
1
Contents
Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 20
Seating and safety restraints 72
Starting and driving
Starting 104
Driving 112
Roadside emergencies 137
Servicing
Maintenance and care 158
Capacities and specifications 217
Customer assistance 223
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 235
Index 236
11MCoen 4/13/99 2:29 PM Page 2

Introduction
2
ICONS
Indicates a warning. Read the
following section on Warnings for
a full explanation.
Indicates that vehicle information
related to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials
are significant steps toward this
aim.
BREAKING IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in
rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid
driving too fast during the first
1 600 km (1 000 miles). Vary
speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts
a chance to break in.
WARNINGS
How can you reduce the risk of
personal injury and prevent
possible damage to others, your
vehicle and its equipment?
In this owner’s guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by the
warning triangle symbol.
11MIten 4/13/99 2:08 PM Page 2

Introduction
3
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS
GUIDE
The information found in this guide
was in effect at the time of
printing. Ford may change the
contents without notice and
without incurring obligation.
If possible, you should avoid hard
braking for the first 1 600 km
(1 000 miles).
From 1 600 km (1 000 miles)
onwards, you can gradually
increase the performance of your
vehicle up to the permitted
maximum speeds.
11MIten 4/13/99 2:08 PM Page 3

Page 22
Rear window
defroster control*
4
Instrumentation
Page 55
Turn signal/high beam
Page 6
Instrument cluster
Page 54
Hazard flasher
control
Page 56
Windshield
wiper/washer
control
Page 162
Hood release
Page 20, 21
Headlamp control/
Foglamp control*
Page 54
Horn
Page 53
Tilt steering
wheel lever
Page 52
Ignition switch
Page 57
Speed control*
Page 22
Traction control*
Page 23
Power mirrors*
TRACTION
CONTROL
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF
Res
Set
Acc
CoastOff
On
EF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
11 0
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
BRAKE
CH
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 4

5
Instrumentation
On various models the
appearance and location of
some items may differ from
those shown here. However,
the page references given
still apply.
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
CLOCK
Page 24
Climate control system
Page 70
Anti-theft system status
indicator*
Page 32
Electronic sound system
* if equipped
Page 23
Instrument panel
dimmer switch
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 5

Instrumentation
6
Turn signal
Flashes when the left or right turn
signal or hazard lights are
activated.
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
EF
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
There are two different instrument
cluster designs. The individual
warning and indicator lights are
described on the following pages.
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 6

Instrumentation
7
High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on.
Charging system
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. The light also illuminates
when the battery is not charging
properly and the vehicle may
require electrical system service.
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
Air bag secondary warning
Flashes periodically when there is a
malfunction with the air bag
system.
For more information, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Safety belt
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to fasten
the safety belts. For more
information, refer to Safety belt
indicator light and warning
chime
in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.
Alternative design
Alternative design
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 7

000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
Instrumentation
8
Traction control system light
(if equipped)
This light comes on when the
traction control system has been
disengaged. It may flash on and off
while driving to indicate the system
is operating.
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 8

Instrumentation
9
O/D Off indicator
(Automatic transaxle only)
Illuminates and remains
illuminated when the transaxle
control switch (TCS) on the side of
the gearshift lever is pressed and
overdrive is turned off. For details,
refer to the Driving chapter.
Indicates the status of the
transaxle and will flash steadily if a
malfunction is detected. If the
flashing persists, have your
transaxle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified service technician as
soon as possible.
If the condition persists, your
transaxle may be damaged.
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
Low coolant (if equipped)
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. Illuminates when the engine
coolant level is low. Refer to the
Maintenance and care chapter to
check the engine coolant level.
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
If the light stays on for more than
three (3) seconds after the ignition
is turned to the ON position or
stays on continuously while you are
driving, have the traction control
system checked by a qualified
technician as soon as possible.
For more information, refer to
Traction Control in the Driving
chapter.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 9

Instrumentation
10
Check engine
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the
engine’s emission control system.
This system is commonly known
as the On Board Diagnostics (OBD
II) system. This OBD II system
protects the environment by
ensuring that your vehicle
continues to meet government
emission standards. The OBD II
system also assists the service
technician in properly servicing
your vehicle.
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 10

Instrumentation
11
What you should do if the check
engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system
has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause
your check engine light to
illuminate. Examples are:
• The vehicle has run out of fuel
(The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
• Poor fuel quality or water in the
fuel
• The fuel cap may not have been
securely tightened.
The
check engine indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to
check the bulb. If it comes on
after the engine is started, one of
the engine’s emission control
systems may be malfunctioning.
The light may illuminate without a
driveability concern being noted.
The vehicle will usually be drivable
and will not require towing.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 11

Instrumentation
12
These temporary malfunctions can
be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or
properly tightening the fuel cap.
After three drive cycles without
these or any other temporary
malfunctions present, the check
engine light should turn off. (A
driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.)
No additional vehicle service is
required.If the “check engine”
light remains on, have your vehicle
serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occuring which
could damage your catalytic
converter. You should drive in a
moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and
have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
Under engine misfire
conditions, excessive
exhaust temperatures could
damage the catalytic converter,
the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle com-
ponents, possibly causing a fire.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 12

Instrumentation
13
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
ENGINE
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel tank has
approximately eight liters (two
gallons) remaining. The lamp will
also illuminate when the ignition
key is turned to ON and the engine
is off.
CHECK
ENGINE
Air bag readiness
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to
flash, or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately.
Front foglamps (if equipped)
Illuminates when foglamps are
switched on.
Refer to
Foglamp control in the
Controls and features chapter for
notes on use.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 13

Instrumentation
14
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
Brake system warning
Extinguishes when the parking
brake is released. Illuminates after
releasing the parking brake to
indicate low brake fluid level.
Illumination while driving may
indicate that one of the braking
circuits has failed. The second
braking circuit will remain intact.
However, you will need to brake
harder and allow for increased
stopping distances.
BRAKE
BRAKE
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 14

Instrumentation
15
Alternative design
BRAKE
BRAKE
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light stays on or
continues to flash, the ABS needs
to be serviced.
Brake system and ABS warning
lights
If both warning lights illuminate at
the same time while driving, stop
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Have the braking system
checked by your dealer or qualified
service technician before
continuing your journey.
When stopping the vehicle, slowly
reduce the speed. Use the brakes
with great care.
Have the system checked by your
dealer or qualified technician
before continuing your journey.
BRAKE
BRAKE
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 15

Instrumentation
16
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned on and the engine is off.
The light also illuminates when
engine oil pressure has been lost.
Refer to the Maintenance and
care chapter to check the engine
oil level as soon as possible. If the
engine oil level is correct and the
light stays on, see your dealer or
qualified service technician.
BRAKE
BRAKE
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 16

Instrumentation
17
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps are
on, the ignition is off (and the key
is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is open.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the
off/lock or accessory position and
the driver’s door is open.
Safety belt warning chime
For information on the safety belt
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Testing the warning and
indicator lights and chimes
Turn the ignition key to the on
position without starting the
engine. The following warning and
indicator lights will illuminate
briefly: charging system, safety belt
(does not illuminate, if the driver’s
safety belt is fastened), traction
control, ABS, brake, low coolant,
low fuel, engine oil pressure, check
engine and air bag readiness.
If any of these lights do not
illuminate, see your dealer or
qualified service technician.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 17

Instrumentation
18
CH
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. If it enters the red
section, the engine is overheating.
Switch off the ignition and
determine the source of the
problem. Refer to Checking and
adding engine coolant in the
Maintenance and care chapter.
EF
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
GAUGES
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 18

Instrumentation
19
Trip odometer
The trip odometer can register the
mileage of individual journeys. To
reset, depress the button.
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
10 0
Speedometer
Odometer
Trip odometer Reset button
EF
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge displays the
approximate level of usable fuel left
in the fuel reservoir.
Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle
speed.
Odometer
Registers the total mileage of the
vehicle.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 19

Controls and features
20
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
CLOCK
CH
INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTROLS
Headlamp control
Lamps off.
Turn one position clockwise:
Parking lamps, instrument panel
lamps, license plate lamps, and tail
lamps on
Turn two positions clockwise:
Headlamps on.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:35 PM Page 20

Controls and features
21
Daytime running light (DRL)
(Canadian vehicles only)
The DRL system turns on the
highbeam headlamps, with a
reduced light output, when:
• the vehicle is running and the
ignition is in the on position and
• the headlamp system is in the off
position.
Foglamp control (if equipped)
Pull out the control while the
headlamps are on to turn the
foglamps on.
Push the control in to deactivate
the foglamps.
The daytime running light
(DRL) system will not
illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your
headlamps at dusk. Failure to do
so may result in a collision.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:35 PM Page 21

Controls and features
22
Rear window defroster
(if equipped)
Press the defroster control to clear
the rear window of thin ice and fog.
The ignition must be in the on
position to operate the rear
window defroster.
The defroster turns off
automatically after 10 minutes or
when the ignition is turned to the
off position. To manually turn off
the defroster, push the control
again.
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CLOCK
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
TRACTION
TROL
CH
Traction control system
(if equipped)
This button turns the traction
control system off and on. See
Driving for more information.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:35 PM Page 22

Controls and features
23
Panel dimmer control
Adjust the control to vary the
intensity of the panel lighting.
Operates only when the exterior
lights are switched on.
To switch on the interior lamp,
rotate the control completely to the
left.
Power mirrors
The control can be swivelled and
turned.
Turn the control counterclockwise
to adjust the driver’s side mirror,
clockwise to adjust the passenger’s
side mirror. Adjust the selected
mirror by moving the center
control in the desired direction.
Then turn the control back to the
center position.
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
13MCten 4/13/99 3:35 PM Page 23

Controls and features
24
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
13 0
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
CLOCK
TRACTION
ROL
CH
Climate control system
Vents
Airflow from the vents may be
adjusted by moving the horizontal
control or vertically adjusting the
vent (except passenger side outer
vent) according to your airflow
preference.
Your vehicle has one of the
following climate control systems:
• Manual heating system
• Manual heating and air
conditioning system
In some modes, the two systems
function similarly. In modes where
the systems do not function
similarly, the different functions
are noted.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:35 PM Page 24

Controls and features
25
Heater only system
(if equipped)
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
HI
/
LO
HI
Temperature control knob
Controls the temperature of the
airflow inside the vehicle. On
heater-only systems, the air cannot
be cooled below the outside
temperature.
Mode selector control
Controls the direction of the
airflow to the inside of the vehicle.
• PANEL – Distributes outside air
through the instrument panel
registers.
• OFF – Outside air is shut out and
the fan will not operate.
• PNL/FLR – Distributes outside
air through the instrument panel
registers and the floor ducts.
• FLOOR – Allows for maximum
heating. Distributes outside air
through floor ducts.
Fan speed control
Controls the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:35 PM Page 25

Controls and features
26
• FLR/DEF – Distributes outside
air through the floor ducts and the
windshield defroster ducts.
• DEF – Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster
ducts. It can be used to clear ice or
fog from the windshield.
Operating tips
• In humid weather, select DEF
before driving. This will help to
prevent your windshield from
fogging. After a few minutes, select
any desired position.
• To prevent humidity buildup
inside the vehicle, don’t drive with
the climate control system in the
OFF position.
• Don’t put objects under the front
seat that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
• Remove any snow, ice or leaves
from the air intake area (at the
bottom of the windshield under the
hood).
• When placing objects on top of
your instrument panel, be careful
to not place them over the
defroster outlets. These objects
can block airflow and reduce your
ability to see through your
windshield. Also, avoid placing
small objects on top of your
instrument panel. These objects
can fall down into the defroster
outlets and block airflow and
possibly damage your climate
control system.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:35 PM Page 26

Controls and features
27
Manual heating and air
conditioning system
(if equipped)
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
LO
HI
Fan speed control
Controls the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle.
Temperature control knob
Controls the temperature of the
airflow inside the vehicle.
OFF PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
/
Mode selector control
Controls the direction of the
airflow to the inside of the vehicle.
The air conditioning compressor
will operate in all modes except
PANEL, PNL/FLR, and FLOOR.
However, the air conditioning will
only function if the outside
temperature is about 10°C (50°F )
or above.
Since the air conditioner removes
considerable moisture from the air
during operation, it is normal if
clear water drips on the ground
under the air conditioner drain
while the system is working and
even after you have stopped the
vehicle.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:35 PM Page 27

