towing Mercury Mariner 2011 s Owner's Guide

Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Emergency towing
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle (regardless of transmission powertrain configuration) can be flat
towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•Vehicle is facing forward so that it is being towed in a forward
direction.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral). Refer toBrake-shift interlock
in theDrivingchapter for specific instructions if you cannot move the
gear shift lever into N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is not to exceed 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
Roadside Emergencies
267
2011 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
Maintenance and Specifications
311
2011 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick blade. Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Checking transmission fluid level for recreational flat tow
operation
Before recreational flat towing your vehicle, the transmission fluid level
may need to be set to a lower level. These guidelines are designed to
prevent damage to your transmission. Before you recreational flat tow,
your fluid level must be verified by an authorized dealer.
This fluid level is within the normal
operating fluid range and does not
require that you have your fluid
level readjusted after recreational
flat tow operation.
See theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information on
recreational flat towing.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraftpart numbersin this chapter.
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
Maintenance and Specifications
316
2011 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (U.S. ONLY)
More than 30 million Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury owners have discovered
the powerful protection of Ford ESP. It is the only extended service plan
backed by Ford Motor Company, and provides “peace of mind”
protection beyond the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage.
Up to 500+ Covered Vehicle Components
There are four, new-vehicle Extended Service Plans with different levels
of coverage. Ask your dealer for details.
PremiumCare –Our most comprehensive coverage. With over 500
covered components, this plan is so complete that we generally only
discuss what’s not covered!
ExtraCare –Covers 113 components, and includes many high-tech
items.
BaseCare –Covers 84 components.
PowertrainCare –Covers 29 critical components.
Ford ESP is honored by all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Dealers in
the U.S. and CanadaIt’s the only extended service plan authorized and
backed by Ford Motor Company. That means you get:
•Reliable, quality service anywhere you go.
•Factory-trained technicians.
•Genuine Ford and MotorcraftParts.
Rental car reimbursement
If your vehicle is kept overnight for covered repairs,you are
eligible for rental car coverage, including Bumper-to-Bumper warranty
repairs, or manufacturer’s recalls.
Transferable coverage
If you sell your vehicle before your Ford ESP coverage expires, you can
transfer any remaining coverage to the new owner. Whenever you’re
ready to sell your car, prospective buyers may feel better about taking a
risk on your used vehicle. Ford ESP may add resale value!
Plus,exclusive 24/7 roadside assistance,including:
•Towing, flat-tire change and battery jump starts.
•Out-of-fuel and lock-out assistance.
•Travel expense reimbursement for lodging, meals and rental car.
•Destination assistance for taxi, shuttle, rental car coverage and
emergency transportation.
Ford Extended Service Plan
330
2011 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY)
You can get more protection for your vehicle by purchasing a Ford
Extended Service Plan (ESP). Ford ESP is the only service contract
backed by Ford Motor Company. Depending on the plan you purchase,
Ford ESP provides benefits such as:
•Rental reimbursement
•Coverage for certain maintenance and wear items
•Protection against repair costs after your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty Coverage expires
•Roadside Assistance benefits
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford Motor Company
dealership. There are several Ford ESP plans available in various time,
distance and deductible combinations. Each plan is tailored to fit your
own driving needs, including reimbursement for towing and rental.
When you purchase Ford ESP, you receive peace-of-mind protection
throughout Canada and the United States, provided by a network of Ford
Motor Company dealers.
For more information, visit your local Ford of Canada dealer or
www.ford.ca to find the Ford Extended Service Plan that is right for you.
NOTE:Repairs performed outside of Canada and the United States are
not eligible for Ford ESP coverage. This information is subject to change.
Ford Extended Service Plan
333
2011 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicleprimarilyin one of the
more demandingSpecial Operating Conditionslisted below, you will
need to have some items maintained more frequently. If you only
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required– Change engine oil and replace oil filter as indicated by
message center and perform services as listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart.
Inspect frequently, service as
required.– Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
– See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80 and
TorqShifttransmissions).
– Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
– Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
347
2011 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

What Maintenance Schedule
Should You Follow? ................336
Seats ..........................................109
child safety seats ....................156
cleaning ...................................282
heated ......................................114
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................103
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................105
Servicing your vehicle ..............284
Setting the clock .........................26
Snowplowing .................................6
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............151
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................320, 324
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............6
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................321
Speed control ..............................73
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......209
Starting your
vehicle ........................206–207, 209
jump starting ..........................263
Steering wheel
controls ......................................75
tilting .........................................64
Stereo
CD-MP3 .....................................26
SYNC..........................................43
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................64Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....187
Tires ...........................171–173, 251
alignment ................................180
care ..........................................176
changing ..................251, 254, 256
checking the pressure ............176
inflating ...................................174
label .........................................186
replacing
..................................177
rotating
....................................180
safety practices
.......................179
sidewall information
...............181
snow tires and chains
............192
spare tire
.........................252, 254
terminology
.............................173
tire grades
...............................172
treadwear
........................172, 176
Towing
.......................................200
recreational towing
.................204
trailer towing
..........................200
wrecker
....................................266
Transmission
.............................222
brake-shift interlock (BSI)
....221
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)
.............................314
fluid, refill capacities
..............321
lubricant specifications
..........321
Trunk
...........................................86
Turn signal
..................................55
U
Universal garage door opener
....77
USB port
......................................36
Index
361
2011 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................325
Vehicle loading ..........................192
Ventilating your vehicle ...........210
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................287Water, Driving through .............241
Windows
power .........................................70
rear wiper/washer .....................64
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................63
checking and adding fluid .....287
liftgate reservoir .....................287
replacing wiper blades ...........288
Wrecker towing .........................266
Index
362
2011 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)