check transmission fluid Mercury Mariner 2008 Owner's Manuals

spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to
turnaround because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
205

The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines 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 the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle 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 warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). 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.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
281

1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
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 crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the crosshatch
zone may result in transaxle failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
282

Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Rear axle fluid (4X4)
5
2.4 pints (1.15L)
6
Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
fluid
(4X4)
7
12 ounces (0.35L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield washer fluid 2.7 quarts (2.6L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank16.5 gallons
(62.5L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level
should be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
V should only use MERCON
V fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON
/MERCON
V. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto
determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause transmission damage.54X4 vehicles exposed for prolonged periods to temperatures less than -40°F (-40°C) should
change out the rear axle fluid to Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, Ford part
number XY-75W140-QL meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.6Fill to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.7The Power Transfer Unit is lubricated for life with synthetic lube. Lubricant levels are not to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. Replace Power Transfer Unit
lubricant with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in water. Never engage
the 4X4 feature while on dry pavement.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
287

A
Accessory delay ..........................58
AdvanceTrac ..............................189
Air cleaner filter ...............283, 285
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................37
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................34
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........118, 127, 130
and child safety seats ............120
description ..............118, 127, 130
disposal ....................................133
driver airbag ............120, 128, 131
indicator light .........127, 129, 132
operation .................120, 128, 131
passenger airbag .....120, 128, 131
side airbag ...............................127
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................201
Ambulance packages ....................8
AM/FM .........................................19
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................264
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................187
Anti-theft system ........................91
Audio system (see Radio) .........19
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................281
fluid, checking ........................281
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................196
fluid, refill capacities ..............286
fluid, specification ..................286Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....27
Auxiliary power point .................56
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........286
refill capacities ........................286
B
Battery .......................................262
acid, treating emergencies .....262
jumping a disabled battery ....229
maintenance-free ....................262
replacement, specifications ...285
servicing ..................................262
Belt-Minder
.............................113
Booster seats .............................134
Brakes ................................186–187
anti-lock ...................................187
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............187
fluid, checking and adding ....281
fluid, refill capacities ..............286
fluid, specifications .................286
lubricant specifications ..........286
parking ....................................188
shift interlock ..........................194
Bulbs ............................................47
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....286
Cargo area shade ........................74
Cargo management system ........75
CD ................................................19
Cell phone use ..............................8
Child safety restraints ..............134
child safety belts ....................134
Child safety seats ......................137
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
293

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
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
294

changing ..........................221, 223
checking the pressure ............152
inflating ...................................150
label .........................................162
replacing ..................................154
rotating ....................................156
safety practices .......................155
sidewall information ...............158
snow tires and chains ............168
spare tire .........................219, 221
terminology .............................149
tire grades ...............................149
treadwear ........................148, 153
Towing .......................................175
recreational towing .................179
trailer towing ..........................175
wrecker ....................................234
Transmission .............................194
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....194
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................281
fluid, refill capacities ..............286
lubricant specifications ..........286
Turn signal ..................................45V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................289
Vehicle loading ..........................169
Ventilating your vehicle ...........184
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................256
Water, Driving through .............207
Windows
power .........................................57
rear wiper/washer .....................53
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................52
checking and adding fluid .....256
liftgate reservoir .....................256
replacing wiper blades ...257–258
Wrecker towing .........................234
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
298