Appearance Protection

Proper maintenance will help keep the vehicle looking factory-new for several years. The following cleaning and care recommendations will provide the vehicle with necessary appearance protection.

NOTE: It is very important to always follow label directions when using any chemical cleaner or polish. Read all warning and caution statements that appear on the label.

Proper exterior appearance protection includes proper and frequent washing (including underside areas), polishing to shield paint and bright metal surfaces (refer to Chrome and Bright Metal Care in this section), touching up nicks and scratches with proper paint, and keeping body drain holes unplugged.

Washing

Use Premium Car Wash Concentrate F2SZ-19523-WC or -WB or use equivalent commercial product diluted to the proper concentration, followed by a rinse with clear, cold water. Do not wash vehicle with hot water, in the direct rays of the sun, or while sheet metal is hot.

Polishing

Use Custom Silicone Gloss Polish B7AZ-19530-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M11B26-A to remove harmful deposits, and provide added protection on body surfaces.

Underbody

In geographic areas using a heavy concentration of road salt or other corrosive materials for snow removal or road dust control, flush and inspect the complete underside of the vehicle at least twice a year.

Particular attention should be given to cleaning out underbody members and drain holes where dirt and other foreign materials may have collected.

Rustproofing

 CAUTION: The flexible plastic and/or rubber-like parts and rigid plastic bumper components may be damaged by aftermarket rustproofing compounds. If rustproofing oversprays, drips or runs are allowed to remain, they may exhibit surface swelling, distortion, or deterioration. If the vehicle has been aftermarket rustproofed, inspect and clean with Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Remover B7A-19520-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M5B106-A or a hi-flash naphtha-wetted cloth. Wipe completely dry. Inspect frequently as rustproofing may run or drip for some time after installation, especially in hot weather.

 CAUTION: The driveshaft in the vehicle is a balanced mechanism. Therefore, if the vehicle is to be undercoated, it is mandatory that no undercoating material be present on the driveshaft after application. This condition may cause driveshaft imbalance or driveline vibration.

The elastomeric (flexible) plastic claddings and fairings, front and rear polycarbonate bumpers and urethane rear sight shields on the vehicle may be damaged by any of the presently available aftermarket body rustproofing compounds. Damage results when the rustproofing compounds are absorbed by the plastic, causing it to swell.

Chrome and Bright Metal Care

Frequent washing and the use of Custom Bright Metal Cleaner 8A-19522-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M5B194-B are recommended for bumpers, body hardware, chrome-plated materials and aluminum components.

 CAUTION: Plastic wheelcovers should always be washed with mild detergent and water immediately after using any commercial cleaner to prevent any possible damage to wheelcover.

 CAUTION: Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners or strong detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated materials, aluminum wheels or anodized aluminum parts, as damage to the protective coating and corrosion and/or discoloration may result. Clean with Premium Car Wash Concentrate F2SZ-19523-WC or -WB or equivalent commercial product diluted per label directions.

1.  WARNING: READ THE WARNING INFORMATION ON THE PRODUCT LABEL.

   Pour some cleaner concentrate onto a clean, damp cloth and wipe wax from the bumper. A second application with vigorous rubbing may be necessary for hard wax areas.

2. For severe wax buildup, pour some metal cleaner onto a clean, damp cloth and wipe wax from the bumper. Minimal effort should be required to remove wax. Continue this process until entire bumper is wax-free.

3. To provide a bright, glossy appearance to bumper, apply metal cleaner after removing wax coating. A separate clean, damp cloth should be used for this procedure.

Paint

The outside finish should be washed frequently. Never wipe the painted surface with a dry cloth. Dusting the finish when it is dry tends to rub the dust and dirt into the baked enamel, and leaves a sandpaper effect on the surface. To keep the finish bright and attractive, wash the vehicle whenever it is dirty.

Protect the exterior with frequent washing, including underside areas. Use Premium Car Wash Concentrate F2SZ-19523-WC or -WB or equivalent commercial product diluted to proper concentration, followed by a rinse with clear, cold water. Do not wash vehicle with hot water, in direct sunlight, or while sheet metal is hot.

Polish paint and bright metal with Custom Silicone Gloss Polish B7AZ-19530-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M11B26-A, to remove harmful deposits and provide added protection to body surfaces, body hardware, and chrome and aluminum parts. Touch up nicks and scratches with proper paint.

 CAUTION: Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, gasoline or strong detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated materials, aluminum wheels, headlamps, bumpers or anodized aluminum parts, as damage to the protective coating and discoloration or paint deterioration may occur.

Vehicles subjected to airborne pollen, insect droppings, bird droppings and other organic matter, especially vehicles subjected to this matter that are exposed to high temperatures and sunshine, should be washed as often as necessary to keep them free of this organic matter. Similar precautions should be taken when a vehicle may be exposed to chemical industrial fallout. Failure to do so may result in damage to the exterior surfaces.

Glass

The glass should be cleaned with Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner E4AZ-19C507-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M14P5-A using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Follow the directions on the container.