Generation:
First Generation (AX4N/AX4S Transmissions)
Production Years Covered By Manual:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Target Audience:
Families seeking versatile and spacious transportation.
Key Competitors:
Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Venture/Pontiac Montana/Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available AWD (later models), good towing capacity for its class.
Manual Benefit:
Enables DIY mechanics and professional technicians to perform accurate and efficient repairs, reducing downtime and costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management, transmission (automatic) mechanical and control, driveline (front wheel drive).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, power windows, power locks, power sliding doors, HVAC system, climate control, audio systems, lighting system, instrument cluster, dashboard, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control modules, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code identification, symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair, interior component repair.
Diagnostics And Testing:
Component testing, electrical circuit testing, diagnostic scan tool procedures, performance testing.
Installation And Removal:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components and sub-assemblies.
Depth:
Comprehensive from bumper-to-bumper, covering routine maintenance to major repairs and component overhauls.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Detailed step-by-step procedures, pictorial diagrams, exploded diagrams, and photographs.
Special Tools:
Reference to specific Ford special service tools (SSTs) required for certain procedures, including illustrations of tool usage.
Specifications:
Tightening torques, wear limits, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic values.
Engine Code:
3.8L V6 (ECHO/U-code)
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV)
Displacement:
3.8 liters / 232 cubic inches
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 170-205 hp (depending on year and specific tune)
Torque Range:
Approximately 220-245 lb-ft (depending on year and specific tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Ford specified coolant (e.g., Motorcraft Gold or equivalent)
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific year/climate)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (with filter)
Length:
Approximately 199.5 - 201.0 inches
Width:
Approximately 73.5 inches
Height:
Approximately 67.0 - 68.0 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,000 - 4,400 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 5,600 - 5,900 lbs
Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats:
Over 150 cubic feet (maximum with rear seats removed/folded)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Four stars (for some years)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Four stars (for some years)
Anti Lock Brakes ABS:
Standard on most trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats, three-point seatbelts for rear seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles for Mercon V.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mercon ATF (or specified type)
Common Problems:
Transmission solenoid issues, EGR valve clogging, front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), power sliding door malfunctions, rear heat/AC issues, coolant leaks (lower intake manifold gaskets).
Manual Benefit For Issues:
Provides detailed troubleshooting and repair procedures for addressing these common issues.