Controls and features
28
Under normal conditions, your
vehicle’s climate control system
should be left in any position other
than MAX A/C or OFF when the
vehicle is parked. This allows the
vehicle to “breathe” through the
outside air inlet duct.
• MAX A/C – Uses recirculated air
to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is
noisier than A/C but more
economical and will cool the inside
of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be
from the instrument panel
registers. This mode can also be
used to prevent undesirable odors
from entering the vehicle.
• A/C – Uses outside air to cool the
vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C
but not as economical. Airflow will
be from the instrument panel
registers.
• PANEL – Distributes outside air
through the instrument panel
registers. However, the air will not
be cooled below the outside
temperature because the air
conditioning does not operate in
this mode.
• OFF – Outside air is shut out and
the fan will not operate. For short
periods of time only, use this mode
to prevent undesirable odors from
entering the vehicle.
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Controls and features
29
• PNL/FLR – Distributes outside
air through the instrument panel
registers and the floor ducts.
However, the air will not be cooled
below the outside temperature
because the air conditioning does
not operate in this mode. For
added customer comfort, when the
temperature control knob is
anywhere in between the full hot
and full cold positions, the air
distributed through the floor ducts
will be slightly warmer than the air
sent to the instrument panel
registers.
• FLOOR – Allows for maximum
heating by distributing outside air
through the floor ducts. However,
the air will not be cooled below the
outside temperature because the
air conditioning does not operate in
this mode.
• FLR/DEF – Distributes outside
air through the windshield
defroster ducts and the floor ducts.
Heating and air conditioning
capabilities are provided in this
mode. For added customer
comfort, the air distributed through
the floor ducts will be slightly
warmer than the air sent to the
windshield defroster ducts. If the
temperature is about 10°C (50°F)
or higher, the air conditioner will
automatically dehumidify the air to
prevent fogging.
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Controls and features
30
• DEF – Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster
ducts. It can be used to clear ice or
fog from the windshield. If the
temperature is about 10°C (50°F)
or higher, the air conditioner will
automatically dehumidify the air to
prevent fogging.
Operating tips
• In humid weather, select DEF
before driving. This will prevent
your windshield from fogging. After
a few minutes, select any desired
position.
• To prevent humidity buildup
inside the vehicle, don’t drive with
the climate control system in the
OFF position.
• Don’t put objects under the front
seat that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
• Remove any snow, ice or leaves
from the air intake area (at the
bottom of the windshield under the
hood).
• If your vehicle has been parked
with the windows closed during hot
weather, the air conditioner will do
a much faster job of cooling if you
drive for two or three minutes with
the windows open. This will force
most of the hot, stale air out of the
vehicle. Then operate your air
conditioner as you would normally.
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Controls and features
31
Cabin air filter
Your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter that removes pollen and road
dust from outside air before it is
directed to the interior of the
vehicle. Refer to the Maintenance
and care chapter for maintenance
of this filter.
• When placing objects on top of
your instrument panel, be careful
to not place them over the
defroster outlets. These objects
can block airflow and reduce your
ability to see through your
windshield. Also, avoid placing
small objects on top of your
instrument panel. These objects
can fall down into the defroster
outlets and block airflow and
possibly damage your climate
control system.
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Controls and features
32
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CLOCK
TRACTION
TROL
CH
AUDIO SYSTEMS
Compact disc radio
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Controls and features
33
Electronic stereo radio with cassette
Electronic stereo radio
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Controls and features
34
SIDE 1-2
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Controls and features
35
SIDE 1-2
1-2
SIDE
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Controls and features
36
Power control
Press the control to turn the audio
system on or off.
Volume control
Press the control to raise or lower
volume.
If the volume is set above a certain
level and the ignition is turned off,
the volume will come back on at a
“nominal” listening level when the
ignition switch is turned back on.
AM/FM select
The AM/FM select control works in
radio mode and allows you to select
AM or FM frequency bands.
Press the control to switch
between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory
preset stations.
Tune adjust
The tune control works in radio
mode.
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Controls and features
37
The tune adjust with electronic
stereo radio
• Press (–) to move to the next
frequency down the band (whether
or not a listenable station is located
there). Hold the control to move
through the frequencies quickly.
• Press (+) to move to the next
frequency up the band (whether or
not a listenable station is located
there). Hold for quick movement.
Tune adjust with compact disc
radio
• Press the SCAN/TUNE control
twice.
• Within approximately five
seconds press and release either
or on the SEEK button to
change to the next frequency up or
down.
• Press and hold down or to
quickly move through the
frequencies.
Tune adjust with electronic
stereo cassette radio
• Press the AMS control.
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Controls and features
38
• Within approximately five
seconds, press and release either
or on the SEEK control to
change to the next frequency up or
down.
• Press and hold down or to
quickly move through the
frequencies.
Seek function
The seek function control works in
radio or tape mode.
Seek function in radio mode
• Press to find the next
listenable station down the
frequency band.
• Press to find the next
listenable station up the frequency
band.
Seek function in tape mode
• Press the AMS control.
• Press to listen to the
previous selection on the tape.
• Press to listen to the next
selection on the tape.
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Controls and features
39
Scan function
The scan function works in radio
and CD mode (if equipped).
Scan function with electronic
stereo cassette radio
Press the SCAN control to hear a
brief sampling of all listenable
stations on the frequency band.
Press the control again to stop the
scan mode.
Scan function with compact
disc radio
• Press the SCAN/TUNE control
once.
Radio station memory preset
The radio is equipped with six
station memory preset controls.
These controls can be used to
select up to six preset AM stations
and twelve FM stations (six in FM1
and six in FM2).
• Push on the SEEK control to
hear a brief sampling of listenable
stations up the frequency band.
• Push to hear a brief sampling
of listenable stations down the
frequency band.
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Controls and features
40
3. Press and hold a memory preset
control until the sound returns,
indicating the station is held in
memory on the control you
selected.
If the battery is disconnected, the
memory preset stations will need
to be reset.
Automatic memory store
(if equipped)
Automatic memory store allows
you to set strong radio stations
without losing your original
manually set preset stations. This
feature is helpful on trips when you
travel between cities with different
radio stations.
Setting memory preset stations
1. Select the frequency band with
the AM/FM select control.
2. Select a station. Refer to Tune
adjust or Seek function for more
information on selecting a station.
Starting automatic memory
store (if equipped)
1. Select a frequency using the
AM/FM select control.
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Controls and features
41
2. Press the AUTO PRESET
control.
3. When the first six strong stations
are filled, the station stored in
memory preset control 1 will start
playing.
If there are less than six strong
stations available on the frequency
band, the remaining memory
preset controls will all store the last
strong station available.
Deactivating automatic memory
store
To deactivate automatic memory
store and return to your audio
system’s manually set memory
stations, press the AUTO PRESET
control again.
Bass adjust
The bass adjust control allows you
to increase or decrease the audio
system’s bass output.
• Push the AUDIO control
repeatedly until the display reads
BASS.
• Press (+) or (–) on the volume
control to increase or decrease
bass output.
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Controls and features
42
• Press (+) or (–) on the volume
control to increase or decrease
treble output.
Speaker balance adjust
Speaker sound distribution can be
adjusted between the right and left
speakers.
Treble adjust
The treble adjust control allows
you to increase or decrease the
audio system’s treble output.
• Push the AUDIO control
repeatedly until the display reads
TREB.
• Push the AUDIO control
repeatedly until the display reads
BAL.
• Press the (+) side of the volume
control to shift sound to the right
speakers.
• Press the (–) side of the volume
control to shift sound to the left
speakers.
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Controls and features
43
Speaker fade adjust
Speaker sound distribution can be
adjusted between the front and
rear speakers.
• Push the AUDIO control
repeatedly until the display reads
FADE.
• Press the (+) side of the volume
control to shift sound to the front
speakers.
• Press the (–) side of the volume
control to shift sound to the rear
speakers.
Clock
Viewing the clock
Press the CLOCK control to display
the time on the audio system
display.
Time is displayed:
• until an audio function control is
pressed
• approximately ten seconds after
each audio system change
• when the audio system is off and
the ignition is ON.
To remove the clock display, press
the control again.
CLOCK
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Controls and features
44
Setting the clock
Press and hold CLOCK, then press
SEEK to increase the hours or
to increase minutes.
The clock will display 12-hour time
with no AM/PM indications.
On the single CD audio system, the
clock can be set with the radio
power on or off.
Tape play select
Insert a tape to begin tape play.
Push only slightly when inserting a
cassette tape (with the open edge
to the right). A cassette deck
loading mechanism pulls the tape
in the rest of the way.
CD play select
Insert a disc to begin CD play.
Press the PLAY/STOP control to
begin CD play if a disc is loaded in
the CD player. The first track of the
disc will begin playing if the disc
has just been loaded. After that,
CD play will begin where it was
stopped last.
Rewind/fast forward
The rewind and fast forward
controls work in tape and CD
modes (if equipped).
SEEK
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Controls and features
45
Rewind/fast forward in CD
mode
• Press the control for less than
three seconds for slow rewind.
• Press the control for more than
three seconds for fast rewind.
• Press the control for less than
three seconds for slow forward
action.
• Press the control for more than
three seconds for fast forward
action.
Tape direction select
Press both and to play
the alternate side of a tape.
Rewind/fast forward function in
tape mode
• Press to rewind the tape.
Play will continue once the
beginning of the tape is reached or
rewind is stopped.
• Press to fast forward the
tape. Once the end of the tape is
reached, tape direction reverses
and the opposite side of the tape
plays.
Tape eject
Press the control to stop and eject
a tape.
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Controls and features
46
CD eject
Press the control to stop and eject
a CD.
If a disc is ejected from the CD
player but is not removed within
approximately 10 seconds, the
player will automatically reload the
disc for storage (unless the disc is
automatically ejected because it
was inserted upside down, in which
case the disc will not be
automatically reloaded).
Dolby® noise reduction
Dolby® noise reduction
manufactured under license from
Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation operates only in tape
mode. Dolby® reduces the amount
of hiss and static during tape
playback.
Press the button to activate
and deactivate Dolby® noise
reduction.
Compression adjust
(if equipped)
Compression adjust brings soft and
loud CD passages together for a
more consistent listening level.
Press the control to activate and
deactivate compression adjust.
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Controls and features
47
DISPLAY SCREEN
The display screen gives
information on the status of the
audio system.
Display Information
AM, FM1 or FM2 Indicates which frequency band the audio
system is in
87.9 to 107.9 Indicates currently playing radio station
(530 to 1610 Am)
Illuminated bars Indicates volume, relative levels of bass and
treble and relative levels of speaker balance
and fade
Indicates Dolby® Noise Reduction activation
1 or 2 Indicates side of tape playing
Indicates CD play
Indicates CD stop
TUNE Indicates tune mode activated
M Indicates manual tuning is activated
SCN or SCAN Indicates scan mode activated
AUTO Indicates Auto Memory Store (AMS)
BASS Indicates bass mode activated
TREB Indicates treble mode activated
BAL Indicates speaker balance adjust
FADE Indicates speaker fade adjust
SHUF Indicates shuffle feature activated
COMP Indicates compression feature activated
TOO HOT Indicates CD player temperature is above 75°C
(167°F). CD play will stop. CD play can
continue once the temperature reaches the
normal range.
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Controls and features
48
Troubleshooting the CD Player
The laser beam used in the
compact disc player is
harmful to the eyes. Do not
attempt to disassemble the case.
If sound skips:
• You may be travelling on a rough
road, playing scratched discs or the
disc may be dirty. Skipping will not
scratch the discs or damage the
player.
If player does not work:
• The disc is inserted with the label
surface downward.
• The disc is dusty or defective.
• The player’s internal temperature
is above 75°C (167°F). Allow the
player to cool down before
operating.
• A disc with format and
dimensions not within industry
standards is inserted.
Cleaning compact discs
Inspect all discs for contamination
before playing. If necessary, clean
discs only with an approved CD
cleaner and wipe the center out to
the edge. Do not use circular
motion.
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Controls and features
49
CD and CD player care
• Handle discs by their edges only.
Never touch the playing surface.
• Do not insert more than one disc
at a time.
• Do not expose discs to direct
sunlight or heat sources for
extended periods of time.
• After playing, store the disc in its
case.
Cleaning cassette player
(if equipped)
Clean the tape player head with a
cassette cleaning cartridge after
ten to twelve hours of play in order
to maintain the best sound and
operation.
Cassette and cassette player
care
• Use only cassettes that are
90 minutes long or less.
• Do not expose tapes to direct
sunlight, high humidity, extreme
heat or extreme cold. Allow tapes
that may have been exposed to
extreme temperatures to reach a
moderate temperature before
playing.
• Tighten very loose tapes by
inserting a finger or pencil into the
hole and turning the hub.
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Controls and features
50
• Remove loose labels before
inserting tapes.
• Do not leave tapes in the cassette
player for a long time when not
being played.
RADIO FREQUENCY
INFORMATION
The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the
Canadian Radio and
Telecommunications
Communications (CRTC) establish
the frequencies AM and FM
stations may use for their
broadcasts. Allowable frequencies
are:
AM 530, 540–1600, 1610 kHz
FM 87.9, 88.1–107.1, 107.9 MHz
Not all frequencies are used in a
given area.
Radio reception factors
Three factors can affect radio
reception:
•
Distance/strength. The further
an FM signal travels, the weaker it
is. The listenable range of the
average FM station is
approximately 40 km (24 miles).
This range can be affected by
“signal modulation”.
Signal modulation is a process
radio stations use to increase their
strength/volume relative to other
stations.
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51
• Terrain. Hills, mountains and tall
buildings between your vehicle’s
antenna and the radio station
signal can cause FM reception
problems. Static can be caused on
AM stations by power lines, electric
fences, traffic lights and
thunderstorms. Moving away from
an interfering structure (out of its
“shadow”) returns your reception
to normal.
• Station overload. Weak signals
are sometimes captured by
stronger signals when you pass a
broadcast tower. A stronger signal
may temporarily overtake a weaker
signal and play while the weak
station frequency is displayed.
The audio system automatically
switches to single channel
reception if it will improve the
reception of a station normally
received in stereo.
AUDIO SYSTEM WARRANTIES
AND SERVICE
Refer to the “Warranty Guide” for
audio system warranty information.
If service is necessary, see your
dealer or a qualified technician.
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Controls and features
52
STEERING COLUMN
CONTROLS
Ignition
1. Ignition off, steering wheel
locked.
On vehicles with automatic
transaxles, the ignition key can
return to this position only if the
gearshift lever is in P (Park).
2. The accessory position. Steering
unlocked, radio operational.
Ignition and all main electrical
circuits are disabled.
The ignition key should not be left
in this position for too long to avoid
discharging the battery
unnecessarily.
3. Ignition switched on, all
electrical circuits operational.
Warning and indicator lights
illuminate. This key position is for
normal driving.
4. Starter motor activated. Release
the key as soon as the engine
starts.
3
4
2
1
TRACTION
CONTROL
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF
Off
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
On
CH
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Controls and features
53
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
CLOCK
TRACTION
TROL
CH
Tilt steering
Pull the locking lever on the
steering column cover up to adjust
the steering column position.
Secure the wheel by releasing the
lever thereby allowing the lever to
return to the lock position.
Never adjust the steering
wheel while the vehicle is
moving.
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Controls and features
54
Hazard flasher control
Use only in an emergency to warn
traffic of vehicle breakdown or
approaching danger. Depress to
activate. Depress again to switch
off. The hazard lights can be
operated when the ignition is off.
Off
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
On
Off
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
On
Horn
Press the pad. The horn can be
operated when the ignition is off.
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Controls and features
55
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
CLOCK
TRACTION
TROL
CH
Multi-function switch
The turn signal functions are
available only with the ignition
switch on.
Right turn signal
Move the lever up.
Left turn signal
Move the lever down.
Flash-to-pass
Pull the lever toward you and
release quickly for “flash-to-pass”
operation.
High beam heaadlamps
Push the lever toward the
instrument panel.
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Controls and features
56
Wipers
Lift the windshield wiper lever to
the desired speed interval.
• Intermittent: push lever up to the
first position.
• Low: push lever up to the second
position.
• High: push lever up to the third
position.
For a single wipe, push the lever
downward.
Windshield wipers and washer
Intermittent wiper control
(if equipped)
Rotate the variable intermittent
wiper control to the desired speed.
1 = Short time interval
6 = Extended time interval
Washer
Pull the lever toward the steering
wheel. The washer operates in
conjunction with the windshield
wipers.
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Controls and features
57
Do not use the speed control
in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, slippery, or
unpaved.
Off
On
Speed control (if equipped)
To turn speed control off
• Press Off, or
• turn off the vehicle ignition.
Once the speed control is switched
off, the previously programmed set
speed will be erased.
To turn speed control on
• Press On.
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CLOCK
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
Off
On
TRACTION
TROL
CH
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58
To set a speed
Press Set Acc. For speed control to
operate, the speed control must be
on and the vehicle speed must be
greater than 48 km/h (30 mph).
If you drive up or down a steep hill,
your vehicle speed may vary
momentarily slower or faster than
the set speed. This is normal.
Speed control cannot reduce the
vehicle speed if it increases above
the set speed on a downhill. If your
vehicle speed is faster than the set
speed while driving on a downhill
in overdrive, you may want to shift
to the next lower gear to reduce
your vehicle speed.
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
If your vehicle slows down more
than 16 km/h (10 mph) below your
set speed on an uphill, your speed
control will disengage. This is
normal. Press Res to re-engage it.
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Controls and features
59
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
To set a lower speed
• Press and hold Coast. Release
the control when the desired
vehicle speed is reached, or
• press and release Coast. Each
press will decrease the set speed
by 1.6 km/h (1 mph), or
• depress the brake pedal. When
the desired vehicle speed is
reached, press Set Acc.
To set a higher speed
• Press and hold Set Acc. Release
when the desired set speed is
reached, or
• press and release Set Acc. Each
press will increase the set speed by
1.6 km/h (1 mph), or
• accelerate with your accelerator
pedal, then press Set Acc.
You may accelerate with the
accelerator pedal at any time
during speed control usage.
Releasing the accelerator pedal will
return your vehicle speed to the
previously set speed.
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
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Controls and features
60
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
To return to a set speed
• Press Res. For Res to operate,
the vehicle speed must be faster
than 48 km/h (30 mph).
To disengage speed control
• Depress the brake pedal.
Disengaging the speed control will
not erase the previously
programmed set speed.
OVERHEAD CONTROLS
Interior lamps with reading
lamps (if equipped)
The reading lamps and controls are
located on the dome lamp. Press
the controls on either side of each
lamp to activate the lamps.
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Controls and features
61
12
SEC
On Off 12 SEC
Interior lamps
(sunroof equipped vehicles)
The reading lamps are operated by
separate on/off switches and can be
adjusted to point in the desired
direction.
Open/Lift
Close
Sunroof (if equipped)
The electric sunroof can be
operated only when the ignition is
switched on.
To open and close the sunroof
Press the rear part of the control
on the rocker switch in the roof
console to open the sunroof. Press
the front control to close it.
To lift the rear of the sunroof
Close the sunroof and press the
front part of the control again.
Press the rear control to lower the
sunroof.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 61

Controls and features
62
Power door locks (if equipped)
Push to lock or unlock all doors.
Power windows (if equipped)
The windows will only operate
when the ignition is switched on.
Press the appropriate control to
operate the power windows at each
door position. All of the windows
can be controlled from the control
on the driver door. The passenger
door window and the rear windows
can be operated individually with
separate door controls on the
respective door.
One-touch-down feature
The one-touch-down feature allows
you to completely open the driver
window by briefly pressing and
releasing the bottom of the window
switch. To stop the window before
it opens completely, press the
switch again.
The one-touch down feature only
opens the window. To close the
window, you must press and hold
the top of the switch.
DOOR MOUNTED CONTROLS
U
L
LOCK
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 62

Controls and features
63
Safety switch
Move the switch to the left to
prevent passengers from operating
the windows.
Move the switch to the right to
allow passengers to operate the
windows.
CHILD LOCK BELOW
SECURITE ENFANTS CI-DESSOUS
´
VERROUILLEE
,
LOCKED
WHEN LOCKED,
DOOR WON`T
OPEN FROM INSIDE.
´
VERROULEE AINSI, LA PORTE
NE PEUT S´OUVRIR DE
L´INTERIEUR
.
CHILD LOCK BELOW
SECURITE ENFANTS CI-DESSOUS
´
VERROUILLEE
,
LOCKED
WHEN LOCKED,
DOOR WON`T
OPEN FROM INSIDE.
´
VERROULEE AINSI, LA PORTE
NE PEUT S´OUVRIR DE
L´INTERIEUR
.
Rear door childproof safety
locks
When the lever in the rear door
lock is pushed inwards, the door
can be opened only from the
outside of the vehicle.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 63

Controls and features
64
PULL
Remote luggage compartment
control
Pull the control located on the left
of the driver seat to open the
luggage compartment.
FLOOR MOUNTED CONTROLS
Parking brake
For information on the parking
brake, refer to Preparing to start
the vehicle in the Starting
chapter.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 64

Controls and features
65
Fuel pump shut-off switch
For information on the fuel pump
shut-off switch, refer to Fuel
pump shut-off switch in the
Roadside emergencies chapter.
Positive retention floor mat
Position the floor mat in the
footwell. Place the mat eyelet over
the pointed end of the retention
post from the rear and rotate
forward to install. Adjust the floor
mat position to allow proper
operation of accelerator pedal,
brake pedal and clutch pedal (if
equipped).
To remove, lift the floor mat just
forward of the retention post and
rotate it rearward to disengage it
from the retention post.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 65

Controls and features
66
TRUNK
UN
LOCK
PANIC
LOCK
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
SYSTEM
(if equipped)
If your vehicle has a remote entry
system, you can lock and unlock
the vehicle doors and open the
luggage compartment without
using a key. The remote also has a
personal alarm feature.
The remote entry feature only
operates with the ignition in the off
position.
Locking the doors
Press the LOCK control.
To signal that the doors are locked,
press the LOCK control again
within five seconds. The doors will
lock again and the horn will sound.
Unlocking the doors
Press the UNLOCK control to open
the driver door.
To unlock the other doors, press
the UNLOCK control a second time
within five seconds.
TRUNK
LOCK
PANIC
UN
LOCK
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 66

Controls and features
67
Opening the luggage
compartment
Press the TRUNK control.
Sounding the panic alarm
Press the PANIC control. The horn
will sound and the headlamps and
tail lamps will flash for
approximately 2 minutes and 45
seconds.
To deactivate the alarm, press the
PANIC control again or turn the
ignition key to the on position.
UN
LOCK
LOCK
PANIC
TRUNK
TRUNK
UN
LOCK
LOCK
PANIC
Replacing the batteries
The transmitter is powered by two
coin-type, three-volt lithium
batteries. A decrease in operating
range can be caused by:
• battery failure,
• weather conditions, or
• structures around the vehicle.
Replacement batteries for the
remote entry system transmitters
may be purchased at pharmacies,
watch stores or at authorized
dealers.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 67

Controls and features
68
Replacing lost transmitters
Take your transmitters to the
dealer for reprogramming if:
• a transmitter is lost, or
• you want to purchase additional
transmitters.
This device complies with part 15
of the FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the two following
conditions: (1) The device may not
cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
To replace the batteries:
1. Twist a thin coin between the
two halves of the transmitter. Do
not take the front part of the
transmitter apart.
2. Remove the old batteries.
3. Place the positive (+) side of the
new batteries down.
4. Snap the two halves of the
transmitter back together.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 68

Controls and features
69
PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
(if equipped)
The Passive Anti-Theft system
(PATS) is an engine immobilization
system. It is an additional theft
protection feature that prevents
the engine from being started
unless a coded key is used..
This system is only available with
2.5 litre engines.
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
3
1
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
1
23
0 0
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
130
P
H
120
140
160
180
200
EF
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
CLOCK
Automatic arming
The system is armed five seconds
after switching off the ignition.
The armed status is indicated when
the control light flashes every
two seconds.
Automatic disarming
Switching on the ignition disarms
the system if the correct code is
recognized.
Keys
Your vehicle is supplied with two
coded keys.
Only these keys can be used to
start your vehicle.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 69

Controls and features
70
Functional check
When the ignition is switched on,
the control light will illuminate for
approximately three seconds to
indicate that the system is
operating correctly.
If the control light flashes rapidly
for approximately one minute and
then repeatedly at irregular
intervals, the system did not
recognize the key code. Remove
the key and try again.
If the control light illuminates
continuously for approximately
one minute and then flashes
repeatedly at irregular intervals, a
system malfunction has occurred.
Have the malfunction repaired by
your dealer or a qualified
technician as soon as possible.
To ensure a trouble-free exchange
between vehicle and key, do not
shield the keys with any metal
objects.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 70

Controls and features
71
Spare key programming
A maximum of 8 keys in all can be
coded with any two coded keys.
• Insert the first key in the
ignition switch and turn to position
3.
• Turn the key back to position 1
and remove from the ignition
switch within 5 seconds.
• Insert the second key in the
ignition switch and turn to position
3 within 5 seconds.
• Turn the key back to position 1
and remove from the ignition
switch within 5 seconds - the key
coding mode is now activated.
• If an uncoded key is now
inserted in the ignition switch and
turned to position 3 within 10
seconds, this key is coded to the
system.
If coding is not completed
correctly, the control light flashes
after the ignition is switched on
with the newly coded key. Repeat
the coding process after waiting 20
seconds with the ignition in
position 3.
If keys become lost, you must have
your dealer clear and reprogram
the code for security reasons.
3
4
2
1
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 71

72
Push or pull the head restraint to
the desired height.
SEATING
Manually adjusting the seats
Pull the lever located at the front
edge of the seat to move the seat
forward or backward.
Reclining the seats
Pull the lever on the outside of the
seat to recline the seat.
Never adjust the driver seat
or seat back when the
vehicle is moving.

