oil level Mercury Mountaineer 1997 Owner's Manuals

Page 8 of 197

Instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights
DOOR
AJARilluminates when the ignition
key is turned to the ON or START
position and a door or liftgate is
opened.
CHECK
GAGEilluminates when the ignition is
turned to ON and the engine
temperature is high, the oil
pressure is low, or the fuel level is
near empty.
illuminates when there is a
problem with the generator or
charging system.
FUEL
RESETilluminates when the ignition
key is turned to ON and the fuel
pump shutoff switch has been
triggered. Refer toFuel pump
shutoff switchinRoadside
emergenciesfor more information.
illuminates when the air bag
system requires servicing.
0
20
1030405060
70
80
90
110
200000000
oooo
100

20406080100
120
140
160
180
0ABS
- +
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPM x 1000
12345
6
- +
H
H
L L
4WD
LOW 4X4
H
C
F
E
!P
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGEFUEL
RESET
BRAKEMPH km/h
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
FUEL
RESET
Instrumentation
8

Page 141 of 197

Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil every time
you fuel your vehicle.
Check the engine oil level more
frequently if the vehicle is carrying
a heavy load, towing a trailer,
idling for extended periods (like
police, taxi, or shuttle service
vehicles), or driven at high speeds
for extended periods of time.
To check engine oil:
1. Once the engine is warm, turn
the engine off. Make sure the
vehicle is parked on level ground.
2. Depress the parking brake.
Place the gearshift in P (Park).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
4. Remove the engine oil dipstick
and wipe clean. Reinsert the
dipstick fully, then remove it again.
The oil level should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. If the oil
level lies between the MIN and
MAX lines, there is no need to
add.
5. If the oil level is below the MIN
line, add engine oil as necessary
and recheck the oil level. If the oil
level is above the letter ``M'' in
``MAX,'' engine damage and/or high
oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from
the engine.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
141

Page 142 of 197

Adding engine oil
If the fluid level is below the MIN
line, add engine oil. Add engine oil
through the oil filler cap and use a
funnel to pour oil into the opening.
Make sure you use a certified
engine oil of the preferred
viscosity.
Recheck the oil level. Make sure
that the oil level is not above the
MAX line on the dipstick.
Continuous contact with
USED motor oil has
caused cancer in laboratory rats.
Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed
for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter
is used that does not meet Ford
material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock
may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
CHECKING AND ADDING
BRAKE FLUID
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once
each year.
Maintenance and care
142