Battery terminal check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)

Caution: Before carrying out any work on the vehicle battery, read through the precautions given in “Safety first!” at the beginning of this manual.

1 The battery fitted as original equipment is “maintenance-free”, and requires no maintenance apart from having the case kept clean, and the terminals clean and tight.

2 To clean the battery terminals disconnect them, after having first removed the cover (later models) - negative earth first. Use a wire brush or abrasive paper to clean the terminals. Bad corrosion should be treated with a solution of bicarbonate of soda, applied with an old toothbrush. Do not let this solution get inside the battery.

3 Coat the battery terminals with petroleum jelly or a proprietary anti-corrosive compound before reconnecting them. Reconnect and tighten the positive (live) lead first, followed by the negative (earth) lead. Do not overtighten.

4 Keep the top of the battery clean and dry.

Inspect the battery tray for corrosion, and make good as necessary.

    See also:

    Air filter maintenance
    Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals for changing the air filter element. When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter element listed ...

    Master cylinder (conventional braking system) - removal, overhaul and refitting
    Note: Before commencing overhaul obtain a repair kit containing new pistons and seals. Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1. Removal 1 Depress the brake pedal several times to dissipat ...

    Ignition switch and lock barrel - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 For improved access, remove the securing screws and unclip the lower and upper steering column shrouds. 3 Insert the ignition key and turn to pos ...