Ford 1997 Aspire, Aspire User Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................1

Instrumentation ................................................ 7

Electronic Sound Systems ........................... 19

Controls and Features .................................. 31

Seating and Safety Restraints .................... 57

Starting ............................................................. 93

Driving ........................................................... 105

Roadside Emergencies ................................ 121

Maintenance and Care ............................... 145

Capacities and Specifications ................... 199

Reporting Safety Defects

(U.S. Only) .................................................... 209

Customer Assistance ................................... 211

Accessories .................................................... 223

Quick Index .................................................. 233

Index ............................................................... 243

Service Station Information --

1.3L Engine ................................................... 260

1

Introduction

At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the
continuous commitment to achieve the best
result possible. It is dedication to learning what
you want, determination to develop the right
concept, and execution of that concept with care,
precision, and attention to detail. In short,
excellence means being the standard by which
others are judged.

Our Guiding Principles

❑

Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the
quality of our products and services must be
our number one priority.

❑

You are the focus of everything we do. Our
work must be done with you in mind,
providing better products and services than
our competition.

❑

Continuous improvement is essential to our
success. We must strive for excellence in

everything we do: in our products — in their
safety and value — and in our services, our
human relations, our competitiveness, and
our profitability.

❑

Employee involvement is our way of life.
We are a team. We must treat one another
with trust and respect.

❑

Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We
must maintain mutually beneficial
relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our
other business associates.

2

❑

Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct
worldwide must be pursued in a manner that
is socially responsible and commands respect
for its integrity and for its positive
contributions to society.

NOTES and WARNINGS

NOTES give you additional information about

the subject matter you are referencing.
WARNINGS remind you to be especially careful

in those areas where carelessness can cause
damage to your vehicle or personal injury to
yourself, your passengers or other people. Please
read all WARNINGS carefully.

WARNING

Finding Information in This Guide

After you have read this guide once, you will
probably return to it when you have a specific
question or need additional information. To help
you find specific information quickly, you can
use the Quick Index, Table of Contents, or the
Index.

The Quick Index at the end of the book
provides a page number following each item
which indicates where detailed information can
be found.

To use the Index, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the
word that best describes the information you
need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We
have designed the Index so that you can find
information under a technical term.

3

Canadian Owners — French Version

French Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.

Record Booklet

The Maintenance Schedule booklet lists the
services that are most important for keeping
your vehicle in good condition. A record log is
also provided to help you keep track of all
services performed.

Your vehicle is covered by three types of
warranties: Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended

Warranties on certain parts, and Emissions
Warranties.

Read your Warranty Information Booklet carefully
to find out about your vehicle’s warranties and
your basic rights and responsibilities.

If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you
can get a new one free of charge. Contact any
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the
addresses and phone numbers on the first page
of this Owner’s Guide.

4

Ford Extended Service Plan

More Protection for Your Vehicle

You can get more protection for your new car or
light truck by purchasing a Ford Extended
Service Plan (Ford ESP). Ford ESP is the only
extended service program with the Ford name
on it and the only service contract backed by
Ford Motor Company.

Ford ESP is an optional service contract, backed
and administered by Ford. It provides:

❑

protection against repair costs after your
Bumper to Bumper Warranty expires;

❑

other benefits during the warranty period
(such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage
for certain maintenance and wear items).

You may purchase Ford ESP from any
participating Ford Motor Company dealer. There
are several Ford ESP plans available in various
time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including
reimbursement benefits for towing and rental.
(In Hawaii, rules vary. See your dealer for
details.)

When you purchase Ford ESP, you receive
peace-of-mind protection throughout the United
States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor
Company dealers.

NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United

States and Canada are not eligible for
ESP coverage.

This information is subject to change, ask your
dealer for complete details about Ford ESP
coverage.

5

Federal Highway Administration
Regulation

Regulations such as those issued by the Federal
Highway Administration or issued pursuant to
the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA),
and/or state and local laws and regulations may
require additional equipment for the way you
intend to use the vehicle. It is the responsibility
of the registered owner to determine the
applicability of such laws and regulations to
your intended use for the vehicle, and to
arrange for the installation of required
equipment. Your Ford dealer has information
about the availability of many items of
equipment which may be ordered for your
vehicle.

Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.

❑

Avoid sudden stops. Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:

— Watch traffic carefully so that you can

anticipate when to stop.
— Begin braking well in advance.
— Apply the brakes gradually.

The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.

❑

Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends. See Engine oil recommendations

in the Index. Do not use special “break-in”
oils.

6

This Guide

Congratulations on the purchase of your new
vehicle. This guide has information about the
equipment and the options for your new vehicle.
You may not have bought all of the options
available to you. If you do not know which
information applies to your vehicle, talk to your
dealer.

This guide describes equipment and gives
specifications for equipment that was in effect
when this guide was approved for printing. Ford
may discontinue models or change specifications
or design without any notice and without
incurring obligation.

7

Instrumentation

The warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. The
following section details what each of these
indicators means.

In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has
a standard cluster.

[IS01900(ALL)01/96]

full page art:0032163-E

File:03icisf.ex

Update:Tue Mar 4 08:51:24 1997

9

Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime

Safety belt light

This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt under the following
conditions:

❑

If the safety belt is not buckled when the
ignition is turned to the ON position, the
chime will turn on for four (4) to eight (8)
seconds and the light will illuminate for at
least 60 seconds.

❑

If the safety belt is buckled while the light is
on and the chime is sounding, both the light
and chime will turn off.

❑

If the safety belt is buckled before the
ignition is turned to the ON position, neither
the light nor the chime will come on.

Brake System Warning Light

Brake system and parking brake light

10

This light illuminates for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition key to START or ON. It
normally goes off shortly after the engine starts
and after you release the parking brake.
However, it may stay on for up to 60 seconds. If
the light doesn’t illuminate after the engine is
started, stays on for longer than 60 seconds, or
illuminates after you have fully released the
parking brake, have the hydraulic brake system
checked.

To test the brake warning light, release the
parking brake and turn the ignition key to the
START position. The brake warning light should
illuminate until the key is released.

This light will also illuminate if the parking
brake does not release fully. If it does stay on
after the parking brake is fully released, it
means there may be a brake problem. Pull off
the road and stop carefully. You may notice that
the pedal is harder to push, the pedal may go
closer to the floor, or it may take longer to stop
the vehicle. Try the brakes again after you have
stopped.

Your vehicle has a divided brake system. If one
part isn’t working, the other part can still work
and stop the vehicle. For good braking, you
need both systems working well.

WARNING

The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.

11

Charging System Light

This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.

Charging system light

This light illuminates every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.

If the light stays on or illuminates when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates low oil pressure, not low oil
level. However, if the engine’s oil level is low, it
could affect the oil pressure. This light
illuminates every time the ignition key is turned
to ON or START, but it normally turns off when
the engine starts.