73
respective direction to adjust the
seat as follows:
1
2
3
4
Seat
(1) Forward and backward
(2) Height of the entire seat
(3) Height of the front of the seat
(4) Height of the rear of the seat
Lumbar support
Pull the lever to adjust lumbar
support.

74
the seat. The seat back cannot be
released while the built-in child
seat (if equipped) is open.
If you are carrying objects that
might damage the center rear
three-point safety belt, you can
unbuckle the end of the belt from
the small buckle on the seat
cushion and let the retractor reel it
up. Reconnect the belt tongue to
the buckle when you fold the seat
back up. Refer to
Center position
three-point safety belts in this
chapter.
To raise the rear seat back, push
the seat back upward until it locks
in place. Make sure it is firmly
latched by pushing forward and
back on it.
Check to see that the seat
and seat back are latched
securely in position. Keep luggage
area free of objects that would
prevent proper engagement.

75
The use of safety belts helps to
restrain both driver and passenger
in case of a collision. In most states
and Canada, the law requires the
use of safety belts.
Always drive and ride with
your seatback upright and
the lap belt snug and low across
the hips.
Lock the doors of your
vehicle before driving to
lessen the risk of the door coming
open in a collision.
Cargo should always be
secured to prevent it from
shifting and causing damage to the
vehicle or harm to passengers.
To prevent the risk of injury,
make sure children sit where
they can be properly restrained.
Front and rear seat
occupants including
pregnant women, should wear
safety belts for optimum
protection in an accident.

76
Insert the tongue into the slot in
the buckle to fasten.
Push the red release button and
remove the tongue from the slot to
unfasten.
The passenger safety restraints in
the vehicle are combination lap and
shoulder belts. The front and rear
seat passenger safety belts have
two types of locking modes.
Each seating position in your
vehicle has a specific safety
belt assembly which is made up of
one buckle and one tongue that
are designed to be used as a pair.
Use the shoulder belt on the
outside shoulder only. Never wear
the shoulder belt under the arm.
Never swing it around your neck
over the inside shoulder.
Never use a single belt for more
than one person.

77
Automatic locking mode
In this mode, the shoulder belt is
automatically prelocked; however,
the belt will react to remove any
slack in the shoulder belt.
The automatic locking mode is not
available on the driver’s safety belt.
When to use the automatic
locking mode
• When a tight lap and shoulder
belt fit is desired.
• Any time a child safety seat is
installed in the vehicle. For
information on the proper use of a
child safety seat, refer to Child
safety seats later in this chapter.
normal retractor mode which locks
the belts in response to vehicle
movement. For example, if the
driver brakes suddenly, turns a
corner sharply or your vehicle
receives an impact of 8 km/h
(5 mph) or more the combination
safety belts will lock to help reduce
the forward movement of the
driver and passengers.
The retractor can be made to lock
by pulling sharply on the belt.

78
Canceling automatic locking
mode
Disconnect the combination lap
and shoulder belt and allow it to
completely retract. This will cancel
the automatic locking mode and
activate the vehicle sensitive
(emergency) locking mode.
safety seat in any passenger seat.
1. Buckle the combination lap and
shoulder belt.
2. Grasp the shoulder belt portion
and pull downward until the entire
belt is extracted.
3. Allow the belt to retract. As the
belt retracts, you will hear a
clicking sound. This indicates that
the safety belt is now in the
automatic locking mode.

79
To lower the height of the shoulder
belt:
1. Push the control down.
2. Slide down.
To raise the height of the shoulder
belt:
1. Slide up.
2. Pull down on the height adjuster
to make sure that it is locked in
place.
height adjuster so that the
belt rests across the middle of
your shoulder. Be sure the
shoulder belt is properly
positioned on your shoulder each
time you use the belt. If the
shoulder belt is off your shoulder,
on your upper arm or neck, there
is a greater risk of severe injury in
a collision.

80
Safety belt indicator light and
warning chime
Illuminates in the instrument
cluster and a chime sounds to
remind the occupants to fasten
their safety belts.
been unbuckled, pull the belt
steadily from the reel and insert
the small tongue into the small
buckle until a distinct “click” is
heard.
This buckle should be left buckled
except when the seatback is folded
down and cargo that might damage
the seatbelt or get it dirty is being
hauled.
Pull the seat belt across the hips
and insert the big (sliding) tongue
into the appropriate buckle until a
distinct “click” is heard.
Should the center rear belt need to
be unlatched from its anchorage, a
thin probe is required to be
inserted into the hole located on
the underside of the floor mounted
buckle. If the buckle and tongue
are not reconnected, then the belt
is not safe to be used.
Alternative design

81
Safety belt extension assembly
The safety belt may be too short
even when fully extended.
Approximately 20 cm (8 inches)
may be added to the length of the
belt with a safety belt extension
(part number 611C22). Safety belt
extensions are available at no cost
from your dealer.
Only use extensions manufactured
by the same supplier as the safety
belt. Manufacturer identification is
on the label located at the end of
the webbing.
Do not use the extension to change
the fit of the shoulder belt across
the torso.
turned to on, the safety belt
indicator illuminates for
1-2 minutes and the warning chime
sounds for 4-8 seconds.
If the driver safety belt is buckled
while the indicator light is
illuminated and the reminder
chime is sounding, the safety belt
indicator light and reminder turn
off.

82
security of the anchorage points
and the locking action of the inertia
reels by giving each belt a sharp
tug.
Belts subjected to strain, as in the
result of an accident, should be
replaced and the anchorages
checked by your dealer or a
qualified technician.
Failure to follow these
instructions will affect the
performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal
injury.
Safety belt warning label
A warning label has been placed on
the buckle of each of your vehicle’s
front seat safety belts.
In a collision of sufficient severity
while the safety belt is in use, the
safety belt buckle will pull out of
the sleeve so that all or part of the
orange portion of the lavel is
visible.
Whenever the orange
portion of the label is visible,
the safety belt must be replaced.
WARNING Replace buckle
assembly if this vehicle is in a collision
or if any orange portion of this label
is visible. (See Owner Guide). Failure
to replace this buckle assembly under
the above conditions could result in
severe personal injuries in the event
of collision.
AVERTISSEMENT Remplacer
l'ensemble de boucle de ceinture en
cas de collision avec ce véhicule, ou si
la partie orange de cette étiquette
est visible (Voir le Guide du
proprietare). Faute de remplacer cet
ensemble de boucle, des blessures
graves pourraient ĂŞtre encourues en
cas de collision.
REPLACE BUCKLE/REMPLACER BOUCLE

83
Important supplemental
restraint system (SRS)
precautions
The supplemental restraint system
(SRS) is designed to:
• work with the safety belt to
protect the driver and right front
passenger.
• reduce certain upper body
injuries.
AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
ENGINE
OFF
CLOCK

84
When installing forward-
facing child seats in the
front seat always move the
passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible.
Never install rear-facing child
seats or rear-facing infant seats in
the front seat.
Children and air bags
For additional important safety
information, read all information on
safety restraints in this guide.
Children should always wear safety
belts. Failure to follow these
instructions may increase the risk
of injury in a collision.
Do not attempt to service,
repair, or modify the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) or its fuses. See your Ford
or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
to co tact t a at g a
bag.

85
The SRS is designed to activate
when the vehicle is in a collision,
similar to hitting a fixed barrier
head-on at 12-24 km/h (8-14 mph).
The fact that the air bags did not
inflate in a collision does not mean
that something is wrong with the
system. Rather, it means the forces
were not of the type sufficient to
cause activation.
The air bags inflate and deflate
rapidly upon activation.
After air bag deployment, it is
normal to notice a smoke-like,
powdery residue or smell the
burned propellant. This may
consist of cornstarch, talcum
powder (to lubricate the bag), or
sodium compounds (e.g., baking
soda) that result from the
combustion process that inflates
the air bag. Small amounts of
sodium hydroxide may be present,
which may irritate the skin and
eyes, but none of the residue is
toxic.

86
The SRS consists of the following:
• driver and passenger air bag
modules (which include the
inflators and air bags),
• one impact and one safing
sensor,
• a readiness light and secondary
warning light, and
• the electrical wiring and
components.
The diagnostic module monitors its
own internal circuits and the
supplemental air bag electrical
system readiness (including the
impact sensors), the system wiring,
the air bag system readiness light,
the air bag backup power, and the
air bag ignitors.
If the air bag is inflated, the
air bag will not function
again and must be replaced
immediately. If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will
increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
at o .

87
the instrument cluster or a
secondary warning light to indicate
the condition of the system. Refer
to the Air bag readiness section in
the Instrumentation chapter.
Routine maintenance of the air bag
is not required.
A difficulty with the system is
indicated by one or more of the
following:
• The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
• The readiness light will not
illuminate after ignition is turned
on.
• The air bag secondary warning
light will flash five times. The
pattern will repeat periodically
until the problem or the readiness
light is repaired.
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the SRS
serviced at your dealership or by a
qualified technician immediately.
Unless serviced, the system may
not function properly in the event
of a collision.
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL

88
equipped vehicles, see your local
dealership or a qualified technician.
Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.
Res
Coast
Set
Acc
Off
On

89
It is extremely dangerous to
ride in a cargo area, inside or
outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured
or killed. Do not allow people to
ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats
and safety belts. Be sure everyone
in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
Safety belts and seats can
become hot in a vehicle that
has been closed up in sunny
weather; they could burn a small
child. Check seat covers and
buckles before you place a child
anywhere near them.
Do not leave children,
unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
make sure children sit where
they can be properly restrained.
Whenever possible, put
children in one of the rear
seats in your vehicle. Accident
statistics indicate that children are
safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats than in the front
seats.

90
safety restraints for children in the
U.S. and Canada. If small children
ride in your vehicle (generally
children who are 4 years old or
younger and who weigh 18 kg
[40 lbs] or less), you must put them
in safety seats made especially for
children. Check your local and
state or provincial laws for specific
requirements regarding the safety
of children in your vehicle.
Never let a passenger hold a
child on his or her lap while
the vehicle is moving. The
passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision.
Always follow the instructions and
warnings that come with any infant
or child restraint you might use.
When possible, place children in
the rear seat of your vehicle.
Accident statistics suggest that
children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating
positions than in the front seating
position.

91
child safety seat manufacturer)
should always wear safety belts.
Follow all the important safety
restraints and air bag precautions
that apply to adult passengers in
your vehicle.
If the shoulder belt portion of a
combination lap and shoulder belt
can be positioned so it does not
cross or rest in front of the child’s
face or neck, the child should wear
the lap and shoulder belt. Moving
the child closer to the center of the
vehicle may help provide a good
shoulder belt fit.
If the shoulder belt cannot be
properly positioned:
• move the child to one of the
seats with a lap belt only (if
equipped).
OR
• if the child is the appropriate
size, restrain the child in a safety
seat.

92
positioning booster seat that is
labelled as conforming to all federal
motor vehicle safety standards.
Belt-positioning booster seats raise
the child and provide a shorter,
firmer seating posture and better
fit of lap and shoulder belts on the
child. A belt-positioning booster
seat should be used if the shoulder
belt rests in front of the child’s face
or neck, or if the lap belt does not
fit snugly on both thighs, or if the
thighs are too short to let the child
sit all the way back on the seat
cushion when the lower legs hang
over the edge of the seat cushion.
You may wish to discuss the special
needs of your child with your
pediatrician.

93
All built-in child restraints,
including seats, buckles,
retractors, seat latches, interlocks,
and attaching hardware should be
inspected by a qualified dealer
technician after any collision.
The rear seat may include a built-in
child seat. This child seat conforms
to all federal and local motor
vehicle safety standards. Read the
labels located on the child seat
cushion and shoulder belt for
information on the built-in child
seat.
Use the built-in child seat only if
the child is at least one year old,
weighs 10-27 kg (22-60 lbs) and
the child’s shoulders fit below the
shoulder harness slots on the built-
in child seat.
Children not meeting these
requirements should be secured in
an aftermarket seat. Refer to Child
safety seats in this chapter.

94
Built-in child seat retractors
The belts on built-in child seats are
equipped with a retractor. The
retractor will automatically snug
the belts around the child. If the
belts do not remain snug, take the
vehicle to your dealer or a qualified
technician for child seat repair. The
belts will not remain snug during a
collision if the retractor is not
functioning properly.
is not placed in the integrated child
seat when the folding seatback is
not securely latched.
It prevents the seatback from being
unlatched while the child seat is in
use. When the child seat is
deployed, the seatback cannot be
released.

95
1. Make sure that the seatback is
securely latched in place.
2. Grasp the child seat cushion and
pull the top forward to release the
latch. Continue to unfold the child
seat until it rests on the seat in the
fully open position.
instructions on the use of
this child restraint system can
result in your child striking the
vehicle’s interior during a sudden
stop or crash.
Never use the built-in child
seat as a booster cushion
with the adult safety belts. A child
using the adult belts could slide
forward and out from under the
safety belts.
The rear seatback must be
fully locked before operating
the child safety restraint system.

96
4. If connected, squeeze the tabs
on the top and bottom of the chest
clip and pull the halves apart to
open the chest clip. Then release
the lower half of belt by pressing
the red button.
5. Place the child in the child seat
and position the shoulder belts
over each shoulder.
child seat.

97
If both tongues do not latch
in the buckle, do not use the
child seat. See your dealer for
repairs.
7. Fasten both halves of the chest
clip below the child’s shoulders and
adjust it to comfortably hold the
shoulder belts in place on the
child’s chest. The color green must
appear in the indicator window
when fastened.
8. Pull the lap portion of the belts
toward you to make sure the crotch
safety belt buckle is properly
fastened and the retractor is
locked.
9. If the belts become too tight,
unbuckle the crotch safety belt
buckle to unlock the retractors,
then reinsert both belt tongues.
tongue is inserted first). Insert the
other tongue. The color green must
appear in the indicator window on
each tongue when buckled. Allow
belts to retract and fit snugly.

98
To stow the built-in child seat
Return the child seat cushion to
the upright position, then press
firmly in the center and top of the
child seat.
Inspecting the built-in child
seat after a collision
All built-in child restraints,
including seats, buckles, retractors,
seat latches, interlocks and
attaching hardware should be
inspected by your dealer or a
qualified technician after any
collision. If the child seat was in
use during a collision, Ford
recommends replacing it. Built-in
child restraints not in use during a
collision should be inspected and
replaced if either damage or
improper operation is noted.
the bottom of the chest clip and
pull the halves apart to open the
chest clip.
2. Press the release button on the
crotch safety belt buckle.
3. Slide the shoulder belts off the
child’s shoulders and remove the
child.

99
included with the safety seat you
put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat
properly, the child may be injured
in a sudden stop or collision.
Ford recommends the use of a
child safety seat having a top tether
strap. Install the child safety seat in
a seating position which is capable
of providing a tether anchorage.
For more information on top tether
straps see Attaching safety seats
with tether straps in this chapter.
When installing a child safety seat:
• Use the correct safety belt
buckle for that seating postion.
• Make sure the tongue is securely
fastened in the buckle.
• Keep the buckle release button
pointing up and away from the
safety seat, with the tongue
between the child seat and the
release button, to prevent
accidental unbuckling.
• Put the safety belt in the
automatic locking mode. Refer to
Using automatic locking mode in
this chapter.

100
1. Position the child safety seat in a
seat with a combination lap and
shoulder belt.
2. Pull down on the shoulder belt
and then grasp the shoulder belt
and lap belt together.
3. While holding the shoulder and
lap belt portions together, route
the tongue through the child seat
according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions. Be
sure the belt webbing is not
twisted.
When using forward-facing
child seats move the
passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible.
Never secure rear-facing infant
seats in the front seat.

101
5. To put the retractor in the
automatic locking mode, grasp the
shoulder portion of the belt and
pull downward until all of the belt
is extracted and a click is heard.
6. Allow the belt to retract. The
belt will click as it retracts to
indicate it is in the automatic
locking mode.
7. Pull the lap belt portion across
the child seat toward the buckle
and pull up on the shoulder belt
while pushing down with your knee
on the child seat.
is latched securely by pulling on it.

102
seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward
and back to make sure the seat is
securely held in place.
10. Try to pull the belt out of the
retractor to make sure the
retractor is in automatic locking
mode (you should not be able to
pull more belt out). If the retractor
is not locked, unbuckle the belt and
repeat steps two through nine.
Check to make sure the child seat
is properly secured before each
use.
Attaching safety seats with
tether straps
Some manufacturers make safety
seats that include a tether strap
that goes over the back of the
vehicle seat and attaches to an
anchoring point. Other
manufacturers offer their tether
strap as an accessory. Contact the
manufacturer of your child safety
seat for information about ordering
a tether strap.

