VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.
VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 6
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Normal Service and Severe Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions
Severe Service
- Short Trips (About 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
- Towing Or Heavily Loaded
- Severe Dust Conditions
- Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
- Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)
Normal Service
- Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
- No Severe Service Operating Conditions
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
Camshaft timing belt replacement on the 2.3L engine is recommended every 60,000 miles.
| CAUTION | Failure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage. |
The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".
Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.
Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist
- Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
- Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
- Oil Contamination
- Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
- Incorrect Tension Adjustment
COOLING SYSTEM, HOSES & CLAMPS
Replace engine coolant every 36 months or 30,000 miles. Check coolant strength, condition of hoses and clamps annually regardless of mileage or driving conditions. Replace hoses and clamps as necessary.
REAR AXLE LUBRICANT
Rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every 100,000 miles or if the axle has been submerged in water. Otherwise, the lube should not be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair is required.
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES
If vehicle is operated off-highway, perform the following items every 1000 miles. If vehicle is operated in mud and/or water, perform the following items daily.
- Lubricate Driveshaft U-Joint If Equipped With Grease Fittings.
- Inspect Front Wheel Bearings And Lubrication.
- Inspect Disc And Drum Brake Systems, Hoses And Lines, And Lube Caliper Slide Rails.
- Inspect Exhaust System For Leaks, Damage, Or Loose Parts And Remove Any Foreign Material Trapped By Shielding.
Scheme 7
Scheme 8
Scheme 9
Scheme 10
Scheme 11
Scheme 12
Scheme 13
SERVICE LABOR TIMES
Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.
TIRE INFLATION
Inflation pressure and recommended tire size can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label attached to the driver's door post pillar or driver's door opening.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG SYSTEM)
When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.
| WARNING | To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See the appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. |
- AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1992
- AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1993
- AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1994
- AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1995
- AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1996
| CAUTION | Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. Check system operation after each repair; always turn the ignition switch to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle. |
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING
| CAUTION | Avoid breathing R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricant vapors, exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove R-134a from system use R-134a recycling equipment that meets SAE J2210 specifications. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service. |
| WARNING | R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of air/R134a have shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures are dangerous and may cause fire and/or explosions. See the appropriate A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING article in the AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT section. |
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1986-88
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1989-91
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1992
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1993
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1994
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1995
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1996
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
On models with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions
- DO NOT attempt to bleed or add hydraulic fluid to system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES section.
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - 1990-92
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - REAR WHEEL - 1993
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - REAR WHEEL - 1994
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - 1995
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - REAR - 1996
- Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in ABS-equipped vehicles.
- DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical on all 4 tires.
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.
BATTERY WARNING
| WARNING | When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See the appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1986-90
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1991-93
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1994
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1995-96
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
To prevent catalytic converter overheating, DO NOT allow engine to idle for more than 20 minutes.
COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)
| CAUTION | To avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C). |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C) Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C) |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations. |
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS
| WARNING | Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component. |
FUEL PUMP SHUTOFF SWITCH
If engine cranks but does not start, or does not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. This switch stops the flow of fuel to the engine after a collision. The impact does not have to be great to trigger the switch. To reset, press the white reset button on the switch, located on the right cowl panel, just forward of the door, below the instrument panel.
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
| WARNING | Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component. |
HALOGEN BULBS
| WARNING | Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs. |
METHANOL GASOLINE
| CAUTION | Fuel that is more than 5% methanol should not be used in this vehicle. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system, and damage plastic and rubber parts. Even at 5% methanol or less, solvents and corrosion preventers must be used with this fuel to avoid these problems. |
RADIATOR CAP
| CAUTION | Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot. |
RADIATOR FAN
| WARNING | Keep hands away from radiator fan. |
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| CAUTION | Due to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options. |
BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY
All parts of the vehicle, except tires, are covered against defects in factory-supplied materials and workmanship for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
Note. Powertrain Warranty varies in coverage length (either 4 years/50,000 miles or 6 years/60,000 miles) depending on model year.
Under this warranty, certain parts of the engine, transmission, axle and driveline are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. This coverage begins after 12 months or 12,000 miles. See copy of warranty for specific components covered and length of coverage.
BUMPER-TO-BUMPER COVERAGE
All 1992-93 vehicles have complete warranty coverage against defects in materials and workmanship for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. There is no deductible with this warranty. Items not covered include tires and parts that are subject to normal wear and tear, such as windshield wiper blades, brake linings, brake pads, clutch linings and scheduled maintenance items. There is no extended powertrain coverage included in this warranty.
BATTERY COVERAGE
Begins at warranty start date and lasts up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For the first 12 months in service (less than 36,000 miles), battery will be replaced at no charge. After that, battery will be replaced on a customer-participation basis: For the 13th-24th month in service, Ford will pay 50%; for the 25th-36th month, Ford will pay 25%. Labor is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM COVERAGE
Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers safety restraint problems not related to comfort or appearance. Coverage for model years earlier than 1990 is 3 years with unlimited miles.
CORROSION COVERAGE
Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 6 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. 1992-93 models are covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers any holes in body sheet metal caused by corrosion.
EMISSIONS DEFECT & PERFORMANCE WARRANTIES (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed for the vehicle to pass a Federally required state or local emissions test.
Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered. Performance Warranty coverage is limited to fewer components after 2 years or 24,000 miles.
EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSIONS DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.