Mercury Milan (2011 year). Instruction — part 19

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
• 2.5L coolant bleed valve

• 3.0L coolant bleed valve

5. Open the coolant bleed valve on the back of the engine water outlet
for the 2.5L engine or in the thermostat housing for the 3.0L engine.
6. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the COLD FILL RANGE or the FULL COLD level on the reservoir.
If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator
until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
7. Close the bleed valve and reinstall the cap on the coolant reservoir.
Turn the cap until it is tightly installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
to Checking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50

Maintenance and Specifications

289

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.

Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.

If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.

Recycled engine coolant

Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.

Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate

manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.

Coolant refill capacity

To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Maintenance product specifications and capacities in this chapter.

Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant
in this section.

Severe climates

If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
• It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration

above 50%.

• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% will provide freeze point

protection down to -62°F [-52°C]. Increased engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.

• If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to

ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide

Maintenance and Specifications

290

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration

above 40%.

• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40% will provide freeze point

protection down to -12°F [-24°C]. Decreased engine coolant
concentrations below 40% will decrease the corrosion/freeze
protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.

• If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to

ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive.

Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.

What you should know about fail-safe cooling (2.5L engine only)

If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.

How fail-safe cooling works

If the engine begins to overheat:
• The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the H (hot) area.
• The

symbol will illuminate.

If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.

When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
• The engine power will be limited.
• The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.

Maintenance and Specifications

291

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.

When fail-safe mode is activated

You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.

2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.

3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.

4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.

WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.
Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to

bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down
without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury.

WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.

5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.

Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.

FUEL FILTER

Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.

Maintenance and Specifications

292

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS

Important safety precautions

WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.

WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear
a hissing sound near the fuel filler door (Easy Fuel™ “no cap”

fuel system), do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.

WARNING: Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.

WARNING: Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene,
which is a cancer-causing agent.

Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
• Extinguish all smoking materials

and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.

• Always turn off the vehicle before

fueling.

• Automotive fuels can be harmful

or fatal if swallowed. Fuels such as gasoline and ethanol are highly
toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for
hours.

• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind

can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.

• Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,

remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.

Maintenance and Specifications

293

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

• Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is

splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.

• Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of

disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline and/or
ethanol vapors, or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In
sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If
fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap
and water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an
adverse reaction.

• FFV fuel tanks may contain zero to 85% ethanol. Any fuel blends

containing gasoline and ethanol should be treated the same as “Fuel
Ethanol.” Flex fuel vehicles have a yellow bezel placed over the fuel
fill inlet.

Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer
and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn
and sugar cane. When ethanol is produced for use in motor fuels, a small
amount of gasoline is added to make it unfit for beverage use. The
resulting ethanol blend is called denatured fuel ethanol meaning that it is
denatured with 2% to 5% gasoline and is suitable for automotive use.

During the summer season, fuel ethanol may contain a maximum of 85%
denatured ethanol (Ed85) and 15% unleaded gasoline. The fuel ethanol
has a higher octane rating than unleaded regular or premium gasoline
and this allows the design of engines with greater efficiency and power.

Winter blends may contain up to 75% denatured ethanol (Ed75) and up
to 25% unleaded gasoline to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold
weather may require additional measures for reliable starting.

Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals
and causes some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or
become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special
materials and procedures have been developed for flexible fuel vehicles
and the dispensers used by ethanol fuel providers.

WARNING: Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded
gasoline fuel components are not interchangeable. If your vehicle

is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles procedures,
damage may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.

Maintenance and Specifications

294

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

WARNING: When refueling always shut the engine off and
never allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never

smoke while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.

WARNING: The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can
produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is

pumped into an ungrounded fuel container.

Refueling

WARNING: Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can cause
severe injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others:

• Read and follow all the instructions on the pump island;
• Turn off your engine when you are refueling;
• Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle;
• Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from fuel;
• Stay outside your vehicle and do not leave the fuel pump unattended

when refueling your vehicle — this is against the law in some places;

• Keep children away from the fuel pump; never let children pump

fuel.

• Do not use personal electronic devices while refueling.

Use the following guidelines to avoid electrostatic charge build-up when
filling an ungrounded fuel container:
• Place approved fuel container on the ground.
• DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the

cargo area).

• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while

filling.

• DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill

position.

Maintenance and Specifications

295

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Easy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel system

Your fuel tank is equipped with an Easy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel filler
system. This allows you to simply open the fuel filler door and insert the
fuel filler nozzle into the fuel system. The Easy Fuel™ system is
self-sealing and protected against dust, dirt, water and snow/ice.

When fueling your vehicle:

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Open the fuel filler door.

3. Slowly insert the fuel filler nozzle fully into the fuel system, and leave
the nozzle fully inserted until you are done pumping. Pump fuel as
normal.

4. After you are done pumping fuel, slowly remove the fuel filler
nozzle—allow about five seconds after pumping fuel before removing the
fuel filler nozzle. This allows residual fuel to drain back into the fuel tank
and not spill onto the vehicle.

Note: A fuel spillage concern may occur if overfilling the fuel tank. Do
not overfill the tank to the point that the fuel is able to bypass the fuel
filler nozzle. The overfilled fuel may run down the drain located below
and in front of the fuel filler door.

