Introduction
General information This Chapter is designed to help the home mechanic maintain his/her vehicle for safety, economy, long life and peak performance.
The Chapter contains a master maintenance schedule, followed by Sections dealing specifically with each task on the schedule. Visual checks, adjustments, component renewal and other helpful items are included. Refer to the accompanying illustrations of the engine compartment and the underside of the vehicle for the locations of the various components.
Servicing of your vehicle in accordance with the mileage/time maintenance schedule and the following Sections will provide a planned maintenance program, which should result in a long and reliable service life. This is a comprehensive plan, so maintaining some items but not others at the specified service intervals will not produce the same results.
As you service your vehicle, you will discover that many of the procedures can - and should - be grouped together because of the particular procedure being performed, or because of the close proximity of two otherwise unrelated components to one another. For example, if the vehicle is raised for any reason, the exhaust can be inspected at the same time as the suspension and steering components.
The first step in this maintenance program is to prepare yourself before the actual work begins. Read through all the Sections relevant to the work to be carried out, then make a list and gather together all the parts and tools required. If a problem is encountered, seek advice from a parts specialist, or a dealer service department.
See also:
Manual transmission oil level check (Every 12 000 miles or 12
months)
1 With the car on level ground wipe the area
around the filler plug, then unscrew the plug
using a socket spanner, or on later versions a
suitable Torx or Allen key or socket bit, as
applicable. A ...
Mixture (CO) adjustment potentiometer - removal and refitting
Removal
1 The potentiometer is located on the side of
the left-hand suspension turret (see
illustration).
17.1 Mixture (CO) adjustment potentiometer (arrowed) - 1.6 EFI engine
2 Disconnect the ...
Steering wheel - removal and refitting
Removal
1 According to model, either pull off the
steering wheel trim, prise out the insert which
carries the Ford motif at the centre, or carefully
prise up and lift off the horn push followed by ...
