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229
Maintenance and Care
Service Made Easy
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
1.
When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
❑
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
❑
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
❑
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in the
Maintenance Schedule
booklet.
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check your
Warranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see the
Customer Assistance
chapter of this
Owner Guide.
Ford Motor Company recommends that you
perform the Owner Maintenance Checks listed in
the
Maintenance Schedule
booklet. These services
are important for the proper operation of your
vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in
the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for
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any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication
that your vehicle may need service. If you do
notice something unusual, see that your vehicle
is serviced promptly.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
NOTE:
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
about recycling automotive fluids.
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
❑
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
❑
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
❑
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
❑
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
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If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
“relearn” its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, see
Battery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off:
1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2.
Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
3.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on:
1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
R
WARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
Opening the Hood
1.
Pull the hood release handle, located next to
the parking brake pedal.
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Hood release handle
2.
While applying downward pressure on the
hood, push the hood latch handle located
behind the grille near the center front of the
vehicle to the left.
3.
Disconnect the hood support from the
retaining clip on the radiator support and
place it into the slot marked PROP in the
underside of the hood.
Hood and support rod
To close the hood, raise it so that the support
rod comes away from the slotted hole in the
hood. Place the support rod in its retaining clip
and close the hood with enough force to make it
latch. Be sure to oil the hood latch every six
months to maintain smooth operation.
Always attempt to lift the hood after closing to
be sure it is securely latched.
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