Engine oil pressure light

12

If the light stays on or illuminates while the
engine is running:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Shut off the engine immediately. Continued

operation could cause severe engine damage.

3. Check the engine oil level. Make sure the car
is on level ground.

4. Add oil to the full mark on the dipstick
before you drive your car again. Do not
overfill. Do not operate the engine when the
oil light is on. For more information about
adding oil, see Engine oil recommendations in
the Index.

WARNING

Do not rely on the oil light to tell you
when the oil is low. Have the oil checked
often. It is possible for damage to occur if
an engine is operated with a low oil level.

High Beam Light

This light illuminates when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights. If your vehicle is equipped with daytime
running lights and you have your headlamps on
your high beam telltale will not illuminate when
you flash the lights.

High beam light

13

Check Engine Warning Light

This light illuminates when the electronic engine
control system is not working properly. This is
the computer system that controls the operating
conditions of the engine.

Check engine warning light

This light illuminates briefly when you turn the
ignition to the ON position, but should turn off
when the engine starts. If the light does not
illuminate when you turn the ignition to the ON
position or if it illuminates and stays on when
you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible. This indicates a possible
problem with one of the engine’s emission
control systems. You do not need to have your

vehicle towed in.

If the light flashes briefly while you are driving,
it means that the condition is no longer present.

14

Air Bag Readiness Light

This light illuminates for six seconds when the
ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash, remains on,
or if a series of five beeps is heard, have the
system serviced as soon as possible.

Air bag readiness light

Rear Window Defroster Indicator Light
(If equipped)

When the rear window defroster is activated, the
indicator light in the instrument cluster
illuminates. After the rear window is clear, push
the defroster switch to turn off the defroster. The
light in the cluster goes out.

Rear window defroster indicator light

15

Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
(If equipped)

When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the anti-lock brake system warning
light illuminates. When the engine is started, the
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control unit
determines if all components of the system are
operating correctly. The warning light could
remain on up to 60 seconds.

Anti-lock brake system light

WARNING

If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.

NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock

system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.

16

NOTE: If your vehicle must be jump-started

because of a low battery, the Anti-Lock
Brake System warning light could
remain on. This is due to low battery
voltage and does not indicate a
malfunction in the system. Under these
circumstances, you should drive your
vehicle only after the battery has had
time to charge and the light has gone
out.

After starting the engine, check all the warning
lights to make sure that they are off. If any one
of them is still lit, it indicates a situation that
needs your attention. When you release the
parking brake, the brake warning light should
go off.

Ignition Key Chime

If the driver or passenger door is open while the
key is still in the ignition, a warning chime
sounds.

Headlamps On Chime

This chime will sound when a door is opened
while the headlamps or parking lamps are on.

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel you have in the fuel tank.

The ignition must be turned off while putting
fuel in the tank in order to get a correct fuel
gauge reading after the ignition is turned on.

The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly while
the vehicle is in motion. This is the result of fuel
movement within the tank. You can get a more
accurate reading with the vehicle on smooth,
level ground.

17

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.

The pointer normally moves from C (cold) into
the normal band as your vehicle warms up.
Under most driving conditions, the pointer
should stay in the normal band. If you are
driving in heavy traffic or on an extended grade
in hot weather, the pointer may reach to the top
of the normal band.

If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the normal band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.

If your engine overheats:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Turn off the engine.

3. Let the engine cool.

4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine. (See Engine coolant in the
Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.

5. Refer to Adding Engine Coolant in the
Maintenance and Care chapter. Add as much
coolant as your engine needs. If the engine
continues to overheat, have the cooling
system serviced.

18

Speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.

Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.

Trip Odometer

The trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips. Before each trip, set the trip
odometer to zero by pushing the reset button.

[AS21330(ALL)02/96]

full page art:0032283-A

File:04icasf.ex

Update:Tue Mar 4 08:51:43 1997

[AS21360(ALL)02/96]

full page art:0032284-A

File:04icasf.ex

Update:Tue Mar 4 08:51:43 1997

21

Cassette Radios

Using the Controls on Your New Radio

How to turn the radio on and adjust the
volume

Press the “POWER” button to turn the radio on.
Press it again to turn it off.

Press the right (+) side of the “VOL” button to
increase the volume. Press the left (S) side of
the button to decrease the volume.

If the volume is set above a certain level when
the ignition is turned off, the volume level will
reset to a “nominal” listening level when the
ignition switch is turned back on.

Selecting the AM or FM frequency band

Push the “BAND” button to select the desired
frequency band. Pushing the button more than
once will alternate between AM, FM1 and FM2.
These functions are used with the station
memory buttons described under How to tune
radio stations.

How to tune radio stations

There are four ways for you to tune in a
particular station. You can manually locate a
station, “SEEK” to the next station, “SCAN” for
listenable stations, or select the station using the
memory preset buttons, which you can set to
any desired frequency.

❑

Using the manual mode to tune your radio

You can change the frequency up or down
one increment at a time by first pressing the
mode button until “MAN” appears above the
frequency display. Then, press either the right
(a) or left (b) side of the “SEEK” button.

22

❑

Using the “SEEK” function

The “SEEK” function allows you to
automatically select listenable stations up or
down the frequency band. This is the default
mode of the “SEEK” button. If the radio has
been changed to another mode, press the
mode button until “SEEK” appears above the
frequency display. Then press the right (a)
side of the “SEEK” button to select the next
listenable station up the frequency band.
Press the left (b) side of the “SEEK” button
to select the next listenable station down the
frequency band. By holding the button down,
listenable stations can be passed over to reach
the desired station.

❑

Using the “SCAN” function

To enter scan mode, press the mode button
until “SCAN” appears above the frequency
display. Press the right (a) side of the
“SEEK” button and the radio will begin
scanning up the frequency band, stopping on
each listenable station for approximately a
five-second sampling. This continues until
you press the “MODE” button once again.
Press the left (b) side of the “SEEK” button
to activate the SCAN function down the
frequency band.

❑

Setting the Station Memory Preset buttons

Your radio is equipped with 4 station
memory buttons. The buttons can be used to
select up to 4 preset AM stations and 8
preset FM stations (4 in FM1 and 4 in FM2).

23

Follow the easy steps below to set these buttons
to the desired frequencies:

1. Select a band, then select a frequency.

2. Press one of the memory preset buttons and
hold the button until the sound returns. That
station is now held in memory on that
button.

3. Follow the two steps above for each station
memory preset button you want to set.

Adjusting the tone balance and speaker
output of your radio

❑

Increasing or decreasing the bass response

Push the “SELECT” button repeatedly until
the display reads “BASS.” Push the right (+)
side of the “VOL” button to increase bass,
and push the left (S) side to decrease bass.

❑

Increasing or decreasing treble response

Push the “SELECT” button repeatedly until
the display reads “TREB.” Push the right (+)
side of the “VOL” button to increase treble,
and push the left (S) side to decrease treble.

