charging Mercury Marauder 2003 Owner's Manuals

Illumination after the parking brake is released indicates low brake fluid
level or a brake system malfunction and the brake system should be
serviced immediately by a qualified technician.
Refer toBrakesin theDrivingchapter for more information.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
To confirm the anti-lock brake
system (ABS) warning light is
functional it will momentarily
illuminate when the ignition is
turned to the ON position
(alternatively for some vehicles when the ignition is moved from the ON
position to the START position, the light will momentarily illuminate just
prior to reaching the START position). If the light remains on, continues
to flash or fails to illuminate, have the ABS serviced immediately. If the
ABS light remains on, it means the anti-lock brake system has
malfunctioned and is disabled, however, the normal brake system will
still function unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated and
parking brake is off. Refer toBrakesin theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Safety belt
Illuminates to remind you to fasten
your safety belts. For more
information, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Air bag readiness
Illuminates to confirm that the air
bags (front or side) are operational.
If the light fails to illuminate,
continues to flash or remains on,
have the system serviced immediately.
Charging system
Illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly.
ABS
AIR
BAG
Instrument Cluster
12

Engine oil pressure gauge
Located in the lower center of the
instrument panel, indicates engine
oil pressure. If the pointer drops
below the normal operating range
(50±75 psi) or the minimum low (6
psi) pressure when the engine is
running, stop your vehicle as soon
as possible, shut off the engine and
check the oil level. Add oil if
necessary.
Do not continue to operate your
engine as long as the pointer is out of the normal operating range.
Otherwise, your engine may be severely damaged.
If the gauge indicates zero or very low oil pressure (needle drops
below ª0º) stop the vehicle and engine as soon as safe to do so
and check the engine oil level.
After running, the engine may be hot. Allow the engine to cool
before handling any components.
Voltmeter gauge
Located in the lower center of the
instrument panel, measures the
battery charging voltage. If the
meter consistently indicates less
than 13.0 volts or more than 15.0
volts under normal vehicle
operation, have your vehicle's
electrical system checked.
Instrument Cluster
16

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
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
mineral or 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.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
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.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
Maintenance and Specifications
186

²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are 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.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
Maintenance and Specifications
202

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................126
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ................104, 108
and child safety seats ............106
description ......................104, 108
disposal ....................................111
driver air bag ..................106, 109
indicator light ...........12, 108, 110
operation .........................106, 109
passenger air bag ...........106, 109
side air bag ..............................108
Air cleaner filter ...............206, 211
Air conditioning ..........................33
Air suspension ...........................130
description ..............................130
warning light .............................13
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................188
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................126±127
Audio system
(see Radio) ..................................19
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................132
fluid, adding ............................204
fluid, checking ........................204
fluid, refill capacities ..............211
fluid, specification ..................214
Auxiliary power point .................59
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................212, 214
refill capacities ........................211B
Battery .......................................186
acid, treating emergencies .....186
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....156
maintenance-free ....................186
replacement, specifications ...211
servicing ..................................186
voltage gauge ............................16
BeltMinder ...................................99
Brakes ........................................126
anti-lock ...........................126±127
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................12, 127
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....204
fluid, refill capacities ..............211
fluid, specifications .........212, 214
lubricant
specifications ..................212, 214
shift interlock ..........................131
Bulbs ............................................43
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....211
CD changer .................................28
CD-single premium .....................19
Cell phone use ............................73
Certification Label ....................216
Changing a tire .........................151
Child safety restraints ..............111
child safety belts ....................111
Index
221

H
Hazard flashers .........................143
Head restraints ...........................88
Headlamps ...................................38
aiming ........................................40
autolamp system .......................38
bulb specifications ....................43
daytime running lights .............39
flash to pass ..............................40
high beam ...........................14, 39
replacing bulbs .........................44
turning on and off ....................38
warning chime ..........................14
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................33
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) ...................56, 68, 70
Hood ..........................................180
I
Ignition ...............................122, 214
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................114
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................202
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................176
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................40
J
Jack ............................................151
positioning ...............................151
storage .....................................151Jump-starting your vehicle ......156
K
Keyless entry system .................82
autolock .....................................81
keypad .......................................82
programming entry code .........83
Keys .......................................84±86
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition .........122
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................38
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................43
cargo lamps ...............................40
daytime running light ...............39
fog lamps ...................................39
headlamps .................................38
headlamps, flash to pass ..........40
instrument panel, dimming .....40
interior lamps .....................42±43
replacing bulbs ....... 43±45, 47±48
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................42
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
air suspension ...........................13
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 127
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
check engine .............................10
fuel cap light .............................11
high beam .................................14
low coolant ................................13
low fuel ......................................13
overdrive off ..............................13
safety belt .................................12
Index
224