Introduction

INTRODUCTION

NOTE: Ford Motor Company reserves the right to discontinue models at any time, or change specifications or design without notice and without incurring any obligation.

- To learn more about new features incorporated in this diagnostic/repair information, REFER to Using This Manual Using This Information.

Repair Techniques

Appropriate service methods and procedures are essential for the safe, reliable operation of all motor vehicles as well as the personal safety of the individual doing the work. The manual provides general directions for performing service with tested, effective techniques. Following them will help assure reliability.

There are numerous variations in procedures, techniques, tools, and parts for servicing vehicles, as well as in the skill of the individual doing the work. This manual cannot possibly anticipate all such variations and provide advice or cautions as to each. Accordingly, anyone who departs from the instructions provided must first establish that they compromise neither their personal safety nor the vehicle integrity by their choice of methods, tools, or parts.

NOTE, NOTICE, and WARNING

As you read through this manual, you may come across a NOTE, NOTICE, or WARNING. Older manuals may also include a CAUTION. Each one is there for a specific purpose. A NOTE calls attention to unique, additional, or essential information related to the subject procedure. A NOTICE or CAUTION identifies a hazard that could damage the vehicle or property. A WARNING identifies a hazard that could result in severe personal injury or death to yourself or others. Some general WARNINGS that you should always follow when you work on a vehicle are listed below.
- ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES FOR EYE PROTECTION.
- KEEP SOLVENTS AWAY FROM IGNITION SOURCES. SOLVENTS MAY BE FLAMMABLE AND COULD IGNITE OR EXPLODE IF NOT HANDLED CORRECTLY.
- USE SAFETY STANDS WHENEVER A PROCEDURE REQUIRES YOU TO BE UNDER THE VEHICLE.
- MAKE SURE THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH IS ALWAYS IN THE OFF POSITION, UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY THE PROCEDURE.
- SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SET IN PARK UNLESS OBSTRUCTED OTHERWISE FOR A SPECIFIC OPERATION. IF YOU HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, IT SHOULD BE IN REVERSE (ENGINE OFF) OR NEUTRAL (ENGINE ON) UNLESS INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE FOR A SPECIFIC OPERATION. PLACE WOOD BLOCKS (4" X 4" OR LARGER) OR WHEEL CHOCKS AGAINST THE FRONT AND REAR SURFACE OF THE TIRES TO HELP PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING.
- OPERATE THE ENGINE ONLY IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA TO AVOID THE DANGER OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
- KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR CLOTHING AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, ESPECIALLY THE DRIVE BELTS.
- TO PREVENT SERIOUS BURNS, AVOID CONTACT WITH HOT METAL PARTS SUCH AS THE RADIATOR, EXHAUST MANIFOLD, TAIL PIPE, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND MUFFLER.
- DO NOT SMOKE WHILE WORKING ON A VEHICLE.
- TO AVOID INJURY, ALWAYS REMOVE RINGS, WATCHES, LOOSE HANGING JEWELRY, AND LOOSE CLOTHING BEFORE BEGINNING WORK ON A VEHICLE.
- WHEN IT IS NECESSARY TO WORK UNDER THE HOOD, KEEP HANDS AND OTHER OBJECTS CLEAR OF THE COOLING FAN BLADES.

Tools

Commercially available hand tools and equipment are used along with Essential Special Service Tools (ESST) and Rotunda equipment. Power tools have become the acceptable industry standard and are used for disassembly only where applicable, unless specified otherwise in the diagnostic/repair information. The only exception to this policy is installing wheels in conjunction with the use of torque sticks, when possible. In the event a specific tool is not available, a substitute tool meeting the same specifications may be used. Substitute tools not meeting specifications may not perform the required service action, cause premature failures, and/or vehicle component damage.

Materials

Throughout this manual, chemicals or materials are specified that must be used to properly complete a service procedure or diagnostic step. In the event a specific material is not readily available, a substitute material meeting the same specification may be used. Substitute materials not meeting Ford specifications may cause degraded performance, premature failures, and/or vehicle component damage.