❑

Adjusting speaker balance

Balance control allows you to adjust the
sound distribution between the right and left
speakers. Push the “SELECT” button
repeatedly until the display reads “BAL.”
Push the right (+) side of the “VOL” button
to shift the sound to the right speaker, and
push the left (S) side to shift the sound to
the left speaker.

24

❑

Adjusting speaker fader

Fade control allows you to adjust the sound
distribution between the front and rear speakers.
Push the “SELECT” button repeatedly until the
display reads “FADE.” Push the right (+) side of
the “VOL” button to shift the sound to the front
speakers, and push the left (S) side to shift the
sound to the rear speakers.

Using the Controls of Your Cassette Tape
Player (If equipped)

How to insert a tape

Insert a cassette (with the open edge to the
right) firmly into the tape door opening, making
sure the cassette is completely in and “seated.”

How to locate a desired track on the tape

NOTE: The tape track or side number

indicated in the display does not
necessarily correspond to the tape track
or side number on the cassette label. It
is used only to indicate when the tape
mechanism reverses tracks.

❑

Fast forwarding the tape

Push the right

g

button to fast forward
the tape. The radio will play while the tape is
in fast forward.

❑

Rewinding the tape

Push the left

h

button to rewind the tape.
The radio will play while the tape is
rewinding.

25

❑

How to change the side of the tape being
played

The alternate track (other side) of the tape
can be selected at any time by pushing both
fast-wind buttons (

h

and

g

) at the
same time. The number in the display will
alternate between 1 and 2.

How to eject the tape

To stop the tape and eject the cassette, press the
“EJECT” button. The radio will resume playing.

How to remove the faceplate (Cassette
radio only)

Your cassette radio is equipped with a
detachable, theft-deterrent faceplate.

❑

Removing the faceplate

Slide the release button downward. The
release button is located just above the
“SEEK” button. The faceplate will spring out
slightly. Grasp the faceplate and remove.

❑

Reinstalling the faceplate

Insert the left side of the faceplate into the
radio bezel, then rotate and “click” the right
side into place. If radio/cassette were on
before the faceplate was removed, they will
resume playing.

26

Tips on caring for the cassette player and
tapes

In order to keep your cassette tape player
performing the way it was meant to, read and
follow these simple precautions:

❑

Using a Ford Cassette Cleaning Cartridge or
equivalent to clean the tape player head after
10-12 hours of play will help maintain the
best playback sound and proper tape
operation.

❑

Only cassettes that are 90 minutes long or
less should be used. Tapes longer than 90
minutes are thinner and subject to breakage
or may jam the tape player mechanism.

❑

Protect cassettes from exposure to direct
sunlight, high humidity and extreme heat or
cold. If they are exposed to extreme
conditions, allow them to reach a moderate
temperature before playing.

❑

If a tape is loose inside the cassette, tighten it
before playing by putting your finger or a
pencil into one of the holes and turning the
hub until the tape is tight.

❑

Loose labels on cassette tapes can become
lodged in the mechanism. Remove any loose
label material before inserting a cassette.

❑

Do not leave a tape in the cassette tape
player when not in use. High heat in the
vehicle can cause the cassette to warp.

27

Clock Operation

How to view the clock mode

Press the “CLOCK” button to alternate the
frequency and time in the display. In the clock
mode, pressing any radio function will
automatically display the radio frequency for
approximately ten seconds before changing back
to the clock mode.

How to set the clock

1. Turn the radio on.

2. Press and hold in the “CLOCK” button.
Press the “SEEK” button left (b) to advance
the hours and right (a) to advance the
minutes.

NOTE: The clock displays 12-hour time with

no AM/PM indications.

NOTE: If the vehicle’s battery is disconnected,

the clock will need to be reset.

Common Radio Reception Conditions

Several conditions prevent FM reception from
being completely clear and noise-free, such as
the following:

1. Distance/Strength

The strength of the FM signal is directly related
to the distance the signal must travel. The
listenable range of an average FM signal is
approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers). Beyond
this distance, the radio is operating in a fringe
area and the signal becomes weaker.

28

NOTE: Always make sure your antenna is

fully extended to the maximum length
for proper reception. If your antenna is
not fully extended, you may experience
signal loss while traveling in fringe
reception areas.

2. Terrain

The terrain (hilly, mountainous, tall buildings) of
the area over which the signal travels may
prevent the FM signal from being noise-free.

If there is a building or large structure between
the antenna and station, some of the signal
“bends” around the building, but certain spots
receive almost no signal. Moving out of the
“shadow” of the structure will allow the station
to return to normal.

When the radio waves are reflected off objects or
structures, the reflected signal cancels the normal
signal, causing the antenna to pick up noise and
distortion. Cancellation effects are most
prominent in metropolitan areas, but also can
become quite severe in hilly terrain and
depressed roadways.

To minimize these conditions, a stereo/mono
blend circuit has been incorporated into this
system. This feature automatically switches a
weak stereo signal to a clearer monaural signal,
which improves the quality of reception.

Several sources of static are normal conditions
on AM frequencies. These can be caused by
power lines, electric fences, traffic lights and
thunderstorms.

29

Another reception phenomenon is Strong Signal
Capture and Overload. This can occur when

listening to a weak station and when passing
another broadcast tower. The close station may
capture the more distant station, although the
displayed frequency does not change. While
passing the tower, the station may switch back
and forth a few times before returning to the
original station.

When several broadcast towers are present
(common in metropolitan areas), several stations
may overload the receiver, resulting in
considerable station changing, mixing and
distortion.

Automatic gain control circuitry for both AM
and FM bands has been incorporated into this
system to reduce strong signal capture and
overload.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
and the Canadian Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) establish the frequencies
that AM and FM radio stations may use for
their broadcasts. The allowable frequencies are,
AM: 530, 540...1600, 1610 kHz in 10 kHz steps;
FM: 87.9, 88.1...107.7, 107.9 MHz in 0.2 MHz
steps.

Not all frequencies will be assigned to a given
area. This radio will tune to each of these
frequencies using manual tune and no fine
tuning is necessary as radio stations may not use
other frequencies.

30

Some FM radio stations advertise a
“rounded-off” frequency which is not the
frequency they actually broadcast on. For
example, a radio station that is assigned a
frequency of 98.7 MHz may call itself “Radio 99”
even though 99.0 MHz is not an allowable FM
broadcast frequency.

Information

❑

Warranty

Your sound system is warranted for three years
or 36,000 miles (60,000 kilometers), whichever
comes first. Consult your vehicle warranty
booklet for further information. Ask your dealer
for a copy of this limited warranty.

❑

Service

At Ford, we stand behind our audio systems
with a comprehensive service and repair
program. If anything should go wrong with
your Ford audio system, return to your dealer
for service. There is a nationwide network of
qualified Ford authorized repair centers to assist
you.

