Ford Fusion Hybrid (2014 year). Manual — part 63

CLEANING THE ENGINE

Engines are more efficient when they are
clean because grease and dirt buildup keep
the engine warmer than normal.

When washing:

•

Take care when using a power washer
to clean the engine. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts
and cause damage.

•

Do not spray a hot engine with cold
water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.

•

Spray Motorcraft® Engine Shampoo
and Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft® Engine
Shampoo.

•

Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running; water in the running
engine may cause internal damage.

•

Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well, or
the area in and around these locations.

•

Cover the battery, power distribution
box, and air filter assembly to prevent
water damage when cleaning the
engine.

CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES

Clean your windows and wiper blades
regularly. If the wipers do not wipe
properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass
or the wiper blades may cause squeaking
or chatter noise from the blades, and
streaking and smearing of the windshield.

To clean these items, follow these tips:

•

You can clean the windows with a
non-abrasive cleaner such as
Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner.

•

You can clean the wiper blades with
isopropyl rubbing-alcohol or Motorcraft
Premium Windshield Wash
Concentrates in the U.S., or Premium
Quality Windshield Washer Fluid in
Canada. Be sure to replace wiper
blades when they appear worn or do
not function properly.

•

Do not use abrasives, as they may
cause scratches.

•

Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint
thinner to clean any parts.

If you cannot remove those streaks after
cleaning with the glass cleaner or if the
wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion,
clean the outer surface of the windshield
and the wiper blades using a sponge or
soft cloth with a neutral detergent or
mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper
blades with clean water. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you
rinse the windshield with water.

Note: Do not use sharp objects, such as a
razorblade, to clean the inside of the rear
window or to remove decals, as this may
cause damage to the rear window
defroster’s heated grid lines.

CLEANING THE INTERIOR

WARNINGS

Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach
or dye on the vehicle’s safety belts,
as these actions may weaken the

belt webbing.

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Vehicle Care

WARNINGS

On vehicles equipped with
seat-mounted airbags, do not use
chemical solvents or strong

detergents. Such products could
contaminate the side airbag system and
affect performance of the side airbag in a
collision.

For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts
and seats equipped with side airbags:

•

Remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner.

•

Remove light stains and soil with
Motorcraft Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner.

•

If grease or tar is present on the
material, spot-clean the area first with
Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Multi-Purpose
Cleaner.

•

If a ring forms on the fabric after spot
cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not oversaturate)
or the ring will set.

•

Do not use household cleaning
products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect
the flame retardant abilities of the seat
materials.

CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL AND INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER LENS

WARNING

Do not use chemical solvents or
strong detergents when cleaning the
steering wheel or instrument panel

to avoid contamination of the airbag
system.

Clean the instrument panel and cluster
lens with a clean, damp, white cotton
cloth, then use a clean and dry white
cotton cloth to dry these areas.

•

Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase
the gloss of the upper portion of the
instrument panel. The dull finish in this
area helps protect you from
undesirable windshield reflection.

•

Be certain to wash or wipe your hands
clean if you have been in contact with
certain products such as insect
repellent and suntan lotion in order to
avoid possible damage to the interior
painted surfaces.

•

Do not use household or glass cleaners
as these may damage the finish of the
instrument panel, interior trim and
cluster lens.

•

Do not allow air fresheners and hand
sanitizers to spill onto interior surfaces.
If a spill occurs, wipe off immediately.
Damage may not be covered by your
warranty.

If a staining liquid like coffee or juice has
been spilled on the instrument panel or on
interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:

1.

Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean,
white, cotton cloth.

2. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean,

white cotton cloth. For more thorough
cleaning, use a mild soap and water
solution. If the spot cannot be
completely cleaned by this method,
the area may be cleaned using a
commercially available cleaning
product designed for automotive
interiors.

3. If necessary, apply more soap and

water solution or cleaning product to
a clean, white, cotton cloth and press
the cloth onto the soiled area. Allow
this to set at room temperature for 30
minutes.

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Vehicle Care

4. Remove the soaked cloth and if it is not

soiled badly, use this cloth to clean the
area by using a rubbing motion for 60
seconds.

5. Following this, wipe area dry with a

clean, white, cotton cloth.

CLEANING LEATHER SEATS

(IF

EQUIPPED)

For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with
a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough
cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap
and water solution. Dry the area with a soft
cloth. In Canada, use Motorcraft® Vinyl
Cleaner.

If the leather cannot be completely
cleaned using a mild soap and water
solution, the leather may be cleaned using
a commercially available leather cleaning
product designed for automotive interiors.

Note: To check for compatibility, first test
any cleaner or stain remover on an
inconspicuous part of the leather.

You should:

•

remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner.

•

clean spills and stains as quickly as
possible.

•

check for compatibility by first testing
any cleaner or stain remover on an
inconspicuous part of the leather.

Do not use the following products as these
may damage the leather:

•

oil/petroleum-based leather
conditioners.

•

household cleaners.

•

alcohol solutions.

•

solvents or cleaners intended
specifically for rubber, vinyl and
plastics.

CLEANING THE ALLOY
WHEELS

Note: Do not apply a cleaning chemical to
warm or hot wheel rims and covers.

Note: Some automatic car washes may
cause damage to the finish on your wheel
rims and covers.

Note: Industrial-strength or heavy-duty
cleaners in combination with brush agitation
to remove brake dust and dirt, could wear
away the clear coat finish over a period time.

Note: Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based
or high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steel
wool, fuels or strong household detergents.

Note: If you intend parking your vehicle for
an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so.
This will reduce the risk of increased
corrosion of the brake discs.

Alloy wheels and wheel covers are coated
with a clear coat paint finish. To maintain
their condition we recommend that you:

•

Clean the wheels weekly using
Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner.
Apply using manufacturer's
instructions.

•

Use a sponge to remove heavy
deposits of dirt and brake dust
accumulation.

•

Rinse thoroughly with a strong stream
of water when you have completed the
cleaning process.

•

To remove tar and grease, use
Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.

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Vehicle Care

VEHICLE STORAGE

If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (30 days or more),
read the following maintenance
recommendations to make sure your
vehicle stays in good operating condition.

All motor vehicles and their components
were engineered and tested for reliable,
regular driving. Long term storage under
various conditions may lead to component
degradation or failure unless specific
precautions are taken to preserve the
components.

General

•

Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.

•

Protect from sunlight, if possible.

•

If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and damage.

Body

•

Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing
and underside of front fenders.

•

Periodically wash your vehicle stored
in exposed locations.

•

Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.

•

Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when your vehicle is washed.

•

Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid
hinges, and latches with a light grade
oil.

•

Cover interior trim to prevent fading.

•

Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.

Engine

•

The engine oil and filter should be
changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that
may cause engine damage.

•

Start the engine every 15 days. Run at
fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature

•

With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.

Fuel system

•

Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.

Note: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (30 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality
gas stabilizer product to your vehicle's fuel
system whenever actual or expected
storage periods exceed 30 days. Follow the
instructions on the additive label. your
vehicle should then be operated at idle
speed to circulate the additive throughout
the fuel system.

Cooling system

•

Protect against freezing temperatures.

•

When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system
leaks, and fluid is at the recommended
level.

Battery

•

Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.

•

If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery, it
may be advisable to disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge
is maintained for quick starting.

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Vehicle Care