103
tether hook into the hole in the
tongue of the center rear lap belt.
After the hook is in the hole, pull
on the loose end of the lap belt
webbing to shorten the belt and
tighten the tether strap.
To install a tethered child safety
seat in the rear seat, you will need
tether anchor hardware.
Tether anchor hardware
Tether anchor hardware kits (part
number 613D74), including
instructions, may be obtained at no
charge from any Ford or Lincoln-
Mercury dealer. All vehicles built
for sale in Canada include a tether
anchor hardware kit.
Tighten the anchor
according to specifications.
Otherwise, the safety seat may not
be properly secured and the child
may be injured in a sudden stop or
collision.

Starting
104
Extended idling at high
engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other
damage.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
A computer system controls the
engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(rpm). When the engine starts, the
idle rpm runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed
does not slow down automatically,
have the vehicle checked by your
dealer or a qualified service
technician. Do not allow the vehicle
to idle for more than ten minutes.
Do not park, idle, or drive
your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire.
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Starting
105
IMPORTANT VENTILATION
INFORMATION
If the engine is idling while the
vehicle is stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the
windows at least 2.5 cm (1 inch).
OFF PLN/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
Adjust the heating or air
conditioning to bring in fresh air.
Do not start your vehicle in a
closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes
can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the
engine. See Guarding against
exhaust fumes in this chapter for
more instructions.
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Starting
106
Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other debris.
Guarding against exhaust
fumes
Although odorless and colorless,
carbon monoxide is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to
avoid its dangerous effects.
Have the exhaust and body
ventilation system checked
whenever:
• the vehicle is raised for service.
• the sound of the exhaust system
changes.
• the vehicle has been damaged in
a collision.
If you ever smell exhaust
fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes. These fumes
are harmful and could kill you.
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Starting
107
PREPARING TO START THE
VEHICLE
Engine starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system. This system
meets all Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected
engine, avoid pressing the
accelerator pedal before or during
starting. Only use the accelerator
pedal when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more
information on starting the vehicle,
refer to
Starting the engine in this
chapter.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants
have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts
and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and
vehicle accessories are off.
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Starting
108
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transaxle:
• Make sure the parking brake is
set.
• Push the clutch pedal to the
floor. Otherwise, the engine will not
crank (turn over).
• Put the gearshift into neutral.
If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transaxle:
• Make sure the parking brake is
set.
• Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
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Starting
109
3. Turn the key to the on position
(without turning the key to start).
Make sure the following lights
illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
• If the driver’s safety belt is
fastened the safety belt warning
light does not illuminate.
BRAKE
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
Alternative design
Alternative design
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
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Starting
110
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to the start
position (4) without pressing the
accelerator pedal and release as
soon as the engine starts. The key
will return to the on (3) position.
3
4
2
1
2. If the engine does not start
within five seconds, wait ten
seconds and try again.
3. If the engine does not start in
two attempts OR the temperature
is below -12°C (10°F), depress the
accelerator pedal and start the
engine while holding the
accelerator pedal down. Release
the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
Vehicles equipped with the 2.0 l
engine: If the engine fails to start,
continue to crank with the
accelerator depressed about 1/4 of
the way down and hold that
position until the engine starts.
DO NOT crank for more than
30 seconds or you could damage
the starter.
4. After idling the engine for a few
seconds, apply the brake pedal and
release the parking brake.
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Starting
111
USING THE ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the
engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine
faster and allows the heater-
defroster system to respond
quickly. It is strongly recommended
if you live in a region where
temperatures reach –23°C (–10°F)
or below.
For best results, plug the heater in
at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for
more than three hours will not
harm the engine, so the heater can
be plugged in the night before
starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock,
do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
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Driving
112
BRAKES
Your brakes are self-adjusting.
Refer to the “Scheduled
Maintenance Guide” for
maintenance intervals.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
(if equipped)
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lock-up during
brake applications and
compensating for this tendency.
The wheels are prevented from
locking even when the brakes are
firmly applied, helping to ensure
that the vehicle can be steered and
the driver can avoid obstacles.
Operation of the anti-lock
braking system
The anti-lock braking system is not
employed during normal braking. It
becomes operational only when it
senses differences in the rotational
speed of the road wheels,
indicating that they are about to
lock-up. Its operation is indicated
by a pulsing of the brake pedal. Do
not release the pedal while braking.
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Driving
113
Two important
rules when
braking in
emergencies with
ABS:
1.
Apply full force
on both brake
and clutch pedal
(if equipped).
Braking with ABS
• In an emergency, apply full force
on the brake pedal. In vehicles
with manual transaxles, you must
also depress the clutch pedal. The
anti-lock braking system will be
activated immediately, allowing
you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing
there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles.
• We recommend that you
familiarize yourself with this
braking technique. However,
avoid taking any unnecessary
risks.
• Although the ABS ensures
optimum braking efficiency,
stopping distances can vary
greatly, depending on the road
surface and conditions. Use of
the ABS cannot eliminate the
dangers inherent in driving too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
hydroplaning, excessive cornering
speed, or poor road surfaces.
2.
Steer around the
obstacle. No matter
how hard you brake,
steering control is
maintained.
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Driving
114
Parking brake
To engage the parking brake:
Pull the handle upward.
To release the parking brake:
1. Press and hold the release
button.
2. Push handle downward to the off
position.
Always set the parking brake
fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transaxle) or in
1 (first) (manual transaxle).
To prevent personal injury,
do not release the parking
brake while outside the vehicle.
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Driving
115
TRACTION CONTROL
(if equipped)
This system prevents wheel spin at
all speeds. The control will toggle
this function on and off, but the
feature defaults to on after each
cycle of the ignition key.
The traction control system
controls excessive wheel spin by
automatically applying and
releasing the brakes in conjunction
with engine torque reductions.
This can occur when accelerating
on a slippery road, a loose surface
or when pulling away on a hill. The
traction control lamp flashes on the
instrument panel when the system
is functioning to regulate tire
traction.
When the ignition is turned to the
on position, the traction control
system light comes on for
approximately three (3) seconds. If
the light does not come on when
the ignition is turned to the on
position or if it remains on when
the traction control system is
turned on, have the system
serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician. You
can continue to drive and do not
need to have the vehicle towed in.
You should not take unnecessary
driving risks because of the
system’s safety potential.
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Driving
116
STEERING YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle comes with power
steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
If the amount of effort needed to
steer your vehicle at a constant
vehicle speed, have the power
steering system checked. If the
power steering system breaks
down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle
manually but it takes more effort.
Never hold the steering wheel to
the extreme right or left for more
than five seconds if the engine is
running. This can damage the
power steering pump.
Switching off traction control
If you become stuck in snow or on
a slippery road surface, try
switching off the traction control
system by pressing the switch. This
may allow the excess wheel spin to
“dig“ the vehicle out or enable a
successful “rocking“ maneuver. Do
not rock the vehicle for more than
a few minutes, because it could
damage the vehicle.
The light in the control illuminates
continuously when the system has
been switched off. To reactivate
the system, depress the switch
again or restart the engine.
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Driving
117
TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Automatic transaxle
(if equipped)
Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transaxle are equipped
with a brake-shift interlock feature
that prevents the gearshift lever
from being moved from the
P (Park) position unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
Putting your vehicle in gear
You must push the thumb button
to move the gearshift to the
position you choose.
To operate:
1. Start the engine.
2. Depress and hold the brake
pedal.
3. Move the gearshift lever out of
P (Park).
Speed sensitive power steering
(if equipped)
The steering system is speed
sensitive. This means that the
steering effort is light for parking
and heavier for highway driving.
However, if you have to swerve
around an object or another
vehicle, your vehicle will have full
power assist.
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Driving
118
Overriding the brake-shift
interlock feature
If it is necessary to use this
procedure to move the gearshift
lever, it is possible that a fuse has
blown and the vehicle’s brakelamps
may not be working. Refer to Fuses
and relays in the Roadside
emergencies chapter.
If you cannot move the gearshift
lever from P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed:
1. Turn the ignition off and remove
the ignition key.
2. Apply the parking brake and the
brake pedal.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar
item about 5 cm (2 inches) into the
square opening to the right of the
gearshift at the base of the console.
4. Rotate the screwdriver point
rearward.
5. Push and hold the thumb button
and move the gearshift.
6. Remove the screwdriver when
the gearshift moves from the P
(Park) position.
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Driving
119
•P(Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents
the front wheels from rotating.
•
R (Reverse)
The vehicle only moves backward.
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting in or out of R
(Reverse).
P = Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R = Reverse . . . . . . . . . . .
N = Neutral. . . . . . . . . . . .
D = Drive: Gear 1 to 4
with overdrive. . . . . .
Gear 1 to 3
with overdrive
cancelled . . . . . . . . . .
2 = Gear 2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 = Gear 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
Never leave a vehicle
unattended while it is
running.
The console-mounted gearshift will
lock when you turn the key to the
lock position. When the gearshift is
in any position except P (Park),
the ignition key cannot be turned
to lock or removed from the
steering column. To remove the
key, the gearshift lever must be in
P (Park).
Once the gearshift is secure in the
desired position, release the brake
pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
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Driving
120
•
D (Overdrive)
Note that the vehicle’s gearshift is
console-mounted on the floor. The
transaxle control switch (TCS) is
located on the gearshift handle.
The transaxle control indicator
light (O/D light) is located on the
instrument panel.
Overdrive is not shown on the
display, but is the default mode for
the D gearshift position. This is the
normal driving mode for the best
fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
The O/D light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle
operation.
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transaxle control
switch (TCS) located on the
gearshift handle. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster.
•
N (Neutral)
The wheels of the transaxle are not
locked. Your vehicle will roll freely,
even on the slightest incline, unless
the parking brake or brakes are on.
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Driving
121
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
•
D (Drive)
D (Drive) provides more engine
braking than overdrive and is
useful when driving through hilly
terrain or if your vehicle requires
additional power for climbing hills.
Activate by pressing the transaxle
control switch (TCS) located on
the gearshift handle. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. Transaxle
operates in gears one through
three.
To return to overdrive mode, press
the transaxle control switch.The
O/D OFF indicator light will
extinguish.
When starting your vehicle, the
transaxle will automatically return
to normal overdrive mode when the
D (Drive) gearshift position is
selected.
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Driving
122
•
1 (First)
Use the 1 (First) position to
provide maximum engine braking
on steep downgrades. Upshifts will
not occur while the gearshift lever
remains in the 1 (First) position.
Upshifts may be made by shifting
to the 2 (second) position or to D
(Drive). Selecting the 1 (First)
position at high speeds causes the
transaxle to downshift through the
gears and will shift to 1 (First)
after the vehicle decelerates to the
transaxle first gear designed speed.
Do not go faster than 60 km/h
(38 mph) in this gear.
•
2 (Second)
Use the 2 (Second) position to
start up on slippery roads or to
provide additional braking on
downgrades. When your vehicle is
in 2 (Second), it automatically
starts off in second gear. Do not go
faster than 90 km/h (55 mph) in
this gear.
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Driving
123
Manual transaxle (if equipped)
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transaxle have a starter interlock
that prevents cranking the engine
unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.
Using the clutch
When starting a vehicle with a
manual transaxle:
1. Hold down the brake pedal.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Put the gearshift lever in neutral.
4. Start the vehicle.
5. Put the gearshift in 1 (First) or R
(Reverse).
6. Release the clutch slowly while
pressing gradually down on the
accelerator pedal.
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the clutch pedal. Do not use the
clutch to hold your vehicle at a
standstill while waiting on a hill.
These actions may reduce the
clutch life.
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Driving
124
*The vehicle can be shifted at lower speeds to improve fuel economy.
22
Recommended shift speeds
2.0 litre engine 5-speed transaxle
shift speed schedules
Recommended
upshifts:
Shift from km/h mph
14
25
33
48
40
53
77
mph
12
20
29
40
km/h
19
32
64
First to second
Second to third
Third to fourth
Fourth to fifth
During acceleration: During cruise*:
46
2.5 litre engine 5-speed transaxle
shift speed schedules
km/h mph km/h mph
10
20
31
40
16
32
50
64
14
25
33
45
22
40
53
73
Shift from
First to second
Second to third
Third to fourth
Fourth to fifth
Recommended
upshifts:
During acceleration: During cruise*:
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Driving
125
Parking
1. Apply the brake and the clutch
and shift into neutral.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Shift into 1 (First) or R
(Reverse).
4. Turn the ignition off.
Do not park your vehicle in
Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
Use 1 (first) gear and set the
parking brake.
Reverse
To shift into R (Reverse):
1. Completely stop your vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal to the
floor and place the gearshift lever
in the neutral position. Do not
release the clutch pedal.
3. If the following direction is not
followed, a grinding noise may
occur.
Wait a minimum of three seconds
before attempting to shift into R
(Reverse) gear.
4. Push the gearshift lever
completely to the right, pull up the
ring on the stalk of the gearshift
lever, and then pull rearward on
the gearshift lever to engage the R
(Reverse) gear.
5. If the R (Reverse) gear is
engaged, slowly release the clutch
pedal from the floor.
1
2
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Driving
126
LOADING YOUR VEHICLE
Before loading your vehicle,
familiarize yourself with these
terms.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
Base curb weight plus the payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a
specification.
Payload
Combined maximum allowable
weight of passengers, cargo and
optional equipment.
Base curb weight
Weight of the vehicle including any
standard equipment, fluids and
lubricants. It does not include
passengers or aftermarket
equipment.
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Driving
127
GCW (Gross Combined Weight)
The GCW is the maximum
combined weight of the towing
vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) and the loaded trailer. The
GCW is specified by the
manufacturer to indicate the
combined maximum loaded weight
that the vehicle is designed to tow.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
Carrying capacity for each axle
system (front and rear). The
GAWR is specific to each vehicle
and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on
the driver’s door pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
Maximum total weight of the base
vehicle, passengers, optional
equipment and cargo. The GVWR is
specific to each vehicle and is listed
on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the driver’s
door pilar.
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Driving
128
-9%
-6%
-3%
900 m
(3000 ft)
600 m
(2000 ft)
300 m
(1000 ft)
0
Payload = GVWR minus Base
curb weight
To obtain the correct weight for
your vehicle, try taking your
vehicle to a shipping company or
an inspection station for trucks.
Do not use replacement tires with
lower weight capacities than the
originals because they might lower
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR.
(Replacement tires with a higher
weight limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR
limitations.)
In high altitudes, engines will lose
power at a rate of 3% power per
300 m (1 000 ft) increase in
elevation. A reduction in GVW and
GCW is recommended for
maximum vehicle performance.
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label.
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Driving
129
It is extremly dangerous to
ride in a cargo area, inside or
outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured
or killed. Do not allow people to
ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats
and safety belts. Be sure everyone
in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
Driving with a heavy load
The total weight of the vehicle plus
the total weight of passengers and
cargo should never exceed the
GVWR.
The weight that the vehicle carries
over the front and rear axles
should never exceed the GAWR for
the respective axle.
The weight limits of your vehicle’s
tires affect the GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Using tires with higher
weight limits than the original tires
will not increase the GVWR or
GAWR of your vehicle; using tires
with lower weight limits may lower
the GVWR or GAWR of your
vehicle.
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130
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a
trailer of up to a maximum of
454 kg (1 000 lbs) gross trailer
weight with a maximum tongue
load of 45 kg (100 lbs). It should
also have 2.3 sq. meters (25 sq.
feet) or less frontal area. Do not
drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph)
while towing a 454 kg (1 000 lb)
trailer.
Your vehicle does not come from
the factory fully equipped to tow.
No towing packages are available
through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
Trailer towing puts additional loads
on your vehicle’s engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension.
For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use
the proper equipment while
towing.
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131
Follow these guidelines to ensure
safe towing procedure:
• Stay within your vehicle’s load
limits.
• Thoroughly prepare your vehicle
for towing. Refer to
Preparing to
tow in this chapter.
• Use extra caution when driving
while trailer towing. Refer to
Driving while towing a trailer in
this chapter.
• Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer.
Refer to the severe duty schedule
in the maintenance guide and or
service guide.
• Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least
800 km (500 miles).
• Refer to the instructions
included with towing accessories
for the proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
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132
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for
towing a trailer and make sure that
it is properly attached to your
vehicle. See your dealer or a
reliable trailer retailer if you
require assistance.
Auxiliary coolers are recommended
for the power steering system and
automatic transaxle system if you
are planning on:
• Traveling farther than 80 km
(50 miles).
• Towing in hilly terrain.
• Towing frequently.
Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transaxle
damage, structural damage, loss of
control, and personal injury.
Do not exceed the maximum loads
listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. For load
specification terms found on the
label, refer to Loading your
vehicle in this chapter. Remember
to figure in the tongue load of your
loaded vehicle when figuring the
total weight.
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133
Using a hitch
Do not use hitches that:
• Clamp onto the vehicle bumper.
• Attach to the axle.
Distribute the load so that only 10
to 15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the tongue. Tie down
the load so that it does not shift
and change weight on the hitch.
Follow the instructions of a
reputable rental agency.
Using trailer lamps
See your local trailer retailer or
rental agency for proper
instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Do not hook the trailer lamps
directly into the vehicle’s wiring
system. If the trailer lamps are not
working properly, the warning
lights in the instrument cluster may
not work properly.
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134
Using safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety
chains to the vehicle. To connect
the chains, cross the chains under
the trailer tongue and attach to the
vehicle frame or hook retainers
(not the bumper). Make sure there
is enough slack to allow the vehicle
to turn corners.
Do not connect a trailer’s
hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your
chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
Using trailer brakes
Use electric brakes or manual,
automatic or surge type hydraulic
brakes that meet federal and local
regulations. Install and adjust
brakes according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
22MDren 4/13/99 3:40 PM Page 134

