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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 “FULL COLD” 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.
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). 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 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized 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.
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Use the following guidelines to avoid electrostatic charge build-up when
filling an ungrounded fuel container:
•Place approved fuel container on the ground.
•DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
•DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/4 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/4 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it clicks at least once.
If the “Check Fuel Cap”
indicator comes on or if “Service Engine
Soon/Check Engine” indicator comes on and stays on when you start the
engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn off the
engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
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Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
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•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
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Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If the
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to thescheduled
maintenance informationfor 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.
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1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30
km) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
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Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Power steering fluidFill to line on
dipstickMotorcraft MERCON
AT FXT-2-QDX /
MERCON
Windshield washer fluid 94.7 oz (2.8L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid requirements are
indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being
added is of the correct type. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the
correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as MERCONand MERCONV.
These dual usage fluids are not to be used in an automatic transmission that requires use of the
MERCONtype fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that require
the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON
and MERCONV. Use of a transmission fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand
MERCONV) in an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay cause
transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause
transmission damage.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a
transmission/transaxle code on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle
each code represents.
Description Code
Automatic overdrive N
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A
Accessory delay ..........................44
Air cleaner filter .......................218
Air conditioning ..........................25
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ............................97–98, 106
and child safety seats ..............99
description ........................98, 106
disposal ....................................107
driver airbag ..............98, 100, 106
indicator light .........................105
operation ...................98, 100, 106
passenger airbag .......98, 100, 106
side airbag ...............................106
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................200
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................149
Anti-theft system ..................72, 75
arming the system ....................75
disarming a triggered system ..76
triggering ...................................76
Audio system (see Radio) ...15, 18
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................216
fluid, checking ........................216
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specification ..................220
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................154
Auxiliary power point .................42
B
Battery .......................................198
acid, treating emergencies .....198
jumping a disabled battery ....172maintenance-free ....................198
replacement, specifications ...218
servicing ..................................198
BeltMinder ...................................92
Brakes ........................................148
anti-lock ...................................149
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................149
fluid, checking and adding ....216
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specifications .................220
lubricant specifications ..........220
parking ....................................150
shift interlock ..........................152
Bulbs ............................................34
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....220
CD changer .................................20
CD-single premium ...............15, 18
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................166
Child safety restraints ..............108
child safety belts ....................108
Child safety seats ......................112
attaching with tether straps ..116
in front seat ............................113
in rear seat ......................113, 116
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............186
instrument panel ....................188
interior .....................................188
interior trim ............................188
plastic parts ............................187
washing ....................................185
waxing .....................................185
wheels ......................................186
wiper blades ............................187
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Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............25
Clock adjust
AM/FM/Cassette ........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................18
Compass
zone/calibration adjustment ....56
Compass Display .........................55
Console ........................................42
Controls
power seat .................................79
Coolant
checking and adding ..............200
refill capacities ................204, 220
specifications ..........................220
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................45
Customer Assistance ................157
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................182
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................183
Getting roadside assistance ...157
Getting the service you need 178
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................184
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................181
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................30
Defrost
rear window ..............................27
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................216engine oil .................................195
Driving under special
conditions ..................................156
through water .........................156
E
Electronic message center .........53
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................172
Emergency Flashers .................159
Emission control system ..........213
Engine ........................................222
cleaning ...................................186
coolant .....................................200
idle speed control ...................198
lubrication specifications .......220
refill capacities ........................220
service points ..........................193
starting after a collision .........159
Engine block heater .................148
Engine oil ..................................195
checking and adding ..............195
dipstick ....................................195
filter, specifications ........197, 218
recommendations ...................197
refill capacities ........................220
specifications ..........................220
Exhaust fumes ..........................147
F
Floor mats ...................................62
Fluid capacities .........................220
Fuel ............................................205
calculating fuel
economy ............................54, 210
cap ...........................................207
capacity ...................................220
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