31

Controls and Features

The main controls for the climate control system,
clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.

[CF00850(ALL)04/96]

full page art:0032162-F

File:05iccff.ex

Update:Tue Mar 4 08:52:57 1997

33

Heating Only System (Without Air
Conditioning)

Function selector

The heater controls in your vehicle use levers to
control air direction and temperature. Fan speed
is controlled by a separate knob in the control
panel. The function selector lever lets you
control the direction of airflow.

Heating only system control panel

The symbols above the function selector lever
tell you where the air is being directed when the
lever is set to that position on the heater control
panel.

34

Function selector lever

V is for defrosting the windows only. Air will
be directed out the defroster vents at the base of
the windshield and side window defogger vents.

T (Mix) lets you direct air through the
defrosters and through the floor outlets.

R (Floor) directs air only to the floor.
S (Panel-Floor) directs air to the floor, and out

the instrument panel vents. You can “aim” the
air coming from the vents by moving the
instrument panel vents.

Q (Panel) directs air out of the instrument panel
vents only.

Air door control lever

The air door control lever lets you choose
outside air or recirculated air from inside the
passenger area. Moving the lever to the M
symbol closes the door and inside air is
recirculated. Moving the lever to the N
symbol opens the door and outside air is drawn
in. Use the fresh air position for most conditions.

When the air door control lever is in the
recirculate position (far left), window fogging
can occur. Use the recirculate position only to

improve air conditioning performance when
fresh air cooling is inadequate, or for short
periods to try to keep out odors from the
outside.

35

NOTE: Do not use the recirculate position

when window fogging occurs.

Air door control lever

Temperature control lever

The air temperature can be adjusted by moving
the lever into the red area for warm air or into
the blue area for unheated air.

Temperature control lever

Fan

H

Fan speed can be controlled by turning the
fan speed control knob from OFF through 3
(high speed).

Turning on the heat

1. Move the temperature control lever all the

way into the red area.

2. Move the function selector lever to direct air

to the R (floor).

36

3. Leave the air door control lever in the N

(fresh air) position or the windows may fog
up in cold weather.

4. Set the

H

(fan speed) to the desired speed.

As the interior warms up, select a slower fan
speed or move the temperature control lever
toward the blue area to keep a comfortable
setting.

Defrosting the windshield and side windows

1. Set the temperature control lever all the way

to the right in the red area.

2. Set the function selector lever to the V

(defrost) position.

3. Set the air door control lever to the N

(fresh air) position.

4. Set the

H

(fan speed) to the highest speed.
The fan speed can be adjusted to maintain
fog free windows after they are cleared.

Heating and defrosting at the same time

1. Set the desired temperature and fan speed.

2. Move the function selector lever to the P
(mix) position and move the air door control
lever to the N (fresh air) position.

Ventilating your vehicle with outside air

On mild days, you may want to ventilate your
vehicle with outside air. To open the vents:

1. Move the function selector lever to the Q
(panel) position.

2. Move the air door control lever to the N
(fresh air) position.

3. Set the

H

(fan speed) as desired.

37

Tips for Controlling the Temperature in
Your Vehicle

❑

To vary the temperature inside your vehicle,
move the temperature selector toward the red
area for warmer air and toward the blue area
for cooler air.

❑

If you drive with the fan off and the
windows closed, the windows may fog up.
To prevent fogging:

1. Set the function selector lever to the V
(defrost) position.

2. Set the desired temperature.

3. Set the

H

(fan speed) to the desired

position.

4. Always use the N (fresh air) position on
the air door control lever.

❑

Do not put objects under the front seats that
will interfere with the flow of air to the back
seats.

❑

Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the
area below the windshield on the outside of
your vehicle. They could block the air intake.

Air Conditioning System (If equipped)

Air distribution is controlled the same way as in
the heater system described above.

The air conditioner switch is located on the
climate control panel. To turn on the air
conditioner, push the A/C button. An indicator
light will come on. To turn off the air
conditioner, push the button again. The fan must
also be on for the A/C to operate.

38

Air conditioning system control panel

To get maximum cooling from the air
conditioner:

1. Move the function selector lever to the Q
(panel) position.

2. Set the temperature control lever all the way
to the blue area.

3. Close the air door by moving the air door
control lever to the M (recirculate)
position.

4. Push the A/C button.

5. Set the

H

(fan speed) on its highest setting.

When maximum air conditioning is not needed,
using outside air instead of recirculated air can
be quieter, but it is less efficient. To cool your
vehicle with outside air:

1. Move the function selector lever to the Q
(panel) position.

2. Set the temperature control lever all the way
in the blue area.

3. Set the air door control lever to the N
(fresh air) position.

4. Push the A/C button.

5. Set the

H

(fan speed) as desired.

39

Defrosting the windshield

You can clear a fogged windshield more quickly
by pushing the A/C button to the ON position
after completing steps 1 through 3 of the
Defrosting the Windshield and Side Windows. After
the windshield is clear, push the A/C button off.

Tips for better fuel economy

On mild days, ventilate with outside air. You
will get better fuel economy without using the
air conditioning.

On hot days, close the air door M when using
the air conditioner. The air conditioner works
harder to cool outside air than recirculated air.

Air conditioning operation

If your vehicle has been parked with the
windows closed during hot weather, drive for a
few minutes with the windows open and the air
conditioner on. This forces most of the warm air
out of the vehicle.

Sometimes you may notice slight engine surging
if you have the air conditioner on. This is
normal, as the system is designed to cycle the
compressor on and off to maintain desired
cooling. The reduced compressor operation
should benefit fuel economy.

On some vehicles with air conditioning,
wide-open throttle acceleration will temporarily
cut off the air conditioning.

Since the air conditioner removes a lot of
moisture from the air during operation, it is
normal for water to drip on the pavement under
the air conditioner drain after you have stopped
the vehicle.

40

Engine Idle Speed Control System

Genuine Ford air conditioning (either
factory-installed or dealer-installed) has an
engine idle speed control system that
compensates for engine speed loss that may
occur when the air conditioning compressor is
running. This idle speed control holds the engine
idle essentially constant, regardless of whether
the air conditioning system is on or off.

If an aftermarket air conditioner is installed, an
engine idle speed control system must be
installed. Otherwise, the engine may not operate
satisfactorily at idle speed and low engine speed,
or the engine may stall.

Rear Window Defroster (If equipped)

Rear window defroster switch

The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside
of the rear window.

To operate the defroster, push the V (defroster)
switch on the instrument panel to the right of
the steering wheel. The indicator light on the
instrument cluster comes on. When the window
is clear, push the defroster switch again to turn
it off.

41

NOTE: Never use sharp instruments or

window cleaners with abrasives to
clean the inside of your rear window.
If you do, you may damage the heating
elements that are bonded to the inside
of the rear window and cause damage
to the rear window defroster.

