run flat Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2008 Owner's Manuals

In prolonged mountainous driving, you may see the engine tachometer
changing without your input. This is intentional and maintains the
battery charge level. You may also notice during extended downhill
driving that your engine continues to run instead of shutting off.
During this “engine braking”, the engine stays on, but it’s not using any
fuel. You may also hear a slight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicle servicing) your low voltage
(underhood) battery may become disconnected or disabled. When this
occurs, and after reconnecting the low voltage (underhood) battery and
driving the vehicle, the engine may continue to operate for 3-5 seconds
after the key is turned to the 1 (LOCK) position. This is a normal
condition, as the vehicle’s computers are relearning the operating
characteristics of your particular engine in order to operate it at
maximum efficiency.
Braking:Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy and stores it in your high
voltage battery.
You may hear a pumping sound when you unlock or enter the vehicle
and a venting sound a few minutes after shutting off the vehicle. This is
the hydraulic portion of your regenerative braking system charging and
discharging.
Driving to optimize fuel economy
Your fuel economy should improve throughout your hybrid’s break-in
period. As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be significantly impacted
by your driving habits and accessory usage. For best results, keep in
mind these tips:
Tire Inflation:Keep tires properly inflated and only use recommended
size.
Climate Control:Your hybrid is equipped with an “ECON” button that
offers a more fuel efficient operation of your automatic temperature
control system.
When activated, the “ECON” feature allows the engine to shut down at
low speeds or when your vehicle is stopped.
If cooler temperature is desired, the “ECON” button can be turned off,
for better interior cooling but lower fuel economy.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
8

Question Answer
Can you charge the battery with a
plug into an A/C outlet?There are no provisions for
charging the high voltage battery
from a power supply external to
the vehicle.
What is the purpose of the ECON
button?ECON mode may provide
improved fuel economy by
preventing the gasoline engine
from running for the sole purpose
of providing air conditioning. When
the engine turns off, the A/C
compressor does not operate and
warm air may come out of the
vents. In ECON mode, A/C
operates as normal when the
gasoline engine is running.
Can I tow the hybrid behind my
motor home with all four wheels
down?Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be
“flat-towed” without modification.
See theRecreational Towing
section in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more
information.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guidethat is provided to you along with yourOwner’s Guide.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
Please read the sectionAirbag supplemental restraint system
(SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter. Failure to
follow the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal
injury.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
13

Engine or motor electronic
coolant temperature:Illuminates
when the coolant temperature
exceeds the threshold. When the light is flashing or remains on, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to
Engine coolant and motor/electronics coolantin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
ABS active/Traction control
active (if equipped):Flashes
when the ABS system is active. If
the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately, refer
to theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains ON at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInspecting and Inflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. When the ignition is first turned to RUN, the light will
illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does
not turn ON or begins to flash, have the system inspected by your
authorized dealer. For more information on this system, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
21

Note:The use of a different tire can effect the fuel economy of your
vehicle.
The tire pressure monitoring sensors mounted in the wheels (originally
installed on your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket
wheels.
The use of wheels or tires not recommended by Ford Motor Company
may affect the operation of your Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do notrapidly
spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an
explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
160

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
31B — Injector relay
31C — Heater pump relay
31D — Coolant pump relay
31E — Not used
31F — Not used
32 — A/C clutch diode
33 — PCM diode
34 — Not used
35 5A* RUN/START
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.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
215

•Minimize temperature extremes when the vehicle is parked, for
example by storing in a garage to avoid extreme cold in winter and
extreme sun loads in summer. The high voltage battery operates more
efficiently in moderate temperatures.
•Combine errands. Your vehicle is more fuel efficient when the engine
is warm. Driving to your farthest destination first will warm the engine
more quickly and may improve fuel economy for the rest of the trip.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Keep wheels properly aligned.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•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 300 lb [136 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks, flags)
may reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on mountainous terrain.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
274

Remote entry system ...........89–90
illuminated entry ......................93
locking/unlocking doors .....90–91
opening the trunk .....................91
panic alarm ...............................91
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................92
replacing the batteries .............92
Reverse sensing system ...........196
Roadside assistance ..................205
Roof rack .....................................80
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........117
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................108, 112–116
Safety Canopy ...........132–133, 135
Safety defects, reporting ..241–242
Safety restraints ........108, 112–116
Belt-Minder...........................118
extension assembly ................117
for adults .........................113–115
for children .............................138
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................110
safety belt maintenance .........117
warning light and chime ........118
Safety seats for children ..........142
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................288
Satellite Radio Information ........35
Scheduled Maintenance
Guide .........................................292
General Maintenance
Information .............................292
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............297Special Operating
Conditions ...............................303
What Maintenance Schedule
Should You Follow? ................296
Seats ..........................................100
child safety seats ....................142
heated ......................................103
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................96
Servicing your vehicle ..............250
Snowplowing ...............................15
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................284, 287
Special notice
ambulance conversions ............15
utility-type vehicles ..................15
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................285
Speed control ..............................65
Starting your vehicle ........184–186
jump starting ..................227, 232
Steering wheel
controls ......................................68
tilting .........................................56
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................56
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....167
Tires ...................................152–154
alignment ................................161
care ..........................................157
changing ..........................218, 221
checking the pressure ............157
inflating ...................................155
label .........................................166
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
313