charging Mercury Mountaineer 1998 Owner's Manuals

Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer toAnti-theft systemin the
Controls and featureschapter.
Charging system
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Check gage
Illuminates when the key is in the
ON position and the engine coolant
temperature is high, the engine oil
pressure is low or the fuel level is
near empty. Refer toEngine
coolant temperature gauge,
Engine oil pressure gaugeor
Fuel gaugein this chapter for
more information.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition
switch is in the ON or START
position and any door is open.
THEFT
CHECK
GAGE
DOOR
AJAR
Instrumentation
10

lubrication. If the original universal
joints are replaced with universal
joints equipped with grease
fittings, lubrication will be
necessary.
BATTERY
Your vehicle may be equipped with
a Motorcraft maintenance-free
battery. If the original equipment
battery needs replacing, it may be
replaced with a low-maintenance
battery. The low-maintenance
battery normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service. However, for severe usage
or in high temperature climates,
check your battery electrolyte
level, at least every 24 months or
40,000 km (24,000 miles). Keep
the electrolyte in each cell up to
the ªlevelº indicator. Do not overfill
the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the
battery is low, you can add plain
tap water to the battery, as long as
you do not use hard water (water
with a high alkali content). If
possible, however, try to only fill
the battery cells with distilled
water. If the battery needs water
often, have the charging system
checked.
For longer, trouble-free operation,
keep the top of the battery clean
and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.
Maintenance and care
173

²Do not turn off the ignition
while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
²Have the services listed in your
ªService Guideº performed
according to the specified
schedule.
The Scheduled Maintenance
Services listed in the ªService
Guideº are required because they
are considered essential to the life
and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for
service of components affecting
emission control such non-Ford
parts should be equivalent to
genuine Ford Motor Company
parts in performance and
durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive
your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire.
Watch for fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
the charging system warning light,
the ªCheck Engineº light or the
temperature warning light. These
events could indicate that the
emission control system is not
working properly.
Maintenance and care
188

improving fuel economy ........134
octane rating ...........................185
quality ......................................186
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................183
Fuel gauge ...................................15
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......135
Fuse panels
instrument panel ....................138
power distribution box ...........141
Fuses ...................................136,137
Gauges, Mechanical ....................12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
Hazard flashers .........................135
Head restraints ......................62,65
Headlamps ...................................16
daytime running lights .............16
flashing ......................................17
high beam .................................17
Heating ........................................18
High beams
indicator light .............................9
Hood
release lever ............................156
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior..17
Jump-starting your
vehicle .................................149,151
attaching cables ......................150
disconnecting cables ..............151
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................50
keypad .......................................52
locking and unlocking doors ....54
programming entry code ....53,54
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............12
Liftgate ........................................43
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............9anti-theft ...................................10
brake ............................................9
charging system ........................10
check engine ............................6,7
cruise indicator .........................11
door ajar ....................................10
fuel reset .....................................8
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt ...................................8
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits
trailer towing ..........................125
Lubricant specifications ...........207
Luggage rack .............................133
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................203
side view mirrors (power) .......41
Moon roof ....................................34
Motorcraft parts ........................204
Odometer .....................................13
Off road driving, 4-wheel
drive ....................................114,119
Overhead console
compass/temperature display ..33
storage compartment ...............33
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................47
Parking brake ............................102
Power door locks ........................40
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....167
Radio (see Electronic sound
systems) ......................................25
Rear window
washer .......................................32
Recreational towing, all wheels
on the ground ...........................133
Refill capacities for fluids ........204
Relays ........................................136
Remote entry system .................46
illuminated entry ......................49
locking/unlocking doors ......46,47
Index
214