Lighting Up the Interior and Instrument
Panel

With the parking lamps or headlamps on, the
brightness of the instrument panel lighting can
be adjusted.

To brighten or dim the instrument panel
lighting, rotate the dimmer control thumbwheel
as desired.

Dimmer control thumbwheel

The dimmer control thumbwheel is located to
the right of the steering wheel on the instrument
panel.

Interior Courtesy Lamp

Your vehicle is equipped with an interior
courtesy lamp with a three-position switch.

❑

OFF-light will not turn on

❑

DOOR-light will turn on when the door is
open

42

❑

ON-light is always on in this position

Interior courtesy lamp

Do not leave the dome light on for long periods
of time when the engine is not running, or the
battery may discharge.

For information about the radio in your vehicle,
refer to the Electronic Sound Systems chapter in
this Owner Guide.

Radio Antenna

The radio antenna is mounted near the top of
the windshield on the driver’s side of the
vehicle. The antenna can be extended by pulling
it upward away from its base. To retract the
antenna, push it in toward its base.

NOTE: To receive the best reception, the

antenna must be fully extended. If the
antenna is not fully extended, the
result may be weak or noisy radio
reception.

43

NOTE: The radio antenna must be pushed in

prior to entering a car wash. If you do
not push in the antenna before
entering a car wash it could result in
damage to the antenna, antenna base,
or vehicle.

Radios

The electronic radios have a built-in clock. For
complete operating instructions, refer to the
Electronic Sound Systems chapter in this Owner
Guide.

Cupholders

Your vehicle has cupholders located just above
the ashtray in the center of the instrument panel.

Cupholders

NOTE: Do not place heavy objects in the

cupholders.

44

Understanding the Positions of the Ignition

The ignition has four positions. They are: LOCK,
ACC, ON, and START.

Ignition lock cylinder (manual transaxle)

Ignition lock cylinder (automatic transaxle)

LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift lever in P (Park) (automatic transaxle).

LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.

45

If your key is stuck in the LOCK position and
will not turn, move your steering wheel left or
right until the key turns freely.

If your vehicle has a manual transaxle, you must
push the key toward the steering column to
rotate the switch to the LOCK position.

ACC (accessory) allows some of your vehicle’s
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running.

ON allows you to test your vehicle’s warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.

START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.

The hazard flasher switch is located on the top
of the steering column. For more information,
refer to Hazard Flasher in the Roadside Emergencies
chapter.

You can use the turn signal lever on the left side
of the steering column to:

❑

operate the headlamps and parking lamps

❑

operate the turn signals and cornering lamps

❑

turn the high beams on/off

❑

flash the lamps

46

Headlamps and Parking Lamps

To turn the parking lamps or headlamps on,
twist the knob at the end of the turn signal
lever.

FIRST STOP — Turning the knob to the first
stop will turn on the license plate lamps,
parking lamps, side marker lamps, tail lamps,
and instrument panel lamps.

SECOND STOP — Turning the knob to the
second stop will turn on the headlamps, license
plate lamps, parking lamps, side marker lamps,
tail lamps, and instrument panel lamps.

Headlamp and parking lamp control

Daytime Running Light System

(Canadian vehicles only)

In Canada, the lights illuminate during daytime
operation. The Daytime Running Light system
(DRL) automatically illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position. The
daytime running lights are switched off under
the following conditions:

❑

when the headlamps are switched on

❑

when the parking brake is applied

❑

when the flash-to-pass system is used

47

WARNING

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.

High Beams and Flashing the Lamps

To turn on the high beams, turn the headlamp
control knob to the headlamp ON position and
push the turn signal lever away from you until
it latches. When the high beams are ON, the
high beam indicator light on the instrument
panel comes on.

To turn off the high beams, pull the lever
toward you until it latches. The high beam
indicator light turns off.

Flashing the Lights

To flash the headlamps, pull the lever toward
you for a moment and then release it. The
headlamps will flash whether the headlamp
knob is in the on or off position.

High beam and flash-to-pass operation

48

Turn Signals

Move the lever up to signal a right turn. Move
it down to signal a left turn. The corresponding
indicator light in the instrument cluster will
flash.

If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move
the lever back to the center off position.

For lane changes, move the lever far enough to
signal but not to latch. The lever will return to
the OFF position when you release it.

Turn signal

To operate the windshield wipers and washers,
make sure your ignition key is turned to the ON
position.

The windshield wipers can be operated by
moving the control lever. The standard wipers
have two speeds and the optional wipers have
three speeds.

To operate the standard wipers, pull the lever
down to the first stop (LO). For high speed
operation, pull the lever down to the second
stop (HI).

49

The optional wipers have a third position which
provides intermittent wiper operation. For preset
interval intermittent wiper operation, pull the
lever down to the first stop (INT). For normal
operation pull the lever down to the second stop
(LO), or for high operation pull the lever down
to the third stop (HI).

Windshield wiper control lever

ONE-TOUCH WIPER SWITCH (If equipped) —
For one wiping cycle, push the lever away from
you and release it with the lever in the OFF
position. The ignition switch must be in the ON
position for this operation.

One-touch wiper switch

50

Windshield Washer

To clean the windshield, turn the wiper switch
on and pull the lever toward you. Washer fluid
is sprayed until the lever is released. When the
windshield is clean, turn the wiper switch to
OFF.

Windshield washer control

If the washer does not work, check the washer
fluid level and fill it if it is low. See the
Maintenance and Care chapter in the Owner
Guide. If there is fluid in the reservoir, consult
your nearest authorized Ford dealer.

Do not try to clean the windshield when the
washer fluid container is empty or activate the
washers at any time for more than 15 seconds
continuously. This could damage the washer
pump system.

WARNING

Always warm up the windshield with the
defroster before you use the washer fluid.
In freezing weather, the washer solution
may freeze on the windshield and obscure
your vision.

For information about refilling the washer fluid
or replacing your windshield wiper blades, see
Windshield washer fluid and Wipers in the Index.

51

Rearview Mirror

You can tilt the mirror from day to night
position to reduce the glare from the headlamps
of vehicles behind you. Move the tab toward
you for the night position and away from you
for the day position.

The day/night rearview mirror

52

Side View Mirrors

Your vehicle has left-hand and right-hand side
view mirrors. The mirrors can either be adjusted
manually or remotely with the control levers,
depending on the type your vehicle has. The
mirror heads can be folded rearward to prevent
damage when using an automatic car wash.

Manual side view mirror

Some models come with a convex side view
mirror on the right-hand side. This mirror gives
you a wider view of the lanes on your right and
behind you.

WARNING

The right side view mirror makes objects
appear smaller and farther away than they
actually are.

53

Childproof Locks for the Rear Doors
(If equipped)

In addition to standard locks, your vehicle has
childproof locks for the rear doors. If you set
these locks, the rear doors cannot be opened
from the inside of the vehicle. The doors can still
be opened from the outside when the lock knobs
are raised.

