four wheel drive Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2007 s User Guide

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning the
wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through 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.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
2007 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
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Do not descend a hill in N (Neutral)
and avoid sudden hard braking as
you could lose control.
Since 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. 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 theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
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 durable load carrying capability and predictable
performance whether loaded or empty. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
2007 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
216

Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............69
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................23, 27
Console ........................................84
Controls
power seat ...............................120
Coolant
checking and adding ......272–274
refill capacities ................277, 295
specifications ..........................295
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................88
Customer Assistance ................218
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................252
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................253
Getting roadside assistance ...218
Getting the service you
need .........................................248
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................253
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................251
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................73
Defrost
rear window ..............................70
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................289
engine oil .................................267
Driving under special
conditions ..................208, 213, 215sand .........................................214
snow and ice ...........................216
through water .................214, 217
E
Electronic message center .........92
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..................240, 244
Emission control system ..........285
Engine ........................................297
cleaning ...................................256
idle speed control ...................270
lubrication specifications .......295
refill capacities ........................295
service points ..........................265
Engine block heater .................202
Engine oil ..................................267
checking and adding ..............267
dipstick ....................................267
filter, specifications ........269, 293
recommendations ...................269
refill capacities ........................295
specifications ..........................295
Exhaust fumes ..........................201
F
Fluid capacities .........................295
Foglamps .....................................73
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................211
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................205
Fuel ............................................278
calculating fuel
economy ............................93, 283
cap ...........................................280
capacity ...................................295
2007 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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