check transmission fluid Mercury Marauder 2003 Owner's Manuals

Extended use of other than the manufacturer's specified size tires on a
limited slip rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum permissible total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
Driving
136

4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the ªMAXº line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
204

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
Maintenance and Specifications
205

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

Child safety seats ......................114
attaching with tether
straps .......................................118
in front seat ............................116
in rear seat ..............................116
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............174
instrument panel ....................176
interior .....................................177
interior trim ............................176
plastic parts ............................175
washing ....................................173
waxing .....................................173
wheels ......................................174
wiper blades ............................176
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............33
Clock ............................................24
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................53
Console ........................................74
overhead ..............................51±52
Controls
power seat .................................89
steering column ........................67
Coolant
checking and adding ..............188
coolant temperature light ........13
refill capacities ................193, 211
specifications ..................212, 214
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................63
Customer Assistance ................142
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................178
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................165Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............169
Getting roadside assistance ...142
Getting the service you
need .........................................163
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................170
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................166
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................169
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................39
Defrost
rear window ..............................37
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................204
engine oil .................................182
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........212
Driving under special
conditions ..................................135
through water .........................136
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................156
Emission control system ..........201
Engine ........................................214
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................174
coolant .....................................188
Index
222

Safety restraints ........91, 94, 96±98
belt minder ...............................99
cleaning the safety belts ........103
extension assembly ................103
for adults .............................96±98
for children .............................111
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................92
warning light and
chime .......................12, 14, 98±99
Safety seats for children ..........114
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............91
Seats ............................................88
child safety seats ....................114
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................84±86
Servicing your vehicle ..............179
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........151
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................211, 214
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................212, 214
Speed control ..............................63
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle .......122±123,
125
jump starting ..........................156
Steering
speed sensitive .......................130
Steering wheel
controls ..........................50, 63, 67
tilting .........................................50T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................151, 207±209
changing ..........................151±152
checking the pressure ............209
replacing ..................................210
rotating ....................................209
snow tires and chains ............210
tire grades ...............................208
treadwear ................................208
Towing .......................................138
recreational towing .................140
trailer towing ..........................138
wrecker ....................................162
Traction control ........................128
active light ................................13
Transmission .............................131
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................204
fluid, refill capacities ..............211
lubricant
specifications ..................212, 214
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk ...........................................76
remote release ....................73, 79
Turn signal ............................14, 42
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................214
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................216
Vehicle loading ..........................136
Ventilating your vehicle ...........125
Index
226