Driving
135
Driving while towing a trailer
Do not drive faster than 72 km/h
(45 mph) while towing a 454 kg
(1 000 lb) trailer. Do not drive
faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) with
any weight trailer while towing in
hilly terrain or on hot days.
Speed control (if equipped) may
not work properly while towing on
long, steep grades.
If driving with an automatic
transaxle:
• Use D (Drive) or a low gear
rather than D (Overdrive) by
depressing the TCS button on the
side of the gearshift lever, while
towing up or down steep inclines.
• Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
If driving with a manual transaxle:
• Select a gear that avoids jerking
or excessive engine speed.
• Avoid driving excessively in first
or second gear. If you need to drive
excessively in first or second gear,
the trailer may be too big or too
heavily loaded for the vehicle
drivetrain.
• Shift to a lower gear while
towing up or down steep hills.
• Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
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Driving
136
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by
avoiding:
• lack of regular, scheduled
maintenance,
• excessive speed,
• rapid acceleration,
• driving with the brake pedal
depressed,
• sudden stops,
• extended engine idling,
• use of speed control in hilly
terrain,
• extended use of the air
conditioner, defroster, rear window
defroster and other accessories,
• underinflated tires,
• heavy loads,
• aftermarket add-ons such as
bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
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Roadside emergencies
137
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
Use only in an emergency to warn
traffic of vehicle breakdown or
approaching danger. Depress to
activate. Depress again to switch
off. The hazard lights can be
operated when the ignition is off.
Off
Res
Set
Acc
Coast
On
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
If the engine cranks, but does not
start or does not start after a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been activated.
The shut-off switch is a device
intended to stop the electric fuel
pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.
Once the shut-off switch is
activated, you must reset the
switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. The switch is located
on the side panel in front of the
driver’s side door.
23MREen 4/13/99 3:41 PM Page 137

Roadside emergencies
138
If your engine cranks but does not
start after a collision or substantial
jolt:
1. Turn the ignition key to the off
position.
2. Check under the vehicle for
leaking fuel.
3. If you do not see or smell fuel,
push the red reset button down. If
the button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical
problem.
4. Turn the ignition key to the on
position for a few seconds, then
turn it to the off position.
5. Check under the vehicle again
for leaking fuel. If you see or smell
fuel, do not start your vehicle
again. If you do not see or smell
fuel, you can try to start your
vehicle again.
If you see or smell fuel, do
not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the
passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department
or a towing service.
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Roadside emergencies
139
Even after a fuse is replaced, it will
continue to blow if the cause of the
overload is not identified and
corrected. If the fuse continues to
blow, have the vehicle’s electrical
system checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
To reset a circuit breaker press the
reset button.
The passenger compartment fuse
panel is located on the driver’s side
under the instrument panel. The
power distribution box is located
on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment.
They contain the main fuses and
the main relays. The circuits
protected are identified by
numbers on the passenger
compartment fuse panel and inside
the cover on the power distribution
box.
FUSES AND RELAYS
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire. Check
the appropriate fuses before
replacing any electrical
components.
Always replace a fuse with
one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with
higher amperage rating can cause
severe wire damage and could
start a fire.
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 139

Roadside emergencies
140
1
Power distribution box
To check or replace a fuse or a
relay, remove the cover of the fuse
box in the engine compartment by
releasing the latch (1) and lifting
up.
A blown fuse can be identified by a
break in the wire.
All fuses are a push fit.
Five reserve fuses with different
current ratings are attached to the
inside cover of the power
distribution box in case of
emergency fuse replacement.
11
12
13
14 15
16
R6R5R4R3R2
10
1 2 3 456 7 8 9
R1
R7
R8
R9
R10
R11
D1
D2
17
18
46
47
48
49 50
51 52
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
Always replace the cover to
the Power Distribution Box
before reconnecting the battery or
refilling fluid reservoirs.
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 140

Roadside emergencies
141
Ampere
rating
Circuits protected
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
—
7.5
20
—
—
3
20
—
15
—
20
—
20
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
—
20*
20*
40*
—
—
60*
—
—
—
60*
—
60*
60*
Not used
Alternator
Foglamps
Not used
Not used
EEC ignition module (memory)
Horn and hazard flasher warning system
Not used
Fuel pump
Not used
Ignition, Electronic Engine Control
Not used
HEGO sensor
ABS module
Low beam headlamp (passenger’s side)
Low beam headlamp (driver’s side)
High beam headlamp (passenger’s side)
High beam headlamp (driver’s side)
Not used
Ignition, light switch, central junction box
EEC relay
Central junction box (fuse 37 to blower relay)
Not used
Not used
Ignition
Not used
Not used
Not used
Engine cooling
not used
ABS
Central junction box (central timer module, rear
window defrost relay, fuses 24, 25, 27, 28, 34)
Fuse
Power distribution box (engine compartment)
* Have these fuses replaced by your dealer or qualified technician.
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 141

Roadside emergencies
142
Passenger compartment fuse
panel
To check or change a fuse or a
relay, open the fuse box by pulling
down the lock release lever (1).
1
Power distribution box (engine compartment)
Relay
Circuits switched
R 1
R 2
R 3
R 4
R 5
R 6
R 7
R 8
R 9
R 10
R 11
D1
D2
Fuel pump
EEC module
Air conditioning
Low beam
High beam
Horn
Starter solenoid
Engine cooling fan (high speed)
Engine cooling fan
Not used
Daytime running lights
Reverse voltage protection
Not used
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 142

Roadside emergencies
143
A blown fuse can be identified by a
break in the wire.
All fuses are a push fit.
Five reserve fuses with different
current ratings are attached to the
inside cover of the power
distribution box in case of
emergency fuse replacement.
19 20 21
R16
R15
R14
R12
R13
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
D2
Passenger compartment fuse panel (below instrument panel)
Relay
Circuit switched
R 12
R 13
R 14
R 15
R 16
D 2
Interior lighting
Rear window defrost
Heater blower motor
Wiper motor
Ignition
Reverse voltage protection
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 143

Roadside emergencies
144
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
—
C10
40
7.5
15
15
20
7.5
15
30
30
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
—
30
—
Not used
Wiper motors (circuit breaker)
Power windows
ABS module
Backup lamps
Brake lamps
Door locks
Main light
Cigar lighter
Electric seats
Rear window defrost
Engine management system
Instrument panel illumination
Radio
Parking lamps - driver’s side
Interior lighting/electric mirror
adjustment
Parking lamps - passenger’s side
Not used
Heater blower motor
Not used
Passenger compartment fuse panel (below instrument panel)
Fuse
Ampere
rating
Circuits protected
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 144

Roadside emergencies
Fuse rating
7.5 amp
10 amp
15 amp
20 amp
30 amp
30 amp fuse link
40 amp
60 amp fuse link
80 amp fuse link
100 amp fuse link
Color
brown
red
light blue
yellow
light green
pink
orange
yellow
black
blue
Relay
R 18
R 20
R 21
R 22
R 23
R 24
R 25
R 26
“One touch” switch
(driver’s window)
Not used
Not used
Foglamps
Turn signals
Panic alarm –
driver’s side
Panic alarm –
right-hand side
Not used
Driver’s door
—
—
Module bracket
Steering column
Door lock module bracket
Door lock module bracket
—
Circuits switched
Location
Standard fuse amperage ratings
and colors
3 amp violet
Auxiliary relays (outside of fuse boxes)
145
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Roadside emergencies
146
CHANGING TIRES
Park your vehicle in such a position
that neither the traffic nor you are
hindered or endangered when
changing the tire. Ensure that the
vehicle is on firm, level ground.
Secure your vehicle further by
blocking the wheels.
Activate the hazard lights.
Apply the parking brake and
engage first or reverse gear if the
vehicle has a manual transaxle or, if
the vehicle has an automatic
transaxle, select the P (Park)
position.
If parking on a slope is unavoidable,
block the wheels.
The temporary spare tire
The vehicle may have a high
pressure temporary spare tire. This
spare is smaller than a regular tire
and is designed for emergency use
only. This tire should be replaced
as soon as possible.
If you use the temporary
spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the
tire could fail, causing you to lose
control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
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Roadside emergencies
147
80
MAX
km/h
When driving with a temporary
spare tire:
• Do not exceed the maximum
speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and
only drive the shortest possible
distance.
• Do not exceed the permissible
gross weight of the vehicle.
• Do not install more than one
spare wheel on your vehicle at any
one time.
• Do not use snow chains on this
type of wheel.
• Do not drive through an
automatic car wash.
Spare tire location
The spare tire and tools are located
under the floor cover in the
luggage compartment.
50
MAX
mph
Removing the spare tire and
tools
1. Raise the rear of the floor cover
in the luggage compartment.
2. Completely unscrew the bolt and
remove the bolt and cup.
3. Lift out the spare wheel.
4. Unscrew the jack bolt and
remove jack.
5. Obtain jack handle, which is
located on the floor under the
spare wheel.
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Roadside emergencies
148
Removing a tire
1. Apply the parking brake and 1
(first) gear (manual transaxle) or
the P (Park) position (automatic
transaxle).
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. The driver and all passengers
must leave the vehicle.
4. Secure the vehicle against rolling
or sliding.
5. Insert the tapered end of the
jack handle between the rim and
hub cover and push in. Twist off to
remove the cover.
6. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly.
Tire changing procedure
7. Place jack with complete support
surface on the ground.
8. The jack must be applied exactly
vertical to the jacking point of the
vehicle.
9. Jack up the vehicle until the tire
is clear of the ground. Unscrew and
remove the wheel nuts and remove
the wheel.
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Roadside emergencies
149
Replacing a tire
1. Push the spare tire onto the
wheel studs.
2. Screw on the wheel nuts,
ensuring the tapered end of the
wheel nuts are facing the wheel,
and secure in a clockwise direction.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove
the jack by turning the handle
counterclockwise.
4. Fully tighten the wheel nuts in a
crosswise pattern.
5. Align the hub cap with the valve
and push firmly into position with
the ball of the hand.
6. Stow the jack and damaged tire
in the luggage compartment by
reversing the spare tire removal
instructions.
3
4
21
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Roadside emergencies
150
JUMP STARTING YOUR
VEHICLE
The gases around the
battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
Do not push start your
vehicle. You could damage
the catalytic converter.
Batteries contain sulfuric
acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing if contacted.
Do not attempt to push start
your vehicle. Automatic
transaxles do not have push-
start capability.
Preparing your vehicle
1. Use only a 12-volt supply to
start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of
the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicles electrical
system.
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Roadside emergencies
151
3. Park the booster vehicle close to
the hood of the disabled vehicle,
making sure the two vehicles do
not touch. Set the parking brake
on both vehicles and stay clear of
the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and
remove any excessive corrosion
before you attach the battery
cables. Ensure that vent caps are
tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both
vehicles to protect from any
electrical surges. Turn all other
accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) booster
cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharge battery.
Note: In the illustrations,
“lightning bolts” are used to
designate the assisting (boosting)
battery.
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Roadside emergencies
152
2. Connect the other end of the
positive (+) cable to the positive
(+) terminal of the assisting
battery.
3. Connect the negative (-) cable
to the negative (-) terminal of the
assisting battery.
4. Make the final connection of the
negative (-) cable to an exposed
metal part of the stalled vehicle’s
engine, away from the battery and
the carburetor.
The preferred locations of an
exposed metal part (to “ground”
the circuit) are the accessible
engine mount studs or an engine
lifting “eye”. Do not use fuel lines,
engine rocker covers, or the intake
manifold as “grounding” points.
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Roadside emergencies
153
Do not connect the end of
the second cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may
cause an explosion of the gases
that surround the battery.
• 2.0 litre engine
• 2.5 litre engine
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 153

Roadside emergencies
154
5. Be sure that the cables are clear
of fan blades, belts and other
moving parts of both engines.
Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster
vehicle and run the engine at a
moderately increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled
vehicle.
3. Once the disabled vehicle has
been started, run both engines for
a further three minutes before
disconnecting the jumper cables.
Removing jumper cables
Remove the jumper cables in
the reverse order that they
were connected.
1. Remove the jumper cable from
the “ground” metal surface.
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Roadside emergencies
155
2. Remove the jumper cable on the
negative (-) connection of the
booster vehicle’s battery.
4. Remove the jumper cable from
the positive (+) terminal of the
disabled vehicle’s battery.
3. Remove the jumper cable from
the positive (+) terminal of the
booster vehicle’s battery
After the disabled vehicle has been
started and the jumper cables
removed, allow it to idle for several
minutes so the engine computer
can “relearn” its idle conditions.
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Roadside emergencies
156
If towing is necessary, it is
recommended that your vehicle be
towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with
slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor
Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook or slingbelt
towing procedure.
WRECKER TOWING
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Roadside emergencies
157
Never use a tow bar that
attaches to the bumper
when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and
cause an accident.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Before you have your vehicle
towed:
• release the parking brake,
• move the gearshift to N
(Neutral),
• turn the ignition to the off
position and
• unlock the steering wheel.
Automatic transaxle
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed
faster than 55 km/h (35 mph) or
for a distance greater than 80 km
(50 miles) unless the drive wheels
are placed on dollies.
Manual transaxle
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed
faster than 90 km/h (55 mph). Your
maximum towing distance is
unlimited.
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Maintenance and care
158
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
• We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for easy
location.
• As possible, we design parts that
can be replaced without tools.
• We provide you with a
maintenance guide and or service
guide which makes tracking routine
service for your vehicle easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional service, your Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealership can
provide necessary parts and
service. Check your “Warranty
Guide” to find out which parts and
services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels,
lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
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Maintenance and care
159
Precautions when servicing
your vehicle
Be especially careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
• Do not work on a hot engine.
The cooling fan is automatic
and may come on at any
time. Always disconnect the
negative terminal of the battery
before working near the fan.
• If you must work with the engine
running, avoid wearing loose
clothing or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts. Take
precautions with long hair.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have
enough ventilation.
• Keep all lit cigarettes, open
flames and other lit material away
from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the
engine must “relearn” its idle
conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained under
Battery in this chapter.
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Maintenance and care
160
Working with engine off
(manual transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (first) or R (Reverse).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with engine off
(automatic transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 160

Maintenance and care
161
Working with engine on
(automatic transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with engine on
(manual transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in neutral.
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the
engine is running.
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Maintenance and care
162
Opening the hood
• Pull the handle (1) located
under the instrument panel.
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
1
TRACTION
TROL
CH
• Release the safety catch by
reaching under the hood (2)
(adjacent to the Mercury emblem)
and pushing it to the left.
2
3
• Raise the hood and
support it with the strut (3) in the
yellow colored retainer, ensuring it
is secure. Hold the support at the
yellow colored insulation section.
To close, replace the support strut
in its retaining clip, lower the hood
and allow it to drop into the catch
for the last 20 – 30 cm
(8 – 12 inches).
Always check to ensure that the
hood lock is fully engaged.
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Maintenance and care
163
For ease of identification, all filler caps and the engine oil dipstick are
marked yellow/black.
2.0 litre EFI-engine compartment
Power
steering
reservoir
Engine
coolant
reservoir
Automatic
transaxle
dipstick
(if equipped)
Brake fluid
reservoir
BatteryWindshield
washer fluid
reservoir
Engine oil
dipstick
Power
distribution
box
Air
cleaner
Engine oil
filler cap
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 163

