping. They can perform anyservices that are required on your vehicle,from general maintenance to collisionrepairs.
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 improvedreliability, durability and resale value. Tomaintain the proper performance of yourvehicle and its emission control systems,make sure you have scheduledmaintenance performed at the designatedintervals.
Your vehicle has an Intelligent Oil-LifeMonitor system, a message appears in theinformation display at the proper oilchange interval. This interval may be up toone year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km), hybridvehicles may exceed 10,000 mi(16,000 km).
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Your vehicle can be driven in such a waythat dilutes and increases the level of oilby short trips that do not allow the engineto get to operating temperature, extendedidling, and low speed driving for longperiods of time.
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. Makesure you reset the Intelligent Oil-LifeMonitor after each oil change. See OilChange Indicator Reset (page 268).
If your information display resetsprematurely or becomes inoperative, youshould perform the oil change interval atsix months or 5,000 mi (8,000 km) fromyour last oil change. Never exceed one yearor 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between oilchange intervals,
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and builtwith multiple, complex, performancesystems. Every manufacturer developsthese systems using differentspecifications and performance features.That is why it is important to rely upon yourdealership to properly diagnose and repairyour vehicle.
We have recommended maintenanceintervals for various parts and componentsystems based upon engineering testing.We rely upon this testing to determine themost appropriate mileage for replacementof oils and fluids to protect your vehicle atthe lowest overall cost to you andrecommends against maintenanceschedules that deviate from the scheduledmaintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlygenuine Ford, Motorcraft orFord-authorized re-manufacturedreplacement parts engineered for yourvehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and our WorkshopManual list the recommended additivesand chemicals for your vehicle. We do notrecommend using chemicals or additivesnot approved by us as part of your vehicle’snormal maintenance. Please consult yourwarranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is anormal operating characteristic and, byitself, does not necessarily indicate aconcern or that the fluid needs to bechanged. However, a qualified expert, suchas the factory-trained technicians at yourdealership, should inspect discolored fluidsthat also show signs of overheating orforeign material contaminationimmediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is aviable way to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduledmaintenance. It is critical that systems areflushed only with new fluid that is the sameas that required to fill and operate thesystem or using a Ford-approved flushingchemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
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Multi-Point Inspection
Hazard warning system operationAccessory drive belt(s)
Horn operationBattery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghosesEngine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamageExhaust system
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 washer.2If your vehicle comes with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration UseBy date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership serviceadvisor or technician about the multi-pointvehicle inspection. It is a comprehensiveway to perform a thorough inspection ofyour vehicle. Your checklist gives youimmediate feedback on the overallcondition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle has an Intelligent Oil-LifeMonitor that determines when you shouldchange the engine oil based on how youuse your vehicle. By using severalimportant factors in its calculations, themonitor helps reduce the cost of owningyour vehicle and reduces environmentalwaste at the same time.
This means you do not have to rememberto change the oil on a mileage-basedschedule. Your vehicle lets you know whenan oil change is due by displaying amessage in the 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 ofuse.
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Normal Maintenance Intervals
At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display1
Change the engine oil and filter.
Rotate the tires, inspect tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level, if your vehicle has a dipstick. Consultyour dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and the parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the front axle and U-joints. Lubricate if equipped with grease fittings. Four–wheeldrive vehicles.
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tire-rod ends, driveshaft and the U-joints. Lubricate any areas with grease fittings.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness ordrag.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.
Brake Fluid Maintenance1
Change the brake fluid.2Every 3 Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every 3 years. Do not exceed the designated time forthe interval.2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.
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Other Maintenance Items 1
Replace the cabin air filter.Every 20,000 mi(32,000 km)
Replace the engine air filter.Every 30,000 mi(48,000 km)
Replace the spark plugs.Every 100,000 mi(160,000 km)Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts.2
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Every 150,000 mi(240,000 km)
Change the front axle fluid. Four-wheel drive vehicles.
Change the rear axle fluid.
Change the transfer case fluid. Four-wheel drive vehicles.
Replace the accessory drive belt or belts.
Change the engine coolant.3At 200,000 mi(320,000 km)
1 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil andfilter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.2 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.3 Initial replacement at 10 years or 200,000 mi (320,000 km), then every five years or100,000 mi (160,000 km).
SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
If you operate your vehicle primarily in anyof the following conditions, you need toperform extra maintenance, as indicated.If you operate your vehicle occasionallyunder any of these conditions, it is notnecessary to perform the extramaintenance. For specificrecommendations, see your dealershipservice advisor or technician.
Perform the services shown in thefollowing tables when specified or within3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the OIL CHANGEREQUIRED message appearing in theinformation display.
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Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions (Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads)
Replace engine air filter.Inspect frequently, serviceas required
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormalnoise, wear, looseness or drag.Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure treaddepth.
Change engine oil and filter.1Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)or six months
1Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter change.
Off-road Operation
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints. Lubricateif equipped with grease fittings.Inspect frequently, serviceas required
Replace engine air filter.
Change engine oil and filter.1Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)or six monthsInspect the wheels and related components for abnormalnoise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure treaddepth.
1Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter change.
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the NormalSchedule.
Axle and Transfer Case Maintenance
Axle(s) and transfer case (Four-wheeldrive vehicles) fluid changes or levelchecks are not required unless a leak issuspected or the assembly has beensubmerged in water. Contact an authorizeddealer 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.
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