If the check fuel fill inlet lamp or CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message
comes on, the fuel fill inlet may not have properly closed. The inlet may
have stuck open or debris may be preventing the inlet from fully closing.
At the next opportunity, safely pull off the road, turn off the engine,
open the fuel filler door and remove any visible debris from the fuel fill
opening. Insert either the fuel fill nozzle or the fuel fill funnel (see
Refilling with a portable fuel container for funnel location) provided
with the vehicle several times to dislodge any debris and/or allow the
inlet to close properly. If this action corrects the problem, the check fuel
fill inlet lamp or CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message may not reset
immediately. It may take several driving cycles for the check fuel fill inlet
lamp or CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message to turn off. A driving cycle
consists of an engine start-up (after four or more hours with the engine
off) followed by city/highway driving. Continuing to drive with the check
fuel fill inlet lamp or CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message on may cause
the service engine soon lamp to turn on as well.

WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear
a hissing sound near the fuel filler door (Easy Fuel™ “no cap”

fuel system), do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.

Maintenance and Specifications

296

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Flex fuel vehicle (FFV) fuel fill inlet

If your vehicle is flex fuel capable, it will have a yellow bezel placed over
the fuel fill inlet.

Choosing the right fuel

If your vehicle is a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), use only UNLEADED
FUEL and FUEL ETHANOL (Ed75–Ed85).

If your vehicle is not a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), then only use
UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED fuel blended with a maximum of 10%
ethanol. Do not use fuel ethanol (E85), diesel, methanol, leaded fuel or
any other fuel.

The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law and could damage your
vehicle.

Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives.

Note: Use of any fuel other than those recommended may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and repairs may not
be covered under warranty.

Octane recommendations

Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with a
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some stations offer fuels posted as
“Regular” with an octane rating
below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with octane levels
below 87 are not recommended.

Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.

FFV engine (if equipped)

If your vehicle is flex fuel capable, it is designed to use Fuel Ethanol
(Ed75–Ed85), “Regular” unleaded gasoline or any mixture of the two
fuels.

Use of other fuels such as Fuel Methanol may cause powertrain
damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and your warranty may be
invalidated.

It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If you do
switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as

87

(R+M)/2 METHOD

Maintenance and Specifications

297

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

possible—at least half a tank. Do not add less than five gallons (18.9L)
when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling
for at least 5 miles (8 km) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change in
ethanol concentration.

If you exclusively use E85 fuel, it is recommended to fill the fuel tank
with regular unleaded gasoline at each scheduled oil change.

Fuel quality

Unleaded gasoline engines

If you experience starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability problems
during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded gasoline.
“Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed
to use “Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems
to become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your
authorized dealer.

FFV engines

If you experience starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability problems
during a cold start, try a different brand of E85 fuel. If the driveability
problems continue, fill the vehicle with regular unleaded gasoline and
drive vehicle normally until gasoline is used. See your authorized dealer
if the problem persists.

Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.

Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.

Cleaner air

Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in the Choosing the right
fuel section.

Maintenance and Specifications

298

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Running out of fuel

Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.

If you have run out of fuel:
• You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after

refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.

• Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the

engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.

• The service engine soon

indicator may come on. For more

information on the service engine soon indicator, refer to Warning
lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter.

Refilling with a portable fuel container

With the Easy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel system, use the following directions
when filling from a portable fuel container:

WARNING: Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels into the Easy Fuel™ system. This could

damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto
the ground instead of filling the tank, which could result in serious
personal injury.

WARNING: Do not try to pry open or push open the Easy
Fuel™ system with foreign objects. This could damage the fuel

system and its seal and cause injury to you or others.

When filling the vehicle’s fuel tank from a portable fuel container, use the
included funnel.

Maintenance and Specifications

299

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

1. Locate the white plastic funnel. It
is attached to the underside of the
spare tire cover or is included with
the tire changing tools.

2. Slowly insert the funnel into the Easy Fuel™ system.

3. Fill the vehicle with fuel from the portable fuel container.

4. When done, clean the funnel or properly dispose of it. Extra funnels
can be purchased from your authorized dealer if you choose to dispose
of the funnel. Do not use aftermarket funnels; they will not work with
the Easy Fuel™ system and can damage it. The included funnel has
been specially designed to work safely with your vehicle.

ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY

Measuring techniques

Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more
accurate measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles
(3,000 km–5,000 km).

Filling the tank

The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in the Maintenance
product specifications and capacities section of this chapter.

The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.

Maintenance and Specifications

300

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.

For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
• Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,

an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.

• Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time

the tank is filled.

• Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
• Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.

• Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.

• Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.

Calculating fuel economy

1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:

Calculation 1: Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Calculation 2: Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.

Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.

Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.

Maintenance and Specifications

301

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Habits
• Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
• Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel

economy.

• Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste

fuel.

• Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
• Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
• Slow down gradually.
• Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%

less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).

• Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
• Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
• You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if

unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.

• Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may

reduce fuel economy.

• Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel

economy.

• Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
• Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel

economy.

• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Maintenance product

specifications and capacities in this chapter.

• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the

recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in scheduled maintenance information.

Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle may reduce fuel economy at any speed.
• Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately

1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).

Maintenance and Specifications

302

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

• Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug

deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.

• Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first

8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.

• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to

driving on hilly terrain.

• Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top

cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.

• Close windows for high speed driving.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at

high speeds.

• Have the items listed in scheduled maintenance information

performed according to the specified schedule.

The scheduled maintenance items listed in scheduled maintenance
information are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.

If other than Ford, Motorcraft

威 or Ford-authorized parts are used for

maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.

WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the

engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Illumination of the service engine soon

indicator, charging system

warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,

Maintenance and Specifications

303

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.

An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.

WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.

Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.

Please consult your Warranty Guide for complete emission warranty
information.

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the service
engine soon

indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected

a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause the service engine
soon

indicator to illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.

3. The fuel fill inlet may not have been properly closed. See Easy Fuel™
“no cap” fuel system in this chapter.

4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the service engine soon

Maintenance and Specifications

304

2011 Milan (mln)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)