Maintenance and care
164
Power
steering
reservoir
Engine
coolant
reservoir
2.5 litre EFI-engine compartment
For ease of identification, all filler caps and the engine oil dipstick are
marked yellow/black.
Air
cleaner
Brake fluid
reservoir
Automatic
transaxle
dipstick
(if equipped)
BatteryWindshield
washer fluid
reservoir
Engine oil
dipstick
Power
distribution
box
Engine oil
filler cap
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Maintenance and care
165
ADD
FULL
Engine oil
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil
CERTIFIED FOR GASOLINE
ENGINES by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary
and could, under certain
conditions, lead to engine damage
which is not covered by Ford
Warranty.
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
To check the oil:
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground. If the engine is warm, turn
the engine off and wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake and ensure
the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park). Put the manual gearshift
in 1 (first) or R (Reverse).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil dipstick.
5. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert
the dipstick fully, then remove it
again. The oil level should be in the
range shown on the dipstick.
2.0 l DOHC
2.5 l DOHC
A
M
E
R
I
C
A
N
P
E
T
R
O
L
E
U
M
I
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
E
C
E
R
T
I
F
I
E
D
FOR
GASOLINE
ENGINES
A
M
E
R
I
C
A
N
P
E
T
R
O
L
E
U
M
I
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
E
C
E
R
T
I
F
I
E
D
FOR
GASOLINE
ENGINES
Motorcraft
Do not exceed MAX!
Do not exceed MAX!
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Maintenance and care
166
6. If the oil level is below the
minimum line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is beyond
the maximum line, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed
from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
Continuous contact with
used motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer to Checking the
engine oil in this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the
normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make
sure the oil level is not above
the MAX mark on the dipstick.
Change your engine oil and oil filter
according to the scheduled mileage
and time requirements, whichever
occurs first.
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Maintenance and care
167
Empty and used oil
containers must be disposed
of at an authorized waste disposal
facility.
Engine oil filler cap
The design of the filler cap varies
by engine. To open, turn in the
direction of the arrow and pull. Do
not open the cap while the engine
is running.
Refer to the maintenance guide
and or service guide for additional
information.
Always dispose of used
automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your
community’s standards for
disposing of these types of fluids.
Call your local recycling center to
find out more about recycling
automotive fluids.
It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
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Maintenance and care
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Brake/clutch fluid reservoir
Brake and clutch fluid systems are
supplied from the same reservoir.
The level of the fluid must lie
between the MIN and MAX marks
on the side of the reservoir. If the
level falls below the MIN mark, the
brake fluid level warning light on
the instrument cluster will
illuminate. Add only DOT 3, DOT 4
or Super DOT 4 brake fluid that
meets the Ford specification (see
the chapter
Capacities and
specifications).
If you use brake fluid that is not
DOT 3, DOT 4 or Super DOT 4 you
will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
MAX
MIN
Brake fluid is toxic.
BRAKE
BRAKE
Do not let the reservoir for
the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
Windshield washer system
If necessary, add enough washer
fluid to fill the reservoir. Follow the
instructions on the washer fluid
label.
Do not put engine coolant in
the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
Alternative design
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Maintenance and care
169
Engine coolant maintenance
MAX
MIN
Checking and adding engine
coolant
Check the level of the coolant in
the reservoir at least once a month.
Be sure to read and understand
Precautions when servicing your
vehicle in this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been
checked for a long period of time,
the engine coolant reservoir may
eventually empty. If this occurs,
add engine coolant to the coolant
reservoir. For more information
refer to Adding engine coolant in
this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield
washer fluid outside its specified
function and vehicle location.
Do not put windshield
washer fluid in the container
for engine coolant.
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Maintenance and care
170
When adding engine coolant
Ford recommends Ford Premium
Cooling System Fluid, which is an
optimized formula that will protect
all metals and rubber elastomers
used in Ford engines for four years
or 80 000 km (50 000 miles).
It is neither necessary nor
recommended to use supplemental
coolant additives in your gasoline-
powered vehicle. These additives
may harm your engine coolant
system.
When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
engine coolant concentration
between 40% (-24°C [-11°F]) and
60% (-52°C [-62°F]), depending on
your local climate conditions.
A coolant concentration below 40%
will result in a loss of freeze
protection. A concentration above
60% may cause the engine to
overheat on a warm day.
Refer to
Lubricant specifications
in the Capacities and
specifications chapter. Use only a
premium nationally-recognized
brand name engine coolant or
equivalent.
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Maintenance and care
171
Always dispose of used
automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your
community’s standards for
recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends
that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealers use recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved
processes. Not all coolant recycling
processes produce coolant which
meets Ford specifications ESE-
M97B44-A, and use of such coolant
may harm engine and cooling
system components.
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Maintenance and care
172
MAX
MIN
Adding engine coolant
1. Before removing the engine
coolant recovery cap, turn the
engine off and allow it to cool.
2. When the engine is cool, turn
and remove the cap.
• Step back for a moment while
the pressure in the reservoir is
released.
• Stand away from the reservoir
opening. Hot steam or coolant
spray may be released.
3. Add engine coolant until the
fluid level in the reservoir is
between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
Follow the recommended service
interval for changing engine
coolant as outlined in the
maintenance guide and or service
guide. Refer to
Capacities and
specifications for more
information on engine coolant
specifications.
Have your dealer or a qualified
service technician check the engine
coolant system for leaks if you have
to add more than a litre (quart) of
engine coolant per month.
Never remove the coolant
recovery cap while the
engine is running or hot.
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Maintenance and care
173
Checking and adding power
steering fluid
Switch off the engine. With the
steering system at normal
operating temperature, the fluid
level should come up to the MAX
mark.
If the fluid level drops below the
MIN mark, add the specified fluid.
Refer to the
Capacities and
specifications chapter.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold
climates (less than -36°C [-34°F]),
it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
Refer to the chart on the coolant
container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is
such that the coolant will not
freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during the winter
months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%.
Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle
year-round in non-extreme
climates.
MAX
MIN
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Maintenance and care
174
Automatic transaxle fluid
Follow the scheduled service
intervals outlined in the
maintenance guide and or service
guide.
Before adding any fluid, make sure
the correct type is used. The type
of fluid used is normally indicated
on the dipstick and/or dipstick
handle and also in the
Lubricant
specifications section in the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the hole at the
bottom of the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above 10°C
(50°F).
Your transaxle does not use up
fluid. However, it is recommended
that you check the transaxle fluid
at least twice a year. The fluid level
should be checked if the transaxle
is not working properly, i.e., if the
transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if
you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Transaxle fluid should be checked
at normal operating temperatures
of 66°C - 77°C (150°F - 170°F) on a
level surface while the engine is
running in the P (Park) gearshift
lever position. The normal
operating temperature can be
reached after approximately 32 km
(20 miles) of driving.
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Maintenance and care
175
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature 66°C - 77°C
(150°F - 170°F).
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
10°C - 35°C (50°F - 95°F).
If the vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds,
in the city during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about thirty
minutes to allow the fluid to cool
before checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface and engage the parking
brake.
2. 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.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in
P (Park) and leave the engine
running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
5. Install the dipstick making sure
it is fully seated in the filler tube.
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Maintenance and care
176
Battery
Your vehicle may be equipped with
a Motorcraft maintenance-free
battery. The Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery normally
does not require additional water
during its life of service. However,
for severe service usage or in high
temperature climates, refer to the
maintenance guide and or service
guide for additional information.
Keep the electrolyte in each cell up
to the “level” indicator. Do not
overfill the battery cell.
For longer, trouble-free operation,
keep the top of the battery clean
and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. The fluid level
should be in the crosshatched area
on the dipstick.
7. If necessary, add fluid in .25 litre
(1/2 pint) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
8. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transaxle
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
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Maintenance and care
177
Battery replacement
If your original equipment battery
requires replacement while under
warranty, it will be replaced with a
Motorcraft service battery,
identical in design technology. Like
the original equipment battery, it
should not require water addition
during its normal life of service;
however, for severe service usage
or in high temperature climates,
refer to the maintenance guide and
or service guide for additional
information. Do not overfill the
battery cell.
If the electrolyte level in your
battery gets low, you can add plain
tap water to the battery, as long as
you do not use hard water (water
with a high mineral or alkali
content). If possible, however, try
to only fill the battery cell with
distilled water. If the battery needs
water often, have the charging
system checked.
If you see any corrosion on the
battery cables or terminals, remove
the cables from the terminal(s) and
clean with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution
of baking soda and water. Reinstall
the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of
each battery terminal to help
prevent corrosion.
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Maintenance and care
178
Batteries normally produce
explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Do not allow
flames, sparks or lit tobacco to
come near the battery. Always
cover your face and protect your
eyes and also provide ventilation.
Applying too much pressure
on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill.
Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite
corners.
Follow these steps to
minimize risk of personal
injury.
Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible
manner. Follow your community’s
local standards for disposal. Call
your local recycling center to find
out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
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Maintenance and care
179
Relearning the idle function
Because your vehicle’s engine is
electronically controlled, some
control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a
new battery is installed, the
computer must “relearn” its idle
conditions before your vehicle can
drive properly. To begin this
process:
1. Put the automatic transaxle
gearshift in P (Park). Put the
manual transaxle gearshift in
neutral.
2. Turn off all accessories and start
the vehicle.
3. Let the engine idle for at least
one minute.
4. The “relearning” process will
automatically complete as you
drive the vehicle.
• If you do not allow the engine to
“relearn” its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle is eventually
“relearned”.
• If the battery has been
disconnected or if a new battery
has been installed, the clock and
preset radio stations must be reset
once the battery is reconnected.
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Maintenance and care
180
Checking wiper blades
Check the wiper blades on your
vehicle for roughness by running
the tips of your fingers over the
edge of the blade.
Traces of grease, silicone and fuel
prevent wiper blades from
functioning properly. We
recommend Ford cleaning
solutions or equivalent to clean
wiper blades.
Change the wiper blades on your
vehicle at least once a year.
Cabin air filter replacement
In your climate control system, you
have a filter that cleans the air
before it enters the interior of the
vehicle. This filter should be
replaced at the intervals in the
maintenance guide and or service
guide.
To replace the cabin air filter:
1. Unscrew the nut in the base of
each windshield wiper arm.
Remove the windshield wiper arms.
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Maintenance and care
181
2. Remove the plastic caps from
the screws on the grille. Remove
the screws.
3. Open the hood. Pull off the
rubber weatherstrip at the back of
the engine compartment. Remove
the screws that hold the grille,
separate the two halves and
remove the grille.
4. The filter is in a housing at the
back of the engine compartment,
on the passenger side. Pull off the
two clips on the sides of the
housing. Slide out the top part of
the housing and filter.
5. Slide the filter out of the
housing, replace with the new filter
and slide the top part of the
housing and cabin air filter back
into place. Reinstall the clips on the
housing.
6. Replace the grille and wiper
arms.
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Maintenance and care
182
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have their Tire Quality Grade
(described below) molded into the
tire’s sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by
standards that the United States
Department of Transportation has
set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic tires for use on
passenger cars. They do not apply
to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined
in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulation Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of
Transportation – Tire quality
grades: The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford to
give you the following information
about tire grades exactly as the
government has written it.
INFORMATION ABOUT TIRE
QUALITY GRADES
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Maintenance and care
183
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half
(1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s
ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled
conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
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Maintenance and care
184
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing
the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required
by law.
The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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Maintenance and care
185
Checking tire pressure
Check the tire pressure
periodically after the vehicle has
been parked for at least one hour
or has been driven less than 5 km
(3 miles). Inflate the tires as
necessary. To check the tire
pressure, insert the tire pressure
gauge into the valve.
The cold pressure amount is listed
on the Safety Compliance
Certification label.
Improperly inflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Rotating tires
Rotate your tires at regular
intervals for even wear. Rotation
intervals are listed in the
maintenance guide and or service
guide.
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Maintenance and care
186
Failure to follow these
precautions may adversely
affect the handling of the vehicle
and make it easier to lose control
and roll over.
Replacing tires
Replace tires when the wear band
is visible through the tire treads.
When replacing full size
tires, never mix radial, bias-
belted, or bias-type tires. Use only
the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that
all tires are the same size, speed
rating, and load-carrying capacity.
Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the decal. If you
do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive
properly and safely.
Do not replace your tires
with “high performance”
tires or larger size tires.
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Maintenance and care
187
Dispose of worn tires in
accordance with local
environmental regulations.
Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification label to determine the
specific size tire and wheel Ford
Motor Company recommends for
use on this vehicle.
When purchasing replacement tires
for your vehicle, consult your
dealer or a qualified service
technician to ensure that the
correct tire type is used.
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Maintenance and care
188
The tires on your vehicle have all-
weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However, in some
climates, using snow tires and
chains may be necessary. Ford
offers snow chains as a Ford
approved accessory and
recommends use of these or their
equivalents on approved tires. See
your dealer or a qualified service
technician for more information on
tire chains for your vehicle. Follow
these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
• Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
• Install the chains on the front
tires only.
• Do not use tire chains on 205/60
tires and 205/55R16 Z rated tires.
Steering, suspension and body
components may be damaged by
use of chains.
Snow tires must be the same
size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your
vehicle.
Using snow tires and chains
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Maintenance and care
189
Change over from winter to
summer tires as soon as road
conditions allow, this will reduce
fuel consumption and noise in the
vehicle’s interior.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the
chains rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If
this does not work, remove the
chains to prevent vehicle damage.
• Local regulations may prohibit or
restrict the use of tire chains.
Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before
installing chains.
• Avoid overloading your vehicle.
• Do not use tire chains on
temporary spare tires.
• Remove the tire chains when
they are no longer needed. Do not
use chains on dry roads.
• The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these
components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
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Maintenance and care
190
IMPORTANT FUEL
INFORMATON
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.
If you do not use the proper
fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel
system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
The fuel system may be
under pressure. If the fuel
cap is venting vapor or if you hear
a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the
cap.
Automotive fuels can cause
serious injury or death if
misused or mishandled.
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Maintenance and care
191
Observe the following guidelines
when handling automotive fuel:
• Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before fueling
your vehicle.
• Always turn off the vehicle
before fueling.
• Make sure the fuel cap is
correctly fitted after fueling.
Failure to do so may cause the on
board diagnostic system to
illuminate the CHECK ENGINE
light.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician
immediately, even if no symptoms
are immediately apparent. The
toxic effects of fuel may not be
visible for hours.
• Fuels can also be harmful if
absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
wash skin thoroughly with soap
and water.
• If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn),
flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
• Be particularly careful if you are
taking “Antabuse” or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism. Breathing gasoline
vapors or skin contact could cause
an adverse reaction. Consult a
physician immediately.
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Maintenance and care
192
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The
use of leaded fuel is prohibited by
law and could damage your vehicle.
The damage may not be covered by
your warranty.
Your vehicle was not designed to
use fuel containing manganese-
based additives such as MMT.
Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards
(indicated on the underhood
Vehicle Emission Control
Information label) are designed to
operate on California reformulated
gasolines. If California reformulated
gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be
operated on non-California fuels.
However, even though your engine
will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the
emission control devices and
systems may be adversely affected.
Repair of damage caused by a fuel
that your vehicle was not designed
for may not be covered by your
warranty.
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Maintenance and care
193
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
regular gasoline with an (R+M)/2
octane rating of 87. We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as
“regular” in high altitude areas that
are sold with octane ratings of 86
or even less.
Do not be concerned if your vehicle
sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily under most
driving conditions on the
recommended octane, see your
dealer or a qualified service
technician to prevent any engine
damage.
87
MINIMUM OCTANE RATING
(R+M)/2 Method
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting,
rough idle or hesitation problems
try a different brand of fuel. If the
condition persists, see your dealer
or qualified service technician.
The American Automobile
Manufacturers Association
(AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information
on high quality fuels that optimize
the performance of your vehicle.
We recommend the use of gasolines
that meet the AAMA specification
if they are available.
It should not be necessary to add
any aftermarket products to your
fuel tank if you continue to use a
high-quality fuel.
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Maintenance and care
194
Fuel filler cap
If the “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 and reinstall it being
careful to align the cap properly.
If you must replace the fuel
filler cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft part.
The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the fuel
tank or fuel system if an
authorized 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.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines
to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines that contain
oxygenates such as a maximum of
10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There
should be no more than 5%
methanol with cosolvents and
additives to protect the fuel
system.
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Maintenance and care
195
Calculating fuel economy
To accurately calculate your
vehicle’s fuel economy:
1. Fill the tank completely and
record the initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank,
record the amount of fuel added
(in litres or gallons).
3. After at least three to five fill-
ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current mileage reading.
4. Use one of the following
equations to calculate fuel
economy.
Litres used x 100 / Total kilometres
traveled.
Total miles traveled / Total gallons
used.
Keep a record for at least one
month. This will provide an
accurate estimate of the vehicle’s
fuel economy.
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Maintenance and care
196
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with
various emission control
components and a catalytic
converter which will enable your
vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To
make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission
control components continue to
work properly:
• Use unleaded fuel only.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while
your vehicle is moving, especially
at high speeds.
• Have the items listed in your
maintenance guide and or service
guide performed according to the
specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance
services listed in the maintenance
guide and or service guide are
required because they are
considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft, or
Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for
service of components affecting
emissions control, such non-Ford
parts should be equivalent to
genuine Ford Motor Company parts
in performance and durability.
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Maintenance and care
197
Watch for fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
engine overheating, illumination of
the charging system warning light
or the check engine warning light.
These events could indicate that
the emission control system is not
working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in
entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment.
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
Alternative design
Alternative design
Do not park, idle or drive
your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire.
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Maintenance and care
198
Do not make any unauthorized
changes to your vehicle or engine.
By law, vehicle owners and anyone
who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of
vehicles are not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission
control device or prevent it from
working. Information about your
vehicle's emission system is on the
Vehicle Emission Control
Information Decal located under
the hood. This decal identifies
engine displacement and gives
some tune up specifications.
Please consult your “Warranty
Guide“ for complete emission
warranty information.
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 diagnostic (OBD-II)
system. If your check engine light
is on, refer to the description in the
Instrument Cluster Lights and
Chimes section of the
Instrumentation chapter. Your
vehicle may not pass the I/M test
with the check engine light on.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 198

Maintenance and care
199
If the vehicle’s powertrain system
or its battery has just been
serviced, the OBD-II system is
reset to a “not ready for I/M test“
condition. To ready the OBD-II
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 of
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.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 199

Maintenance and care
200
1
1
2
The bulbs for the low beam, high
beam, turn signals and side lamps
are housed in the lamp assembly.
To replace a bulb, the complete
lamp assembly has to be removed
as follows:
1. Switch off the lamps.
2. Open the hood.
3. Remove the lower screw (2)
from the headlamp housing.
4. Remove the two upper screws
(1) from the headlamp housing.
5. Gently pull the headlamp
housing outward.
6. Replace the headlamp bulbs.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Handle a halogen headlamp
bulb carefully and keep out
of children’s reach.Grasp the bulb
only by its plastic base and do not
touch the glass. The oil from your
hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the
headlamps are operated.
Removing the headlamps
assembly
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 200

Maintenance and care
201
Reinstalling the headlamp
assembly
The gasket lining must be seated
properly around the lamp assembly
when reinstalling.
All bulb connectors must be
correctly connected.
Install in the reverse order.
Headlamp – low beam
Pull off the connector, release the
wire clip and replace the bulb.
Pay attention to the tab guides
when replacing.
Headlamp alignment
Check the headlamp alignment
after each replacement of a bulb.
Refer to Aiming the headlamps.
Headlamps – high beam
Replacement instructions are the
same as for the low beam
headlamp.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 201

Maintenance and care
202
Front turn signal/side lamps
Pull the socket out. Pull the bulb
out and replace it.
Foglamps (if equipped)
1. Turn the bulb counterclockwise
and pull it out of the light assembly.
2. Remove the electrical connector.
3. Fit the new bulb in reverse order
(do not touch the glass part of the
bulb).
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 202

Maintenance and care
203
License plate lamp
Unscrew the bulb holder with a
screwdriver. Remove the bulb from
the clip holder.
Replace the new bulb in reverse
sequence.
Brake/turn signal/tail lamps
1. Disconnect the electrical
connector.
2. Turn the socket
counterclockwise and pull it out.
3. Turn the bulb counterclockwise
and pull it out.
4. To install, fit the new bulb in
reverse order.
Backup lamps
The backup lamps are located in
the trunk lid. Replacement
instructions are the same as for the
brake/turn signal/tail lamps.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 203

Maintenance and care
204
High-mounted brake lamp
Enter the rear seat compartment.
1. Remove the high mounted stop
lamp assembly.
2. Remove the red bulb cover.
3. Remove inoperative stop lamp
bulb.
To install, fit the new bulb in
reverse sequence.
On vehicles equipped with a rear
spoiler, the high-mounted brake
lamp is included in the spoiler.
See your dealer for repair.
Luggage compartment lamp
Pry out the light assembly from the
holder with a flat screwdriver. Turn
the spherical bulb under slight
pressure counterclockwise and
remove.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 204

Maintenance and care
205
Interior lamps
(sunroof equipped vehicles)
Open the lamp assembly.
The bulbs can be replaced after the
contact plate has been hinged
back.
Interior lamps with reading
lamps (if equipped)
Remove the clip located on lens to
access the center bulb.
To replace the reading lamp bulbs,
remove the two retaining screws to
access the back of the lamp. Then,
unclip the bulb covers and replace
the bulb.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 205

Maintenance and care
206
Function Trade number
3457 NA
9005
9006
893
1157
1156
Front /turn lamp
Headlamp (high)
Headlamp (low)
Foglamp/License plate lamp
Rear tail/turn/brake lamp
Backup lamp
Bulb specifications
2723
C5W
High-mounted brake lamp
Interior lamp
211-2
License plate lamp
Reading lamp
578
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 206

