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When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level ”or within the “cold
fill range ”as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
• Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service interval
schedules.
• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your
vehicle in this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.
Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir, when the
engine is cool , until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
• Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7 –A (VC-7 –B in Oregon), meeting Ford
Specification WSS-M97B51 –A1.
Note: Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
• Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44 –D
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with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
• A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
• Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the “cold full ”level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the “cold fill range ”or the “cold full ”level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
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6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration, refer
toChecking Engine Coolant section. If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34 °F/ –36 °C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community ’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle ’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Refill capacities in this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant
in this chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –36 °C[ –34 °F]):
• It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
• Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
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•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
• Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (2.3L I4 engines
only)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe ”distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
• The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
• The
symbol will illuminate.
• The “Service Engine Soon ”
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
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When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
• The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
• The engine will completely shut down.
• Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
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Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. If your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine, check the fluid
level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range. Do not
add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or 2.3L I4
engine, check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX ”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the
service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25 –A. Refer to Lubricant Specifications in this chapter.
MAX
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Fluid Ford PartNameApplication Capacity
Transmission
fluid
1Motorcraft
MERCON AT F 5-speed manual 2.65L (2.8
quarts)3
Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT F 4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 2.3L I4
engine9.4L (9.9
quarts)2
4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 3.0L or 4.0L
engines9.5L (10.0
quarts)2
4x4 vehicles
with automatic
and 3.0L or 4.0L
9.8L (10.3
quarts)2
Engine coolant4Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)2.3 L I4 engine
with manual
transmission
10.0L (10.5
quarts)
2.3L I4 engine
with automatic
transmission 9.7L (10.2
quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission 14.3L (15.1
quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission 14.0L (14.8
quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission 13.0L (13.7
quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission 12.5L (13.2
quarts)
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of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
3Service refill capacity for the manual transmission is determined by
filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle
on a level surface.
4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
5Traction-Lok axles use 2.2 –2.4L (4.75 –5.0 pints) of rear axle lubricant.
6Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL –3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118 –A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 6 mm to
14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole.
7Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153 –H and the API Certification mark.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part
name or
equivalentFord part
number
Ford
specification
Front axle
(4X4) Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Rear axle Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant
1
XY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Rear axle (FX4
only) Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant
1
XY-75W140
–QL WSL-M2C192 –A
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ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
number
Ford
specification
Brake fluid and
clutch fluid (if
equipped) Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Door weather
strips Silicone
LubricantXL-6 ESR-M13P4-A
Engine coolant Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7
–A WSS-M97B51-A1
Engine oil 2.3L and 3.0L
engines
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20
–LSP12
(Canada)WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
4.0L engines
Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
Oil XO-5W30-QSP WSS-M2C205
–A
and API
Certification
Mark
Hinges, door
checks, latches,
striker plates,
fuel filler door
hinge and seat
tracks Multi-Purpose
Grease
XG-4 or XL-5 ESB-M1C159-A
or ESB-M1C93-B
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A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................74and child safety seats ..............76
description ................................74
disposal ......................................79
driver air bag ............................77
indicator light ...........................78
operation ...................................77
passenger air bag .....................77
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................79
Air cleaner filter .......210 –211, 224
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................188
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................101
Audio system
(see Radio) ..........16, 18, 21, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............103 driving an automatic
overdrive .................................104
fluid, refill capacities ..............225
fluid, specification ..................231
Auxiliary power point .................46
Axle lubricant specifications ..228, 231
refill capacities ........................225
traction lok ..............................102
B
Battery .......................................185 acid, treating emergencies .....185
jumping a disabled battery ....151
maintenance-free ....................185
replacement, specifications ...224
servicing ..................................185 Bed extender ..............................51
BeltMinder ...................................69
Brakes ........................................100
anti-lock ...................................101
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................101
fluid, checking and adding ....206
fluid, refill capacities ..............225
fluid, specifications .........228, 231
lubricant specifications ..228, 231
parking ....................................101
shift interlock ..........................103
Bulbs ............................................40
C
Calculating load ........................121
Capacities for refilling fluids ....225
Cargo area shade ........................51
Cargo net .....................................51
Cell phone use ............................50
Certification Label ....................233
Changing a tire .........................144
Child safety restraints ................84 child safety belts ......................84
Child safety seats ........................87 attaching with tether straps ....91
in front seat ..............................88
in rear seat ................................88
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............168
instrument panel ....................171
interior .....................................171
plastic parts ............................170
safety belts ..............................171
washing ....................................167
waxing .....................................167
wheels ......................................168
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Index
239