Model Years Covered:
        
        
            2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
        
     
    
    
        
            Vin Vehicle Identification Number:
        
        
            Refer to specific vehicle's VIN plate for detailed breakdown (e.g., Position 1: Manufacturer, Position 10: Model Year)
        
     
    
    
        
            Generation Designation:
        
        
            First Generation (2001-2007)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Compact SUV / Crossover
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Families, individuals seeking versatile transportation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra.
        
     
    
    
        
            Vehicle Attributes:
        
        
            Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD), versatile cargo space, comfortable ride for its class.
        
     
    
    
        
            Objective:
        
        
            To provide comprehensive repair and maintenance information for professional technicians and knowledgeable DIYers.
        
     
    
    
        
            Benefit To Owner:
        
        
            Enables owners to perform maintenance, understand repairs, and save on labor costs.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, overhaul), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, emission control systems, ignition system, engine electrical.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual transmission and automatic transmission (ATX) repair, overhaul, and diagnostics.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Driveshaft, CV joints, axles, differential (if applicable).
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, wheel bearings.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Steering column, steering rack, power steering system (pump, hoses, fluid).
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder, ABS), parking brake.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Complete vehicle electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, power distribution.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panel repair, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            HVAC system (heater core, evaporator, blower motor, A/C compressor, refrigerant, controls).
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Airbag system, seat belts, SRS components.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Routine maintenance procedures, service intervals, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, troubleshooting guides, symptom-based troubleshooting.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components and systems.
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul:
        
        
            Complete overhaul procedures for engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical assemblies.
        
     
    
        
            Installation:
        
        
            Installation procedures for replacement parts and components.
        
     
    
        
            Tune Ups:
        
        
            Comprehensive tune-up procedures, including spark plug replacement, ignition timing, and fuel system adjustments.
        
     
    
        
            Assembly Disassembly:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for the assembly and disassembly of all vehicle systems and components.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Tools:
        
        
            References to diagnostic procedures and the use of specialized tools.
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of specific Ford special tools with part numbers.
        
     
    
    
        
            Safety Warnings:
        
        
            Includes explicit WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE callouts for safe and correct procedures.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Options:
        
        
            2.0L Zetec-E (4-cylinder), 3.0L Duratec (V6) - Engine specifics vary by model year and market.
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Range:
        
        
            Approximately 127 hp (2.0L) to 200 hp (3.0L V6).
        
     
    
        
            Torque Range:
        
        
            Approximately 135 lb-ft (2.0L) to 200 lb-ft (3.0L V6).
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline.
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ford Super Premium Engine Coolant (Orange) or equivalent meeting WSS-M97B44-D specification.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type 2.0L:
        
        
            API SG, SH, SJ, or SL rated oil, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type 3.0L V6:
        
        
            API SG, SH, SJ, or SL rated oil, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 recommended depending on temperature.
        
     
    
    
        
            ECU:
        
        
            Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approximately 174.7 inches (4437 mm).
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approximately 71.0 inches (1803 mm).
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approximately 67.3 inches (1709 mm).
        
     
    
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approximately 103.1 inches (2619 mm).
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Range:
        
        
            Approximately 3,200 - 3,600 lbs (1451 - 1633 kg) depending on engine and drivetrain.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume:
        
        
            Approximately 23.7 cubic feet (behind rear seats), 64.2 cubic feet (with rear seats folded).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
        
        
            Generally rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' in frontal impact tests for this generation.
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Front Offset Crash Test Rating:
        
        
            Varies by year and specific test, check IIHS archives for detailed results.
        
     
    
    
        
            Antilock Brakes ABS:
        
        
            Standard on most models.
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Brakeforce Distribution Ebd:
        
        
            Often paired with ABS for optimized braking performance.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags, optional side-impact airbags available on some trims.
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Approximately every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
        
        
            Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 3.0L V6:
        
        
            Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
        
     
    
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 (or equivalent meeting Ford specification).
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Mercon V or equivalent (check owner's manual).
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems:
        
        
            Transmission shifting issues (especially on early models), ignition coil failures, wheel bearing noise, exhaust manifold cracks (3.0L V6), HVAC blower motor resistor failure.
        
     
    
        
            Common Problems Continued:
        
        
            Catalytic converter issues, ABS sensor failures, interior water leaks.