checking oil FORD EXCURSION 2003 1.G Owners Manual

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5° C (40° F),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
Maintenance and Specifications
192

4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
Maintenance and Specifications
193

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36° C (-34° F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the “cold full” of “cold fill range” level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
•Boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
197

plastic parts ............................185
washing ....................................183
waxing .....................................183
wheels ......................................184
wiper blades ............................185
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......41, 43
Compass, electronic ....................66
calibration .................................67
set zone adjustment .................67
Console ........................................72
overhead ....................................56
Controls
power seat .................................89
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............197
refill capacities ................201, 222
specifications ..................225, 227
Cruise control (see
Speed control) ............................61
Customer Assistance ................154
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................187
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................176
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............180
Getting roadside assistance ...154
Getting the service
you need .................................174
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................181
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................176
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............179D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................214
engine oil .................................192
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........225
Driving under special
conditions ..................134, 140, 143
sand .........................................142
snow and ice ...........................144
through water .................142, 146
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................166
Emission control system ..........211
Engine ................................227–228
cleaning ...................................184
coolant .....................................197
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe coolant ......................202
idle speed control ...................195
lubrication
specifications ..................225, 227
refill capacities ........................222
service points ..........................191
starting after a collision .........155
Engine block heater .................127
Engine oil ..................................192
checking and adding ..............192
dipstick ....................................192
filter, specifications ........194, 222
recommendations ...................194
refill capacities ........................222
specifications ..................225, 227
Index
236