Child lock levers for the rear doors

To set the childproof lock on each rear door,
open the rear door.

Find the lever at the black label with the word
LOCKED in white letters. Move the lever up.

To release the childproof lock, open the rear
door from the outside and move the lever down.

54

Your vehicle may have several small storage
compartments:

❑

two map pockets on the door panels (if
equipped)

❑

a glove compartment (non-locking)

❑

a storage bin in the center console

Opening and Closing the Hatchback

1. Put the key into the lock on the hatchback
lid.

Unlocking the hatchback lid with the key

2. Turn the key to the right until a click is
audible and then pull up on the handle
(above the license plate) until the hatchback
lid opens.

3. Remove the key before you close the
hatchback lid.

4. Using both hands, shut the hatchback
completely. Do not slam it.

55

5. Pull up on the hatchback to make sure it is
securely latched.

Lifting the hatchback lid

To prevent premature wear or damage to the
hatchback lift cylinders and attaching hardware,
the hatchback must be fully closed before you
drive your vehicle.

WARNING

If you drive with the hatchback lid open,
you will draw dangerous exhaust fumes
into your vehicle.

If you must drive like this, keep the vents open
so outside air comes into the vehicle.

56

Remote Control (if equipped)

Your vehicle may have a remote control release
that allows you to open the hatchback from
inside your vehicle. To release the hatchback,
pull up on the release lever located on the floor
between the driver’s seat and the door.

Luggage compartment lamp

Luggage compartment lamp (If equipped)

The luggage compartment hatchback has a lamp
for your convenience. It has two positions, On or
Off.

Luggage compartment lamp

57

Seating and Safety
Restraints

WARNING

Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback
when the vehicle is moving.

WARNING

Always drive and ride with your seatback
upright and the lap belt snug and low
across the hips.

WARNING

Children should always ride with the
seatback in the fully upright position.

Adjusting the Seats

In the front seats, you can move the whole seat
forward or backward or tilt the back of the seat
forward or backward.

To move the seat forward or backward:

1. Make sure nothing is placed under the front
seats. Such items may interfere with the seat
lock mechanism.

2. Find the seat slide adjustment lever located
on the outside of the seat.

3. Pull the lever up and hold it.

4. Slide the seat to the position you desire.

5. Release the lever and make sure the seat has
locked in place.

58

Seat slide adjustment lever

Seatback Recline

To recline the seatback:

1. Find the seatback recline lever located on the
outside of the seat, toward the rear.

2. Lean forward slightly and lift up on the
lever.

3. Lean back on the seat and adjust the back of
the seat to the position you desire.

4. Release the lever and make sure the seatback
is locked in place. (The lever MUST return
to its original position for the seatback to
lock.)

59

The lever used to recline the back of the seat

Rear Seat Access (2 door models)

To gain access to the rear seat:

1. Locate the seatback recline lever. The lever is
located on the outside of the seat cushion.

2. Raise the seatback recline lever to tilt the
seatback forward. Raise the seat slide
adjustment lever and move the seat forward
if extra room is needed. The seatback should
automatically lock when returned to its
upright position. Make sure the seatback is
locked in place.

WARNING

Check to see that the seat and seatback
are latched securely in position. Keep
floor area free of objects that would
prevent proper seat engagement. Never
attempt to adjust the seat while the
vehicle is in motion.

60

Using the Folding Rear Seat (If equipped)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a
full-folding or split-folding rear seat. In either
case, you can fold down the seatback (or
seatbacks) to provide extra cargo space. If you
have the rear safety belts routed through the
rear safety belt guides on either side of the seats,
the safety belts will not be trapped when the
seats are returned to their upright positions.

To fold down the rear seatback:

1. Pull up on the release knob(s) located in the
upper corner(s) of the seatback. The
split-folding rear seat has one knob for each
seatback. The full-folding rear seat has two
knobs, which must both be raised at the
same time to lower the entire seatback.

2. Pull the seatback forward until it is flat.

To raise the rear seatback:

1. Push the seatback upward until it locks in
place.

2. Make sure the seatback is firmly locked by
pushing forward and backward on it.

Folding down the full-folding rear seatback

61

Folding down the split-folding rear seatback

Fold-up rear seat cushion (if equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped with the fold-up rear
seat cushion, the rear seat cushion can also be
raised after you fold down the seatback(s) to
provide even more cargo space. After you pull
up the release knobs and fold the seatback(s)
forward, lift up the entire seat and push it
forward. When you return the seat cushion to its
unfolded position, reposition the rear safety belts
so that they can be used by rear seat passengers.

62

Folding up the rear seat cushion

WARNING

Cargo should always be secured to
prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to the
passengers.

WARNING

Do not remove the floor carpet in your
vehicle. Emission controls cause high
exhaust temperatures under the floor.

NOTE: When returning the folding seats to the

upright position, remember to return
rear shoulder belts to their proper
position. Routing the safety belt
webbing through the rear safety belt
guides will help keep belts from being
trapped behind or under the seats.

63

The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada, the law requires their use.

Safety belts provide best restraint when:

❑

the seatback is upright

❑

the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)

❑

the lap belt is snug and low on the hips

❑

the shoulder belt is snug against the chest

❑

the knees are straight forward

To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. See Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime in
the Instrumentation chapter.

See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also see Safety Restraints for Children in this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.

WARNING

Always drive and ride with your seatback
upright and the lap belt snug and low
across the hips.

64

WARNING

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. 1)
Use the shoulder belt on the outside
shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder
belt under the arm. 2) Never swing it
around your neck over the inside
shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for
more than one person.

WARNING

Never drive or ride with a twisted or
jammed safety belt. If you cannot untwist
or unjam the safety belt, see the nearest
qualified technician immediately.

WARNING

Children should always ride with the
seatback in the fully upright position.

WARNING

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.

WARNING

Lock the doors of your vehicle before
driving to lessen the risk of the door
coming open in a collision.

65

Belts

While your vehicle is in motion, the combination
lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your movement.
However, if you brake hard, turn hard, or if
your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the lap/shoulder belt locks
and helps reduce your forward movement.

After you get into your vehicle, close the door
and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position
that suits you best.

To fasten the belt, pull the combination
lap/shoulder belt from the retractor so that the
shoulder portion of the belt crosses your
shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not
twisted. If it is, remove the twist. Insert the belt
tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a
snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is
securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on
tongue.

Fastening the safety belt

NOTE: Be sure to read and understand

Important Safety Belt Information in
this chapter.

66

Unfastening the combination lap/shoulder belts — front
and rear outboard seating positions

While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to its
original position to prevent it from striking you
or the vehicle.

Passenger Seat Lap/Shoulder Belt
Retractors (Dual Locking Modes)

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking
mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of
the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for
passengers.

