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. 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
Normal Service
- Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
- No Severe Service Operating Conditions
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
| 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
Replace camshaft timing belt every 60,000 miles (Except California). On 1993 2.0L (California) and 1994-96 2.0L & 2.5L (California) engines replace camshaft timing belt every 105,000 miles.
Scheme 7
Scheme 8
Scheme 9
Scheme 10
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 can be found on decal attached to rear face of right door or on the door pillar.
Note. On vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels, there is one locking lug nut on each wheel. The key for this nut is attached to the lug wrench in spare tire compartment.
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 - 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 AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT section. |
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1989-91
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1993
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1994
- A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING - 1995
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.
On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions
- DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - 1989-90
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - 1991
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - 1992
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - 1993
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - 1994
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - 1995
- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM - 1996
- 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 for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
- Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.
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 COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
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
This switch stops the flow of fuel to the engine after a collision. The impact does not have to be great (minor parking lot bumping or severe road impacts) for the switch to be triggered. Once the shutoff switch is triggered, it must be reset by hand before the car can be started. To reset switch, press the reset button located on the left side of luggage compartment under the carpet and spare tire cover.
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. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off. |
SPARK PLUGS
Note. Allow engine to cool before removing spark plugs from aluminum cylinder heads.
TURBO BOOST SYSTEM (TURBO MODELS)
Under normal operating conditions, turbo boost gauge pointer should only momentarily move into the OVERBOOST area. If overboost is sustained, have system serviced. Do not operate vehicle in Red zone of turbo boost gauge. DO NOT "rev" a turbocharged engine before shutting it off.
TURBOCHARGED MODELS
| CAUTION | Do not race engine immediately after starting. When stopping engine, allow engine to idle for approximately 60 seconds before shutting it off. Failure to do so may cause turbocharger damage due to lack of oil flowing to the turbocharger bearings. |
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.