Maintenance and care
207
Aiming the headlamps
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Vehicle Headlamp Aim Device
(VHAD) on each headlamp body.
Each headlamp may be properly
aimed in the horizontal direction
(left/right) and the vertical
direction (up/down).
A non-zero bubble reading (vertical
indicator) does not necessarily
indicate out-of-aim headlamps. If
your vehicle is not positioned
on a
level surface, the slope will be
included in the vertical indication.
Therefore, vertical and horizontal
headlamp adjustment should be
performed only when beam
direction appears to be incorrect.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The alignment of your headlamps
should be checked if:
• Oncoming motorists frequently
signal you to deactivate your high
beams, and your high beams are
not activated.
• The headlamps do not seem to
provide enough light for clear night
vision.
• The headlamp beams are pointed
substantially away from a slightly
down and to the right position.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 207

Maintenance and care
208
Adjusting the horizontal aim
1. Make sure the vehicle is on a
level surface.
2.With the hood open, locate the
horizontal indicator and adjusting
screw. Through the viewing hole on
the outboard side of the headlamp.
3. Turn the horizontal adjusting
screw until the “0” reference mark
on the horizontal indicator aligns
with the arrow pointer on the
adjusting screw assembly.
You will need one 7 mm box
wrench, open end wrench or T-15
Torx drive.
If the vehicle has been in an
accident, the vehicle’s front
structure should be properly
aligned before aiming the
headlamps.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 208

Maintenance and care
209
Adjusting the vertical aim
The numbers shown on the vial
indicate beam direction in degrees
up or down.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground.
2. With the hood open, locate the
bubble level vertical aim indicator,
and adjusting screw. It is visible
when viewed from the above the
rear of the headlamp.
3. Turn the vertical adjusting screw
until the bubble is centered over
the “0” reference mark on the
vertical indicator.
4. When the horizontal and vertical
indicators are set on “0”, the
headlamp are properly aimed.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 209

Maintenance and care
210
Washing your vehicle
Only use car washing areas
that have environmentally
friendly drainage systems.
VEHICLE CARE
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of
water for best results. To avoid
spots, avoid washing when the
hood is still warm, immediately
after or during exposure to strong
sunlight.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 210

Maintenance and care
211
Waxing your vehicle
The best way to determine when
the paintwork needs waxing is by
noting when water stops beading
on the surface. This could be every
three or four months depending on
operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-
based waxes. Remove any bugs and
tar before waxing the vehicle. Use
cleaning fluid or alcohol with a
clean cloth to remove bugs. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
During winter months, it is
especially important to wash the
vehicle on a regular basis. Large
quantities of dirt and road salt are
difficult to remove, and they also
cause damage to the vehicle.
Remove or lower any exterior
accessories, such as antennas,
before entering a car wash.
Remove particles such as bird
droppings, tree sap, insect remains,
tar spots, road salt and industrial
fallout immediately.
After washing, apply the brakes
several times to dry them.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 211

Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage
from road debris may be repaired
with touch-up paint, paint repair
foil or aerosol spray from the Ford
accessories line. Observe the
application instructions on the
products.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash the wheels with the same
detergent you use to clean the
body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel
wool, fuel or strong detergents.
Never use abrasives that will
damage the finish of special wheel
surfaces. Use a tar remover to
remove grease and tar.
Maintenance and care
212
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 212

Maintenance and care
213
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when
they are clean because grease and
dirt buildup act as insulators and
keep the engine warmer than
normal. Follow these guidelines to
clean your engine:
• Take care when using a power
washer to clean the engine. The
high pressure fluid could penetrate
the sealed parts and cause damage.
• Do not spray with cold water, to
avoid cracking the engine block.
• Cover the alternator to prevent
water damage when cleaning the
engine.
• Never wash or rinse the engine
while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal
damage.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 213

Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning of plastic. Clean with a tar
remover if necessary. Do not clean
plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash the exterior lamps with the
same detergent you use to wash
the exterior of your vehicle. Use
glass cleaner or tar remover if
necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do
not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners to
clean the lamps.
Cleaning the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe
properly, clean both the windshield
and wiper blades using undiluted
windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with
clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene,
paint thinner or other solvents.
Maintenance and care
214
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 214

Maintenance and care
215
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a
whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately.
Follow the directions that come
with the cleaner.
Cleaning leather seats
(if equipped)
For routine cleaning, wipe the
surface with a soft, damp cloth. For
more thorough cleaning, wipe the
surface with a leather and vinyl
cleaner or a mild soap.
Cleaning the instrument panel
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
4
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
CLOCK
HC
Clean the instrument panel with a
damp cloth, then dry with a dry
cloth.
Any cleaner or polish that
increases the gloss of the upper
portion of the instrument panel
should be avoided. The dull finish
in this area is to help protect the
driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:18 PM Page 215

Maintenance and care
216
Cleaning and maintaining the
safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild
soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets and
warm water. Do not bleach or dye
the belts, because these actions
may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system
periodically to make sure there are
no nicks, wear or cuts.
Cleaning and caring for your
vehicle
Refer to the “Customer assistance“
chapter for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Ford recommends that all
safety belt assemblies and
attaching hardware should be
inspected by a qualified technician
after any collision. Safety belt
assemblies not in use during a
collision should also be inspected
and replaced if either damage or
improper operation is noted.
32MCSen 4/13/99 2:21 PM Page 216

Capacities and specifications
217
* Refer to Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) decal for spark plug and gap specifications.
** If a spark plug is removed for examination, it must be reinstalled in the same cylinder. If a spark plug
needs to be replaced, use only spark plugs with the service part number suffix letter “FE” as shown
on the engine decal.
Motorcraft parts
Component
Spark plug*
Air filter
Passenger compartment
air filter
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Battery
PCV valve
Crankcase ventilation
filter
2.0 litre engine
AZFS-22F # 1+2**
AZFS-22FE# 3+4
FA-1612
FP4
FG-800A
FL-2005
BXT-40R
EV-224
FA-1621
2.5 litre engine
AWSF-32F
FA-1613
FP4
FG-800A
FL-820
BXT-40R
EV-152
—
Part number
32MCSen 4/13/99 2:21 PM Page 217

Capacities and specifications
218
Engine oil
- with filter
- without
Manual transaxle
1.9 l (2.0 qts)
Automatic transaxle
with oil cooler
Power steering
Cooling system with heating
Windshield washer fluid
Fuel tank
Braking system
4.25 l (4.5 qts)
3.75 l (4.0 qts)
8.5 l (9.0 qts.)
6.6 l (7.0 qts)*
7.1 l (7.5 qts)**
Fill to MAX mark
Fill to top of reservoir
58.5 l (15.4 gallons)
Fill to MAX mark
5.5 l (5.8 qts)
5.0 l (5.3 qts)
9.6 l (10.2 qts)
9.5 l (10.0 qts)*
9.7 l (10.2 qts)**
* Total capacity
** with automatic transaxle
Capacities
2.0 litre
engine
2.5 litre
engine
32MCSen 4/13/99 2:21 PM Page 218

Capacities and specifications
219
Lubricant Specifications
Item
Ford part name
or equivalent
High performance
DOT 3 brake fluid,
DOT 4 brake fluid
or Super DOT 4
Premium engine
coolant
Motorcraft motor
oil 5W-30 super
premium
MERCON
®
power steering
fluid
Motorcraft
MERCON
®
ATF*
Ultra-clear
windshield washer
concentrate
Ford
part number
C6AZ-19542-AB
for DOT 3
E2FZ-19549-AA
CXC-8-B
XO-5W30-QSP
E6AZ-19582 AA
XT-2-QDX
C9AZ-19550-AC
or
C9AZ-19550-BC
Ford
specification
ESA-M6C25-A
(DOT 3)
ESD-M6C57-A
(Super DOT 4)
ESE-M97B44-A
American Petroleum
Institute Certification
Mark and
WSS-M2C153-G
ESW-M2C33-F
MERCON
®
ESR-M17P5-A
Brake fluid
Engine coolant
Engine oil
Power steering
fluid
Transaxle fluid
automatic/
5-speed manual
Windshield
washer
fluid
* Use only MERCON
®
approved transmission/transaxle fluid. Use of any fluid approved and/or labeled
for MERCON
®
V may cause internal transaxle damage.
32MCSen 4/13/99 2:21 PM Page 219

Capacities and specifications
220
2.0 litre
Engine
2.5 litre
Engine
1988 2544
96 (125)
5500
125 (170)
6250
176 (130)
4000
220 (162)
4250
6150
6700
6375 6925
800±50
(880±50)
725±50
(725±50)
1-3-4-2 1-4-2-5-3-6
1.3
Electronically controlled
Idle speed
(manual transaxle)
Engine
cm
3
Capacity
kW (HP)
at rpm
Power output
Nm (lb-ft)
at rpm
Max. torque
Fuel required
87 Octane
rpm
Continuous engine
speed
rpm
Max. intermittent
engine speed
rpm
Mixture preparation
Injection system
Firing order
mm
Spark plug gap
Ignition system
0.14 mm
0.30 mm
Valve Inlet
clearances Exhaust
Hydraulic valve
adjusters
0.11-0.18*
0.27-0.34*
Engine data
* Mechanical valve adjuster
32MCSen 4/13/99 2:21 PM Page 220

Capacities and specifications
221
D
A
E
B
C
Dimensions mm (inches)
4556 (179.4)
1751 (68.9)
1380 - 1427 (54.3 - 56.2)
2704 (106.5)
1499 - 1518* (59.0 - 59.8)
1483 - 1502* (58.4 - 59.1)
A = Maximum length
B = Overall width (without mirrors)
C = Overall height (curb weight)
D = Wheelbase
E = Track Front
Rear
* Dependent on tyre size
32MCSen 4/13/99 2:21 PM Page 221

Capacities and specifications
222
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
The vehicle identification number
(VIN) is attached to a metal tag
and is located on the front driver’s
side of the instrument panel. The
VIN tag may be seen by looking
through the windshield from the
outside of the vehicle.
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 222

Customer assistance
223
GETTING ROADSIDE
ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have
a vehicle concern. Ford offers a
complimentary roadside assistance
program. This program is separate
from the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. The service is available:
• 24-hours, seven days a week
• for the Basic warranty period
(Canada) or New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period (U.S.) of three
years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles),
whichever comes first on Ford and
Mercury vehicles, and four years or
80,000 km (50,000 miles) on
Lincoln vehicles.
In the United States, you may
purchase additional roadside
assistance coverage beyond this
period through the Ford Auto Club
by contacting your Ford or Lincoln-
Mercury dealer.
• Roadside assistance will cover
• changing a flat tire
• jump-starts
• lock-out assistance
• fuel delivery
towing to the nearest Ford of
Canada or Ford Motor Company
dealership, or towing to your
selling dealership if within 56 km
(35 miles). Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in the mud or snow,
are covered (some exclusions
apply, such as impound towing or
repossession.
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in
your wallet for quick reference. In
the United States, this card is
found in the Owner Guide portfolio
in the glove compartment in Ford
vehicles and is mailed to you if you
own a Mercury or Lincoln. In
Canada, it's found in the Roadside
Assistance book in the glove
compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in
the United States for Ford or
Mercury vehicles, call
1-800-241-3673 or if you own a
Lincoln vehicle, call
1-800-521-4140. In Canada call
1-800-665-2006.
Should you need to arrange
assistance for yourself, Ford will
reimburse a reasonable amount. To
obtain information about
reimbursement, call
1-800-241-3673 in the United
States for Ford or Mercury
vehicles; or if you own a Lincoln
vehicle, call 1-800-521-4140.
Call 1-800-665-2006 in Canada.
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 223

Customer assistance
224
Ford extended service plan
You can get more protection for
your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service
Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford
ESP is an optional service contract
which is backed by Ford Motor
Company or Ford Motor Service
Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of
Canada (in Canada). It provides:
• Protection against repair costs
after your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period expires
and
• other benefits during the
warranty period (such as
reimbursement for rentals and
towing).
You may purchase Ford ESP from
any participating Ford or Lincoln-
Mercury or Ford of Canada dealer.
There are several plans available in
various time, distance and
deductible combinations which can
be tailored to fit your own driving
needs. Ford ESP also offers
reimbursement benefits for towing
and rental coverage. (In Hawaii,
rules vary. See your dealer for
details.)
When you buy Ford ESP you
receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and
Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,200 participating Ford,
Lincoln-Mercury and Ford of
Canada dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the
Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle,
you may still be eligible. Please
contact your dealer for further
information. Since this information
is subject to change, please ask
your dealer for complete details
about Ford Extended Service Plan
coverage options.
Also, please be aware that some
ealers offer service contracts that
are not backed by Ford Motor
Company or Ford of Canada. On
the surface, many independent
plans appear to be like Ford's. The
problem is that they can often
require the use of non-factory
approved parts and have much
more complex and restrictive
claims coverage terms than Ford.
At Ford Motor Company and Ford
of Canada, we are dedicated to
providing Ford, Lincoln and
Mercury vehicle owners with
programs that will enhance your
ownership experience and protect
you from unexpected repair bills.
Genuine Ford ESP is the only
Extended Service Plan that enables
us to provide that service.
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 224

Customer assistance
225
Getting the service you need
At home
Ford Motor Company and Ford of
Canada have authorized
dealerships to service your vehicle.
When you need warranty repairs
your selling dealer would like you
to return to it for that service, but
you may also take your vehicle to
another Ford Motor Company
dealership authorized for warranty
repairs. Certain warranty repairs
require special training though, so
not all dealers are authorized to
perform all warranty repairs. That
means that depending on the
warranty repair needed, the vehicle
may need to be taken to another
dealer. If a particular dealership
can not assist you, then contact the
Customer Assistance Center.
If you are not satisfied with the
service you receive at the
dealership, speak with the service
manager. If you are still not
satisfied, speak with the owner or
general manager of the dealership.
In most cases, your concern will be
resolved at this level.
Ford Motor Company and Ford of
Canada dealerships also carry
genuine Ford parts and
accessories, providing you with
original equipment reliability.
Away from home
If you are away from home when
your vehicle needs service, or if
you need more help than the
dealership could provide, contact
the Ford Customer Assistance
Center to find an authorized
dealership to help you in the
United States
Ford Motor Company
Customer Assistance Center
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
1-800-392-3673 (FORD)
(TDD for the hearing impaired:
1-800-232-5952)
In Canada:
Customer Assistance Centre
Ford Motor Company of Canada,
Limited
P.O. Box 2000
Oakville, Ontario L6J 5E4
1-800-565-3673 (FORD)
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 225

Customer assistance
226
Please have the following
information available when
contacting Ford Customer
Assistance:
• Your telephone number (home
and business)
• The name of the dealer and the
city where the dealership is located
• The year and make of your
vehicle
• The date of vehicle purchase
• The current odometer reading
• The vehicle identification
number (VIN)
If you still have a complaint
involving a warranty dispute, you
may wish to contact the Dispute
Settlement Board (U.S.) or the
Mediation/Arbitration Program
(Canada).
In the United States, a warranty
dispute must be submitted to the
Dispute Settlement Board before
taking action under the Magnuson-
Moss Warranty Act, or to the
extent allowed by state law, before
pursuing replacement or
repurchase remedies provided by
certain state laws. This dispute
handling procedure is not required
prior to enforcing state created
rights or other rights which are
independent of the Magnuson-Moss
Warranty Act or state replacement
or repurchase laws.
THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
BOARD (U.S. ONLY)
The Dispute Settlement Board is
• an independent, third-party
arbitration program for warranty
disputes
• available free to owners and
lessees of qualifying Ford Motor
Company vehicles
The Dispute Settlement Board may
not be available in all states: Ford
Motor Company reserves the right
to change eligibility limitations,
modify procedures and/or to
discontinue this service without
notice and without incurring
obligations per applicable state law.
What kinds of cases does the
Board review?
Unresolved warranty repair
concerns or vehicle performance as
designed concerns on Ford,
Mercury and Lincoln cars and Ford
or Mercury light trucks which are
within the terms of any applicable
written new vehicle warranty are
eligible for review, except those
involving:
• a non-Ford product
• a non-Ford dealership
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 226

Customer assistance
227
• sales disputes between customer
and dealer except those associated
with warranty repairs or concerns
with the vehicle's performance as
designed
• a request for reimbursement of
consequential expenses unless a
service or product concern being
reviewed
• items not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty
(including maintenance and wear
items)
• alleged personal injury/property
damage claims
• cases currently in litigation
• vehicles not used primarily for
family, personal or household
purposes (except in states where
the Dispute Settlement Board is
required to review commercial
vehicles).
• vehicles with non-U.S.
warranties
Concerns are ineligible for review if
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
has expired at receipt of your
application and in certain states
eligibility is dependent upon the
customer's possession of the
vehicle.
Eligibility may differ according to
state law. For example see the
unique brochures for California,
West Virginia, Georgia and
Wisconsin purchasers/ lessees.
Board membership
The Board consists of:
• three consumer representatives
• a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealership representative
Consumer candidates for Board
membership are recruited and
trained by an independent
consulting firm. The dealership
Board member is chosen from Ford
and Lincoln-Mercury dealership
management, recognized for their
business leadership qualities.
What the Board needs
To have your case reviewed you
must complete the application in
the DSB brochure and mail it to the
address provided on the
application form.
Your application is reviewed and, if
it is determined to be eligible, you
will receive an acknowledgement
indicating:
• the file number assigned to your
application
• the toll-free phone number of
the DSB's independent
administrator
• Your dealership and a Ford
Motor Company representative are
asked to submit statements at this
time.
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 227

Customer assistance
228
To properly review your case, the
Board needs the following
information:
• legible copies of all documents
and maintenance or repair orders
relevant to the case
• the year, make, model, and
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) listed on your vehicle
ownership license
• the date of repair(s) and mileage
at the time of occurrence(s)
• the current mileage
• the name of the dealer who sold
or serviced the vehicle
• a brief description of your
unresolved concern
• a brief summary of the action
taken by the dealer(s) and Ford
Motor Company
• the names (if known) of all the
people you contacted at the
dealership(s)
• a description of the action you
expect to resolve your concern
• You will receive a letter of
explanation if your application does
not qualify for Board review.
Oral presentations
If you would like to make an oral
presentation indicate YES to
question #6 on the application.
While it is your right to make an
oral presentation before the Board,
this is not a requirement and the
Board will decide the case whether
or not an oral presentation is made.
Oral presentation may be
requested Board as well.
Making a decision
Board members review all available
information related to each
complaint, including oral
presentations, and arrive at a fair
and impartial decision.
Every effort is made to decide the
case within 40 days of the date that
all requested information is
received by the Board. Since the
Board generally meets once a
month, it may take more than a
month before the Board can
consider some cases.
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 228