Dual locking mode retractors operate in two
ways:

Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt
retractor will allow the occupant freedom of
movement, locking tight only on hard braking,
hard cornering, or impacts of approximately
5 mph (8 km/h) or more. The retractor can also
be made to lock by pulling on the belt.

67

Automatic locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt
retractor will be automatically locked and will
remain locked when the combination
lap/shoulder safety belt is buckled, and does not
allow the occupant freedom of movement. This
mode provides the following:

❑

A tight lap/shoulder belt on the occupant.

❑

Child safety seat installation.

WARNING

Rear-facing child seats or infant carriers
should never be placed in the front seats.

This mode must be used when installing a child
safety seat on the front passenger seat and rear
outboard seats where dual locking retractors are
provided.

To switch the retractor from the emergency
locking mode to the automatic locking mode,
perform the following steps:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder combination belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and
pull downward until all of the belt is
extracted and, when allowed to retract, a
clicking sound is heard. At this time, the belt
retractor is in the automatic locking mode
(child restraint mode).

3. A clicking sound will continue to be heard
as the belt is allowed to retract. This
indicates that the retractor is in the
automatic locking mode.

68

NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder

belt is unbuckled and allowed to
retract completely, the retractor will
switch to the vehicle sensitive
(emergency) locking mode. See the
detailed instructions under Safety Seats
for Children in this chapter.

Safety Belt Extension Assembly

For some people, the safety belt may be too
short even when it is fully extended. You can
add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length
with a safety belt extension assembly (part
number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are
available at no cost from your dealer.

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions will
affect the performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal injury.

Check the safety belt systems periodically to
make sure that they work properly and are not
damaged.

All safety belt assemblies, including retractors,
buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies
(slide bar) (if equipped), shoulder belt height
adjusters (if equipped), child safety seat tether
bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after any
collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision
was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the belts do not show damage and continue to

69

operate properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use
during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation
is noted.

System (SRS)

Important Air Bag Precautions

Your vehicle is equipped with a supplemental
restraint system designed to work with the
safety belts to help protect you and your right
front seat passenger in the event of a collision.
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System is
primarily designed to reduce certain upper body
injuries.

WARNING

All occupants of the vehicle, including the
driver, should always wear their safety
belts, failure to do so may increase the
risk of personal injury in the event of a
collision.

WARNING

Do not place objects or mount equipment
on or near the air bag covers that may
come into contact with an inflating air
bag. Failure to follow these instructions
may increase the risk of personal injury in
the event of a collision.

WARNING

Do not attempt to service, repair, or
modify the air bag Supplemental Restraint
System or its fuses. See your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

70

WARNING

If you are close to an inflating air bag, it
could seriously injure you. Position your
seat such that it is as far back from the
steering wheel as possible but still allows
you to properly control the vehicle.

Children and Air Bags

NOTE: For additional important safety

information on the proper use of seat
belts, child seats, and infant seats,
please read the entire Safety Restraints
chapter in this owner guide.

WARNING

Children should always wear their safety
belts. Failure to follow these instructions
may increase the risk of personal injury in
the event of a collision.

WARNING

Rear-facing child seats or infant carriers
should never be placed in the front seats.

In rear-facing infant seats, the infant’s head is
closer to the air bag. The force of the rapidly
inflating air bag could push the top of the
rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback or
center armrests (if so equipped), or center
console (if so equipped). REAR-FACING
INFANT CARRIERS MUST ALWAYS BE
SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT, and other child
safety seats and infant seats should be secured in
the rear seat whenever possible.

71

How Does the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System Work?

The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System is
designed to activate when the vehicle is in a
collision similar to hitting a fixed barrier head
on at 8-14 mph (13-23 km/h). 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.

If the vehicle is in a moderate or severe frontal
collision, the system is activated and the air bags
inflate rapidly. After the air bag inflates, it will
quickly deflate. After the air bag deployment,
you may notice a smoke-like, powdery residue
or smell the burnt propellant. This is normal.
The residue may consist of cornstarch or talcum
powder (which is used to lubricate the air bag)
or sodium compounds, such as sodium
carbonates (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. The Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System will reduce, but
not eliminate all injuries in an accident.

WARNING

Several air bag system components get hot
after inflation. Do not try to touch them
after inflation.

72

Inflated driver air bag

Inflated passenger air bag

73

WARNING

The air bag will inflate only once. The
system is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis. 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, this will increase the
risk of injury in a subsequent collision.

The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
consists of:

❑

driver and passenger air bag modules (which
include the inflators and air bags),

❑

one or more impact and safing sensors,

❑

a system diagnostic module,

❑

a readiness light and tone,

❑

and the electrical wiring which connects the
components.

The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag
readiness light, the air bag power and the air
bag inflators.

Determining if System Is Operational

The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses
a readiness light and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. The readiness light is in
the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for
approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is operating
normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.

74

A problem 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 light immediately
after ignition is turned on,

❑

a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly
in the event of a collision.

Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag
Equipped Vehicles

For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.

75

Location of air bags and warning labels

Safety Restraints for Children

In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law
to use safety restraints for children. If small
children ride in your vehicle — this generally
includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or
less — you must put them in safety seats that
are made specially for children. Safety belts
alone do not provide maximum protection for
these children. Check your local and state laws
for specific requirements.

76

WARNING

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.

WARNING

To prevent the risk of injury, make sure
children sit where they can be properly
restrained.

WARNING

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.

When possible, put 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 positions.

WARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions 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.

77

WARNING

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.

WARNING

Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets unattended in your vehicle.

Safety Seats for Children

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the
size and weight of the child. Always follow the
safety seat manufacturer’s instructions when
installing and using the safety seat.

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, be sure to
use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating
position, and make sure the tongue is securely
fastened in the buckle. For a shoulder/lap belt
combination with a sliding tongue, make sure
the retractor is in the automatic locking mode.

Your vehicle is equipped with a right front
passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great
force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front
passengers, especially children and small adults,
must never sit on the front edge of the seat,
stand near the glove compartment of the

78

instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag
cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants
should sit with their backs against the seatback,
move the seat to the most rearward position if
possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should
use child or infant seats.

WARNING

When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. Never
secure rear-facing child seats or infant
carriers in the front seat.

The force of the rapidly inflating passenger air
bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat
against the vehicle seatback, armrests or console.
Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured
in the rear seat.

All child restraint systems are designed to be
secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the
lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.

WARNING

If you do not properly secure the safety
seat, the child occupying the seat may be
injured during a collision or sudden stop.
An unsecured safety seat could also injure
other passengers.

WARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions 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.

79

WARNING

Always keep the buckle release button
pointing upward and away from the child
seat, with the tongue between the child
seat and the release button as shown in
the following illustration.

