steering wheel Mercury Mountaineer 2002 s User Guide

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a
lower gear. When descending a
steep hill, avoid sudden hard
braking as you could lose control.
When you brake hard, the front
wheels can’t turn and if they aren’t
turning, you won’tbeabletosteer.
The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump”the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’tstopany
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping as well as drive slower than usual and consider using one of
the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the
wheels. Use a“squeeze”technique, push on the brake pedal with a
steadily increasing force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue
to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you
lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze
technique. If your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake
system (ABS), apply the brake steadily. Do not“pump”the brakes. Refer
to theBrakessection of this chapter for additional information on the
operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of AWD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Driving
191

Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originally provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
or death.
AWD vehicles are equipped with tires designed to provide for safe ride
and handling capability.
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that originally
provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could lead to loss of vehicle control
or roll over and serious injury. Make sure all tires and wheels on the
vehicle are of the same size, type, tread design, brand and load-carrying
capacity. If you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an
authorized Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your AWD for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use
these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure.
Do not use“aftermarket lift kits”or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These“aftermarket lift kits”could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or roll over
and serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
You should carefully observe the recommended tire inflation pressure
found on the safety compliance certification label attached to the left
front door lock facing or door latch post pillar. Failure to follow tire
pressure recommendations can adversely affect the way your vehicle
handles. Do not exceed the Ford Motor Company recommended pressure
even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire.
Driving
192

The relays are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay Location Description
Relay 64 Police vehicles equipped with AdvanceTrac
Relay 65 Open
Relay 66 Open
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may
compromise the integrity of your tires. The use of tire sealants
may also affect your tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped).
If your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System (if equipped)
in theMaintenance and caresection for important information. If the
tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it will no longer
function.
Spare tire information
The spare tire can be used as a spare or a regular tire. The spare is
identical to the other tires on your vehicle, although the wheel will not
match.
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different
size than the road tires should not be used. Use of such a tire
could result in damage to driveline components and an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
Roadside emergencies
216

5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONAT F.
•4.0L SOHC V6 engine
•4.6L V8 engine
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
Maintenance and care
246

•If tar or grease spots are present, use Ford Extra Strength Tar and
Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520–AA).
Windows and wiper blades
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
•The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23),
available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
Instrument panel and cluster lens
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.
Wood-tone trim
•Clean the area with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping with a dry, soft,
clean cloth.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
Interior
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
Maintenance and care
279

Changing a tire .........................216
Child safety restraints ..............158
child safety belts ....................158
Child safety seats ......................161
attaching with tether straps ..166
in front seat ............................163
in rear seat ......................163, 165
Cleaning your vehicle ...............275
engine compartment ..............277
instrument panel ....................279
interior .....................................279
plastic parts ............................278
washing ....................................275
waxing .....................................276
wheels ......................................277
wiper blades ............................279
woodtone trim ........................279
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clock ......................................61, 74
Compass, electronic ....................17
calibration .................................19
set zone adjustment ...........18, 21
Console ........................................97
overhead ....................................85
rear ............................................98
Controls
power seat ...............................121
steering column ........................84
Coolant
checking and adding ..............240
refill capacities ................244, 282
specifications ..................285, 287
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................78
Customer Assistance ................204
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .............................281, 298Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................291
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............297
Getting roadside assistance ...204
Getting the service you
need .........................................291
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................301
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................294
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................297
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................31
Defrost
rear window ..............................53
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................247
engine oil .................................233
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........285
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................248
Driving under special
conditions ..........................187, 190
sand .........................................189
snow and ice ...........................191
through water .................189, 196
E
Electronic message center .........19
Index
305

fluid,checking and adding ....246
fluid, refill capacity ................282
fluid, specifications .........285, 287
Power Windows ...........................93
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................180
R
Radio ......................................54, 63
Radio reception .....................76–77
Rear window defroster ...............53
Relays ................................206, 214
Remote entry system .......101, 103
illuminated entry ....................106
locking/unlocking
doors ................................102, 113
opening the trunk ...................103
panic alarm .............................103
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................105
replacing the batteries ...........104
Reverse sensing system .............33
Roadside assistance ..................204
Roof rack ...................................202
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....13, 133, 135–138, 142
Safety Canopy ...................154–155
Safety defects, reporting ..........303
Safety restraints .......133, 135–138,
141–142
belt minder .............................143
cleaning the safety belts ........149
extension assembly ................142
for adults .........................136–138for children .............................158
lap belt ....................................139
warning light and
chime ...........................10, 13, 143
Safety seats for children ..........161
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................133
Seats ..........................................120
child safety seats ....................161
heated ......................................124
memory seat ...................103, 123
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................116–118
Servicing your vehicle ..............229
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs, specifications ......282,
287
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................285, 287
Speed control ..............................78
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ........169, 171
jump starting ..........................222
Steering wheel
controls ..........................78, 82, 84
tilting .........................................82
T
Tachometer .................................16
Tire warning ..............................255
Tires ...................216, 251–253, 255
changing ..........................216, 218
checking the pressure ............253
Index
309