steering Mercury Mariner 2008 s Owner's 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; instead,
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’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD 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 a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
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. 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. Since your
vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakes
section of this chapter for additional information on the operation of the
anti-lock brake system.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
206

4WD vehicles should be driven with traction devices as referred to in
Using snow tires and traction devicesin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
207

HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
210

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
16 15A Not used (spare)
17 20A All lock motor feeds, Liftgate
release, Liftglass release
18 20A Heated seat
19 25A Rear wiper
20 15A Datalink
21 15A Fog lamps
22 15A Park lamps
23 15A High beam headlamps
24 20A Horn relay
25 10A Demand lamps
26 10A Instrument panel cluster
27 20A Ignition switch
28 5A Radio
29 5A Instrument panel cluster
30 5A Overdrive cancel
31 10A Restraints control module
32 10A Not used (spare)
33 10A Speed control switch
34 5A Speed control deactivate switch,
ABS
35 10A Four wheel drive, EPAS
(steering), Park aid module
36 5A PATS transceiver
37 10A Climate control
38 20A Subwoofer/Amp (Audiophile
radio)
39 20A Radio
40 20A Front power point
41 15A Driver/passenger door lock
switches, Automatic dimming
mirror, Compass, Ambient lighting
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
214

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
36 — Not used
37 — Not used
* Mini fuse ** Cartridge fuse
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire that is
different in one or more of the following: type, brand, size, speed rating
and tread design. If this is the case, this dissimilar spare tire is still rated
for your vehicle loads (GAWR and GVWR). This temporary spare tire is
not equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensor.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare is in use. To restore the full functionality of
the TPMS system, all road wheels equipped with the tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat tire serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent
damage to the TPMS sensor, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels, and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare
tire with a road tire as soon as possible. During repairing or replacing of
the flat tire, have the authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for
damage.
The use of tire sealants may damage your Tire Pressure
Monitoring System and should not be used.
Refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTire,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for important information. If the
tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it will no longer
function.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Roadside Emergencies
218

wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean and damp white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry white
cotton cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner
(ZC-38-A) on the instrument panel and interior trim areas.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes 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.
•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 interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the airbag system.
If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.
2. Apply Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-11-A) [In
Canada use Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101)] to the wiped
area and spread around evenly.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
248

What you should know about fail-safe cooling (2.3L I4 engine only)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
269

attaching with tether
straps .......................................141
in front seat ............................138
in rear seat ..............................138
Child safety seats -
booster seats .............................134
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............246
instrument panel ....................248
interior .....................................249
plastic parts ............................247
washing ....................................244
waxing .....................................245
wheels ......................................245
wiper blades ............................247
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......34, 37
Clock ............................................20
Compass, electronic ....................59
calibration .................................60
set zone adjustment .................59
Console ........................................54
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat .................................97
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............264
refill capacities ................268, 286
specifications ..........................286
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................208
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................240
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............241
Getting roadside assistance ...208Getting the service
you need .................................236
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................242
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............240
D
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................281
engine oil .................................258
Driving under special
conditions ..................199, 203, 205
sand .........................................204
snow and ice ...........................206
through water .................204, 207
E
Electronic message center .........66
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................229
Emergency Flashers .................210
Emission control system ..........278
Engine ........................................288
cleaning ...................................246
coolant .....................................264
fail-safe cooling .......................269
idle speed control ...................262
lubrication specifications .......286
refill capacities ........................286
service points ..................254–255
starting after a collision .........211
Engine block heater .................185
Engine oil ..................................258
checking and adding ..............258
dipstick ....................................258
filter, specifications ........261, 285
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
294

K
Keyless entry system .................89
autolock ...............................80, 82
keypad .......................................90
locking and unlocking doors ....91
programming entry code .........90
Keys .......................................78, 92
positions of the ignition .........181
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................47
fog lamps ...................................42
headlamps .................................41
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....43
interior lamps .....................45–47
replacing bulbs .........................48
Liftgate ..................................73, 86
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........187
Load limits .................................169
Loading instructions .................175
Locks
autolock ...............................80, 82
childproof ..................................84
doors ..........................................80
Lubricant specifications ...........286
Lug nuts ....................................228
Luggage rack ...............................75
Lumbar support, seats ...............97
M
Message center ...........................66
english/metric button ...............70system check button ................69
warning messages .....................71
Mirrors ...................................58, 60
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................58
fold away ...................................61
heated ........................................61
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts ........250, 270, 285
N
Navigation system .......................33
O
Octane rating ............................274
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................258
Overdrive ...................................196
P
Parking brake ............................188
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....285
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................106
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................215
Power door locks ........................80
Power mirrors .............................60
Power point .................................56
Power steering ..........................193
fluid, refill capacity ................286
fluid, specifications .................286
Power Windows ...........................57
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
296

Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................194
R
Radio ............................................19
Relays ........................................211
Remote entry system ...........84–85
illuminated entry ................88–89
locking/unlocking doors .....85–86
opening the trunk .....................86
panic alarm ...............................86
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................87
replacing the batteries .............86
Reverse sensing system ...........199
Roadside assistance ..................208
Roof rack .....................................75
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........112
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ......104, 108–111
Safety Canopy ...........127–128, 130
Safety defects,
reporting ............................242–243
Safety restraints ........104, 108–112
Belt-Minder
...........................113
extension assembly ................112
for adults .........................109–111
for children .....................133–134
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................106
safety belt maintenance .........112
warning light and chime ........113
Safety seats for children ..........137Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................289
Satellite Radio (if equipped) .....19
Satellite Radio Information ........31
Seats ............................................95
child safety seats ....................137
heated ........................................99
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................91
Servicing your vehicle ..............252
Snowplowing .................................8
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................285, 288
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................286
Speed control ..............................61
Starting your
vehicle ........................181–182, 184
jump starting ..........................229
Steering wheel
controls ......................................64
tilting .........................................53
Stereo
CD-MP3 .....................................19
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................53
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....163
Tires ...................................148–149
alignment ................................156
care ..........................................152
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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