A component of the engine cooling system that stores coolant and consists of a series of tubes that allows coolant to pass through, dissipating excess heat. The coolant circulates through the engine to help reduce engine heat Fresh air is drawn through the radiator to remove heat from the engine coolant solution

An antenna with an electric motor that automatically raises it when the vehicle’s ignition and radio are turned on, and lowers it when the vehicle’s radio and ignition are turned off.

Ford Motor Company offers a wide selection of factory-installed vehicle audio systems.

The result of multiplying yield strength and section modulus when comparing frames of the same material, the one with the largest section modulus will be the strongest. When comparing frames of different materials, the frame with the highest RBM has the greater strength.

A program that allows you to view video and audio files using streaming data. You must have Real Player G2 plug-in for your web browser in order to use this.

An attachment point in the rear package-shelf area of sedans and in other rear locations in wagons and minivans, and front and rear seat locations in trucks, that anchors a strap attached to the back of a child-safety seat. This provides added restraint for the safety seat and prevents it from possibly pivoting forward in sudden stops.

Included on all 4-door Ford cars, Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Excursion, F-Series SuperCrew and CrewCab, and Windstar, rear door child-safety locks disable the interior door handles when activated, preventing the rear doors from being opened from the inside. Rear door child-safety locks operate as follows:

• By flipping the switch on the door facing, the interior rear door handle is disabled
• The rear door can then be opened only by the outside handle
• Flipping the switch again will disengage the system
• Windstar features a child-safety lock on the sliding side door(s)

A supplement to the standard rear suspension system used to change vehicle ride height and ride characterisitcs in response to weight applied to the rear of the vehicle.

Vehicle rear doors (as on the Excursion) which swing open nearly 180 degrees, helping to provide easy access.

Vehicle rear doors (as on the Excursion) which swing open nearly 180 degrees, helping to provide easy access.

A special-application spring within shock absorbers. It supplements the primary suspension system, helping to balance ride motion, particularly during braking.

The maximum recommended engine revolutions per minute (rpm). A tachometer, standard or available on some models, displays a red area to alert the driver that the engine speed is beyond the recommended rate.

A feature allowing the owner access to the vehicle interior without using a conventional key by using either a push-button (keypad) panel or remote transmitter as described below:
Push-button Panel Entering a code into the driver’s door push-button panel automatically unlocks the door. The code sequence is programmed at the factory, and owners also can program their own sequence. This feature is available on certain Taurus, Crown Victoria, Explorer and Expedition models.
Remote Transmitter Certain vehicles use a remote transmitter in addition to, or in place of, the door-mounted keypad.
A remote, handheld transmitter is used to operate the vehicle’s electronic entry function:

• The transmitter may be used in place of the door-mounted keypad to lock or unlock one or all doors, or open the decklid
• On some models, a PANIC button, activated within 33 feet of the vehicle, flashes the lights and chirps the horn as a warning
• See specific vehicle sections for application

• On some models, the system is turned on by lifting either front door handle
• On some models, it generates a ring of light around each front door lock cylinder for easy key insertion

Alerts the driver to the presence of certain objects near the rear of the vehicle when backing up slowly during parking maneuvers. Ultrasonic sensors in the bumper detect obstacles up to six feet to the rear. Beeping, with increasing frequency, indicates that the vehicle is closing in on the object.

The distance between the ground and a specified point on the vehicle body with properly inflated tires. The lowest point of the bumper is generally used as the vehicle measuring point.

A simple non-independent suspension consisting of a rigid transverse member with wheel hubs that are solidly bolted to it. The axle can be attached to the vehicle body by leaf springs or by a combination of suspension arms and links.

Any gear set in which a small gear (the pinion gear) turns a larger diameter annular gear (the ring gear).

The ability of the vehicle to maintain traction with, or grip, the pavement while cornering.

The power at the driving wheels needed to move a vehicle down the road at a steady speed. The roadload horsepower varies according to the vehicle’s speed, aerodynamic drag and mechanical friction. The roadload horsepower is different from the engine power because of the various mechanical inefficiencies and power losses that occur between the engine flywheel and the driving wheels.

The rotation along an imaginary axis running the length of the vehicle between the driver’s-side and passenger’s-side wheels. Roll causes the vehicle to dip left or right. A stabilizer bar can often counteract the effects of roll.