Customer assistance
229
After a case is reviewed, the Board
mails you a decision letter and a
form on which to accept or reject
the Board's decision. The decisions
of the Board are binding on Ford
(and, in some cases, on the dealer)
but not on consumers who are free
to pursue other remedies available
to them under state or federal law.
To request a DSB
brochure/application
For a brochure/application, speak
to your dealer or write/call to the
Board at the following
address/phone number:
Dispute Settlement Board
P.O. Box 5120
Southfield, MI 48086-5120
1-800-428-3718
You may also contact the North
American Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-392-3673 (Ford).
TDD for the hearing impaired:
1-800-232-5952 or by writing to the
Center at the following address:
Ford Motor Company
Customer Assistance Center
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
GETTING ASSISTANCE
OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND
CANADA
Before exporting your vehicle to a
foreign country, contact the
appropriate foreign embassy or
consulate. These officials can
inform you of local vehicle
registration regulations and where
to find unleaded fuel.
If you cannot find unleaded fuel or
can only get fuel with an anti-knock
index lower than is recommended
for your vehicle, contact a district
or owner relations/customer
assistance office.
The use of leaded fuel in your
vehicle without proper conversion
may damage the effectiveness of
your emission control system and
may cause engine knocking or
serious engine damage. Ford Motor
Company/Ford of Canada is not
responsible for any damage caused
by use of improper fuel.
In the United States, using leaded
fuel may also result in difficulty
importing your vehicle back into
the U.S.
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 229

Customer assistance
230
If your vehicle must be serviced
while you are traveling or living in
Central or South America, the
Caribbean, or the Middle East,
contact the nearest Ford
dealership. If the dealership cannot
help you, write or call:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
WORLDWIDE DIRECT MARKET
OPERATIONS
1555 Fairlane Drive
Fairlane Business Park #3
Allen Park, Michigan 48101
U.S.A.
Telephone: (313) 594-4857
FAX: (313) 390-9804
If you are in another foreign
country, contact the nearest Ford
dealership. If the dealership
employees cannot help you, they
can direct you to the nearest Ford
affiliate office.
If you buy your vehicle in North
America and then relocate outside
of the U.S. or Canada, register your
vehicle identification number
(VIN) and new address with Ford
Motor Company Worldwide Direct
Market Operations.
FORD ACCESSORIES FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Ford has many quality products
available from your dealer to clean
your vehicle and protect its
finishes. For best results, use the
following or products of equivalent
quality
Ford Custom Clearcoat Polish*
Ford Custom Silicone Gloss Polish
Ford Custom Vinyl Protectant*
Ford Deluxe Leather and Vinyl
Cleaner
Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover*
Ford Extra Strength Upholstery
Cleaner
Ford Metal Surface Cleaner
Ford Multi-Purpose Cleaner*
Motorcraft Car Wash Concentrate
Motorcraft Carlite Glass Cleaner
Ford Spot and Stain Remover*
Ford Super Premium Tire and Trim
Dressing
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 230

Customer assistance
231
Ford Triple Clean
Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner
* May be sold with the Motorcraft
name
A wide selection of accessories is
available through your local
authorized Ford, Lincoln-Mercury
or Ford of Canada dealer. These
quality accessories have been
specifically engineered to fulfill
your automotive needs; they are
custom designed to complement
the style and aerodynamic
appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made
from high quality materials and
meets or exceeds Ford's rigid
engineering and safety
specifications. Ford accessories are
warranted for up to 12 months or
20,000 km (12,000 miles) on all
cars and light trucks and 12
months with unlimited distance on
medium/heavy duty trucks unless
the accessory is installed on a new
vehicle, then the warranty becomes
the balance of the new vehicle's
warranty or the accessories
warranty, whichever is greater. See
your dealer for complete warranty
information and availability.
Not all accessories are
available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Remote keyless entry
Styled wheel protector locks
Vehicle security systems
Comfort and convenience
Air conditioner
Air filtration systems
Cargo nets
Cargo organizers
Cargo shades
Cargo trays
Dash trim
Engine block heaters
Gear shift knob
Luggage presenter (Continental
only)
Manual sliding rear window
Tire step
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 231

Customer assistance
232
Travel equipment
Console
Console armrest
Daytime running lights
Factory luggage rack
Factory luggage rack adapters
Fog lights
Framed luggage covers
Heavy-duty battery
Neutral towing transfer case kit
(Explorer 4.0L only)
Off road lights
Pickup box rails
Removable luggage rack
Removable luggage rack adapters
Retractable bed hooks and loops
Running boards
Snow traction cables
Soft luggage cover
Speed control
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitch
Trailer hitch bars and balls
Trailer hitch wiring adaptor
Protection and appearance
equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
Bed mat/bedliner tailgate covers
Bed mats
Bedliners
Car/truck covers
Cargo liners, interior
Carpet floor mats
Cleaners, waxes and polishes
Flat splash guards
Frond end covers (full and mini)
Hood deflectors
Locking gas cap
Lubricants and oils
Molded splash guards
Molded vinyl floor mats
Rallye bars
Rear air deflectors
Rear decklid spoilers
Side window air deflectors
Spare tire lock
Step bumpers
Step/sill plates
Tailgate covers
Tailgate lock
Tailgate protection
Tonneau covers
Touch-up paint
Universal floor mats
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 232

Customer assistance
233
For maximum vehicle performance,
keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or
equipment to your vehicle:
• When adding accessories,
equipment, passengers and luggage
to your vehicle, do not exceed the
total weight capacity of the vehicle
or of the front or rear axle (GVWR
or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label).
Consult your dealer for specific
weight information.
• The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and Canadian
Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) regulate the
use of mobile communications
systems - such as two-way radios,
telephones and theft alarms - that
are equipped with radio
transmitters. Any such equipment
installed in your vehicle should
comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed
only by a qualified service
technician.
• Mobile communications systems
may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not
properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed.
When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or
stall. In addition, such systems may
be damaged or their performance
may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB]
transceivers, garage door openers
and other transmitters with
outputs of five watts or less will not
ordinarily affect your vehicle's
operation.)
• Ford cannot assume
responsibility for any adverse
effects or damage that may result
from the use of such equipment.
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 233

Customer assistance
234
ORDERING ADDITIONAL
OWNER'S LITERATURE
To order the publications in this
portfolio in the United States:
Make checks payable to:
HELM, INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 07150
Detroit, Michigan, 48207
For a free publication catalog,
order toll free: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00
p.m. EST.,
for credit card holders only.
To order the publications in this
portfolio in Canada
Make cheques payable to:
Ford Motor Company of Canada,
Ltd.
Service Publications
P.O. Box 1580, Station B
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4Y
4G3
or order toll free:
1-800-387-4966
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
EST.,
for credit card holders only.
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 234

Reporting safety defects
235
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
(U.S. ONLY)
If you believe that your vehicle has
a defect that could cause a crash,
or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in
addition to Ford Motor Company.
If NHTSA receives similar
complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and
remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you,
your dealer or Ford Motor
Company.
To contact NHTSA, you may either
call the Auto Safety Hotline
toll–free at 1-800-424-9393
(202-366-0123 in the Washington
D.C. area) or write to
NHTSA
U.S.Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street
Washington D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other
information about motor vehicle
safety from the hotline.
33MMCAen 04/14/1999 9:49 AM Page 235

Index
236
A Page
Accessory position on
the ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Additives, engine oil . . . . . . . . .165
Air bag supplemental
restraint system
and child safety seats . . . . . . . .84
description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
indicator light . . . . . . . . . . .13, 87
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
wearing safety belts . . . . . . . . .83
Air conditioning
(see Climate control system)
Alarm, activating panic . . . . . . . .67
Antenna, radio
(see Audio sytem) . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .112
Anti-theft system (see Passive
Anti-Theft System) . . . . . . . . . . .69
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Automatic transaxle
driving with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
fluid, adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
fluid, checking . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
fluid, refill capacities . . . . . . . .218
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .219
B
Backing up . . . . . . . . . . . . .119, 125
Battery
charging system warning light . .7
jumping a disabled battery . . .150
proper disposal, recycling . . . .178
replacement, specifications . .217
servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176
B Page
Brake fluid
checking and adding . . . . . . . .168
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Brake-shift interlock . . . . . . . . .118
Brakelamps
(see Bulb replacement)
Brakes
anti-lock brake system (ABS) 112
brake warning light . . . . . . . . . .14
fluid, checking and adding . . .168
fluid, refill capacities . . . . . . . .218
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .219
parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Built-in child seat
folding up the seat . . . . . . . . . .98
inspection after a collision . . . .98
interlock safety feature . . . . . . .94
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
retractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Break-in period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Bulbs, replacing
foglamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202
headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200
high-mounted brake lamp . . . .204
license plate lamp . . . . . . . . . .203
rear lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
C
Cabin air filter . . . . . . . . . . .31, 180
Capacities for refilling fluids . . .218
Carbon monoxyde in exhaust . .197
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . .196
Chains, tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
Changing a tire . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Charging system warning light . . .7
4MInden 04/14/1999 9:51 AM Page 236

237
Index
C Page
Child safety restraints
built-in child seat . . . . . . . . . . .93
child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . .99
children and safety belts . . .89, 91
Child safety seats
and air bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
attaching with tether straps . .102
automatic locking mode . . . . . .77
Childproof safety locks . . . . . . . .63
Chimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Circuit breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment . . . . . . . .213
exterior lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . .215
plastic exterior parts . . . . . . . .214
safety belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Climate control system
air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
controlling airflow . . . . . . . . . . .24
defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Clutch
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
recommended shift speeds . . .124
Cold engine starting . . . . . . . . .110
Controls
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . .18
power seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
steering column . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Customer assistance . . . . . . . . .223
D Page
Daytime running lights . . . . . . . .21
Defects, reporting . . . . . . . . . . .235
Defrost
rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Dipstick, engine oil . . . . . . . . . .163
Door mounted controls . . . . . . . .62
Driving under special conditions
heavy load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . .130
E
Electrical system
fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Emergencies, roadside
fuel pump shut-off switch . . . .137
jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Emergency brake (see Parking
brake)
Emission control system . . . . . .196
Engine
check engine warning light . . . .10
fuel pump shut-off switch . . . .137
lubricant specifications . . . . . .219
preparing to start . . . . . . . . . .107
refill capacities . . . . . . . . . . . .218
starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Engine block heater . . . . . . . . .111
Engine coolant
checking and adding . . . . . . . .167
disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
low coolant warning light . . . . . .9
refilll capacities . . . . . . . . . . . .218
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Engine fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
4MInden 04/14/1999 9:51 AM Page 237

Index
238
E Page
Engine oil
changing oil and filter . . . . . . .165
checking and adding . . . . . . . .165
dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
engine oil pressure
warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
filter specifications . . . . . . . . .217
refill capacities . . . . . . . . . . . .218
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Exhaust fumes . . . . . . . . . .106, 197
F
Fan (see Engine fan)
Flasher, hazard . . . . . . . . . .54, 137
Flashing the lights . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Fluid refill capacities . . . . . . . . .218
Foglamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21, 202
Fuel
calculating fuel economy . . . .195
capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
choosing the right fuel . . . . . .192
consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
low fuel warning light . . . . . . . .13
octane rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
running out of fuel . . . . . . . . .196
safety information relating
to automotive fuels . . . . . . . . .190
Fuel pump shut-off switch . . . .137
Fuse panels
engine compartment . . . . . . . .140
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . .142
F Page
Fuses
charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141, 144
checking and replacing . . . . . .139
G
Gas mileage (see Fuel)
Gauges
engine coolant temperature . . .18
fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
trip odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) . . .127
Gearshift . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117, 123
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) .127
H
Hazard flashers . . . . . . . . . .54, 137
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Headlamps
aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
bulb specifications . . . . . . . . .206
daytime running light . . . . . . . .21
flashing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
high beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
replacing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . .200
turning on and off . . . . . . . . . . .20
warning chime . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
High beams
indicator light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
4MInden 04/14/1999 9:51 AM Page 238

Index
239
H Page
High-mount brakelamp . . . . . . .204
Hood
latch location . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
I
Identification Number, Vehicle
(VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Idle, relearning . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Idle, speed . . . . . . . . . . . . .179, 220
Ignition
chime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
positions on the ignition . . . . . .52
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Instrument panel
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215
lighting up the panel . . . . . . . . .23
Integrated child seat (see Built-in
child seat)
Intermittent wipers . . . . . . . . . . .56
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
J
Jack
positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Jump starting your vehicle
attaching cables . . . . . . . . . . . .151
disconnecting cables . . . . . . . .154
K
Keys
key in ignition warning chime .17
positions of the ignition . . . . . .52
L Page
Lamps
bulb replacement specification
chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
daytime running light system . .21
flashing the lamps . . . . . . . . . . .55
foglamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21, 202
hazard flashers . . . . . . . . .54, 137
headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
high beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
high-mounted brake lamp . . . .204
instrument panel, dimming . . .23
interior lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
reading lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
replacing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . .200
rear lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
anti-lock brakes (ABS) . . . . . . .15
brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
charging system . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
check engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
engine oil pressure . . . . . . . . . .16
high beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
low coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
low fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
overdrive off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
safety belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
testing the warning lights . . . . .17
turn signal indicator . . . . . . . . . .6
Load limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
Lubricant specifications . . . . . .219
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . .64
4MInden 04/14/1999 9:51 AM Page 239

Index
240
M Page
Maintenance (see Servicing)
Manual transaxle
backing up (reverse) . . . . . . . .125
clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
fluid, capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
shift speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Mileage, calculating fuel
economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) . . . .23
Motorcraft parts . . . . . . . . . . . .217
N
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235
O
Octane rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Oil (see Engine oil)
Oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165, 217
On-board diagnostic (OBD II)
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198
Overdrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9, 120
Overhead controls . . . . . . . . . . . .61
P
Panel dimmer control . . . . . . . . .23
Panic alarm, remote entry sytem67
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) . . .217
Passenger compartment
air filter (see Cabin air filter) . .181
Passive Anti-Theft
System (PATS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
P Page
Power distribution box
(see Fuses)
Power door locks . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Power features
mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding . . .173
fluid, refill capacity . . . . . . . . .218
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .219
R
Radio (see Audio system) . . . . . .32
Rear window defroster . . . . . . . .22
Refill capacities for fluids . . . . .218
Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Remote control
luggage compartment . . . . . . . .64
Remote entry system
locking/unlocking doors . . . . . .66
opening the trunk . . . . . . . . . . .67
panic alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
replacing the batteries . . . . . . .67
replacement/additional
transmitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Repairing paint chips . . . . . . . .212
Reporting safety defects . . . . . .235
Restraints, safety . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Rotating the tires . . . . . . . . . . . .185
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Index
241
S Page
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints)
Safety chains, when towing
a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Safety Compliance Certification
Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
Safety defects, reporting . . . . . .235
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts . .77, 79
automatic locking mode
(retractors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
cleaning the safety belts . . . . .216
extention assembly . . . . . . . . . .81
for children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
lap and shoulder belts . . . . . . . .76
maintenance . . . . . . . . . . .82, 216
vehicle sensitive locking mode .77
warning light and chime . . . .7, 17
Safety seats for children
and air bags . . . . . . . . . . . .84, 100
attaching with tether straps . .102
automatic locking mode
(retractors) . . . . . . . . . . . . .78, 99
built-in child seat . . . . . . . . . . .93
in front seat . . . . . . . . . . . .84, 100
tether anchorage hardware . .103
Seats
adjusting the seats, manual . . .72
adjusting the seats, power . . . .73
folding rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . .74
head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Servicing your vehicle . . . . . . . .158
Shift-lock system . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Shift positions (see Gearshift)
Snow tires and chains . . . . . . . .188
S Page
Spare tire
changing the tire . . . . . . . . . . .146
removing the spare tire . . . . . .148
temporary spare tire . . . . . . . .147
Spark plugs, certifications . . . .217
Specification charts, lubricants 219
Speed control
disengaging speed control . . . .60
return to a set speed . . . . . . . . .60
set a speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
set a higher speed . . . . . . . . . . .59
set a lower speed . . . . . . . . . . . .59
turn speed control off . . . . . . . .57
turn speed control on . . . . . . . .57
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start the vehicle .107
starting the engine . . . . . . . . .110
Steering column controls . . . . . .52
Steering wheel
horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
speed control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
tilting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Supplemental restraint
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Tail lamps (see Lamps)
Temperature control
(see Climate control)
Testing the warning lights . . . . . .17
Tether anchor installation
(see Child safety restraints)
Tilt steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . .53
4MInden 04/14/1999 9:51 AM Page 241

Index
242
T Page
Tires
changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
checking tire pressure . . . . . .185
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
inspection and maintenance . .185
replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149
rotating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
snow tires and chains . . . . . . .188
spare tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
tire grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . .183, 186
wearbands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
Towing your vehicle . . . . . . . . .156
Traction control . . . . . . . . . .22, 115
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Transaxle
automatic, operation . . . . . . . .117
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
fluid, refill capacities . . . . . . . .218
lubricant specifications . . . . . .219
manual, operation . . . . . . . . . .123
Transmitter (see Remote entry)
Trip odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Trunk (see Luggage compartment)
remote release lever . . . . . . . . .64
using the remote entry system .66
Turn signal
indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
U
Used engine oil, disposal . . . . . .167
V Page
Variable interval wipers . . . . . . . .56
Vehicle care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Vehicle Emission Control
Information(VECI) . . . . . . . . . .198
Vehicle loading . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
Ventilating your vehicle . . . . . .105
Viscosity (see Engne oil)
W
Warning chimes
headlamps on . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
key in ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
safety belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Warning lights (see Lights)
Washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . .163
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR) .127
Wheels
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
inspection and maintenance . .185
Windows
one-touch down . . . . . . . . . . . .62
power windows, operating . . . .62
rear, defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Windshield washer fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid . . . .168
checking and replacing
wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .219
variable interval wipers . . . . . . .56
Wrecker towing . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
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244
Filling station information
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
Octane 87
58.5 litres (15.4 gallons)
Use Motorcraft 5W-30 Formula E
Fuel Economy Motor Oil, Ford
specification WSS-M2C153-G.
Refer to Safety Compliance
Certification label on driver’s door
pillar
Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel
Right rear of vehicle
Fuel
Fuel tank capacity
Engine oil
Tire size and pressure
Hood release location
Fuel filler location
4MInden 04/14/1999 9:51 AM Page 244