Safety belt buckle placement for child seats

Using the Dual Locking Mode Retractor
When Installing a Child Safety Seat

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking
mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of
the front passenger seat and both rear seats. The
automatic locking mode must be used when
installing a child seat or infant carrier in the
front passenger seat or rear seats.

80

WARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions 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.

If you choose to install a child safety seat in the
front seat, move the seat as far back as possible.

1. Position the child seat on the passenger seat
of the vehicle.

2. Pull down on shoulder belt, then grasp
shoulder belt and lap belt together. See
Figure 1.

Grasping the shoulder and lap belt together

81

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. See Figure 2. Be
sure the belt webbing is not twisted, and
insert the tongue into the buckle. See Figure

3.

Routing the lap/shoulder belt

82

Buckling the belt

WARNING

Failure to follow all instructions on the
proper use of child seats or the vehicle
restraint systems can result in serious
injury or death in the event of a sudden
stop or collision.

83

4. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and
pull downward until all of the belt is
extracted and a click is heard. At this time,
the retractor is in the automatic locking
mode (child seat restraint mode). See
Figure 4.

Setting the retractor to automatic locking mode

5. Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the
shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be
heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the
retractor is in the automatic locking mode.
Push down on the child seat while you pull
up on the belt to remove any slack in the
belt. See Figures 5 and 6.

84

Checking that the seat is secure

Removing slack from the belt

85

Removing slack from the belt

WARNING

Rear-facing child seats or infant carriers
should never be placed in the front seats.

6. Before placing the child in the child seat,
forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and
tug it forward to make sure that the seat is
securely held in place. See Figure 7.

86

7. Double-check that the retractor is in the
automatic locking mode. Try to pull more
belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the
belt is in the automatic locking mode. See
Figure 8.

Checking that retractor is in automatic locking mode

8. Check to make sure that the child seat is
properly secured prior to each use. If the
retractor is not locked, repeat steps 4
through 7.

NOTE: To remove the retractor from the
automatic lock mode, unbuckle the belt and
allow the seat belt to retract fully to its stowed
position and the retractor will automatically
switch back to the vehicle sensitive locking
mode for normal adult usage.

87

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 the tether strap
as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of
your child safety seat for information about
ordering a tether strap.

Front Seats

To install a tether from a child safety seat in the
front seat:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder belt in the right rear
seat.

2. Pull all the stored belt out of the rear seat
retractor to switch the retractor to automatic
locking mode.

3. Let the retractor wind up the slack from the
lap/shoulder belt.

4. Install the child safety seat in the front seat.
Refer to the previous section on Installing
Safety Seats. Hook the tether strap hook
around the webbing near the center of the
shoulder portion of the locked lap/shoulder
belt.

5. Tighten the tether strap.

Rear Seats

If you use a tethered safety seat on one of the
rear seats, you can anchor the strap to the
appropriate tether anchor directly behind that
seat position.

88

Tether Anchorage Hardware

All vehicles built for sale in Canada include a
tether anchor hardware kit for use with
Canadian child safety seats.

Vehicles built for sale in the USA do not include
the tether anchor hardware kit, but it can be
obtained at no charge from any Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Your vehicle has two tether attachment locations
in the luggage compartment. To access the tether
attachment locations, you must pry off the caps.

Be sure to follow the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.

WARNING

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.

89

Installing and positioning the anchor bracket

Install the hardware for anchoring the tether
following the instructions in the tether anchorage
hardware kit. When attaching the anchor bracket
to the anchor, position the anchor bracket
straight up.

90

Safety Belts for Children

Children who are too large for child safety seats
should always wear safety belts. (See instructions
with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer,
to determine maximum size of child that will
safely fit in the seat.)

WARNING

If safety belts are not properly worn and
adjusted as described, the risk of serious
injury to the child in a collision will be
much greater.

If the shoulder belt portion of one of the lap and
shoulder belts can be positioned so that 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.

91

To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on
children who have outgrown child safety seats,
Ford recommends use of a belt-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 cushion that
encourages safer seating posture and better fit of
lap and shoulder belts on the child. A
belt-positioning booster 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
specific needs of your child with your
pediatrician.

WARNING

Do not use a belt-positioning booster with
a lap-only belt.

Lap belts and the lap belt portion of lap and
shoulder belts should always be worn snugly
and below the hips, touching the child’s thighs.

93

Starting

When starting a fuel-injected engine, the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when

you have problems getting your vehicle started.
See Starting Your Engine in this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.

Preparing to Start Your Vehicle

WARNING

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.

Before you start your vehicle, do the following:

1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. See Safety Restraints
in the Index for more details.

2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.

94

3. If you have an automatic transaxle, make
sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.

that the parking brake is fully set, push the
clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key. (Remember, the starter will operate

only if the clutch pedal is pushed all the
way to the floor.)

Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentation chapter.

Starting Your Engine

To start your engine:

1. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start
Your Vehicle at the beginning of this section.

2. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn
the ignition key to the ON position.

3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.

4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.

rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.

95

For a cold engine:

❑

At temperatures 10˚F (-12˚C) and below: If
the engine does not start in fifteen (15)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.

❑

At temperatures above 10˚F (-12˚C): If the
engine does not start in five (5) seconds on
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.

For a warm engine:

❑

Do not hold the key in the START position
for more than five (5) seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.

After starting, allow the engine to idle for a few
seconds before driving away.

NOTE: Automatic transaxle equipped vehicles

have an interlock that prevents you
from shifting out of P (Park) unless
your foot is on the brake pedal.

96

If the engine does not start after two attempts:

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.

3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.

4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.

5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.

If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel
Pump Shut-Off Switch in the index.

A computer system controls the engine’s idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine’s
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked.

If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.

WARNING

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.

97

WARNING

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.

Using the Engine Block Heater
(If equipped)

Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach

-10˚F (-23˚C) or below. An engine block heater

warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.

To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.

WARNING

To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.

For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.

Shift-lock System (If equipped)

For your safety, the automatic transaxle has a
shift-lock system, which prevents shifting the
transaxle out of the P (Park) position without
depressing the brake pedal when the ignition
key is in the ON position.

98

To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position:

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine.

3. Push in the thumb lock button and move the
gearshift lever.

4. See Emergency Override System later in this
section for more information.

NOTE: When the ignition key is in the ACC

or LOCK position, the transaxle cannot
be shifted from the P (Park) position.
If the brake pedal is repeatedly
depressed and released when the
ignition is in the ON position and the
selector lever is in the P (Park)
position, a chattering near the gearshift
lever may be heard. This is not a
malfunction.

NOTE: Your vehicle’s gearshift lever is

securely latched in P (Park) if you
cannot move it without pushing in the
thumb button. Keep the brake pedal
depressed while moving your gearshift
lever.

To make the system more effective, the ignition
key cannot be removed unless the gearshift
selector lever is in the P (Park) position.