steering wheel Mercury Montego 2005 s User Guide

Basic operating principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control
, it may be beneficial
to disengage the Traction Control
system while attempting to rock the
vehicle.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
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If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•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.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power
the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain
and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle
cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
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Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transaxle damage.
AWD 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 an AWD 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, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to the Brakes section of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
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 rollover 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 or luggage racks).
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-highway usage.
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Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
5A Tan Tan — — —
7.5A Brown Brown — — —
10A Red Red — — —
15A Blue Blue — — —
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural — — —
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A — — Orange Green Green
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue Yellow Yellow
80A — — Natural Black Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel/Smart Junction Box (SJB)
The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
The fuses are coded as follows.
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Roadside Emergencies
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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 AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth, or use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•Avoid cleaners or polish 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.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•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.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
air bags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
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Cleaning
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Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to
the description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four 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.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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MERCURY ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Genuine Mercury Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Mercury or Ford of Canada dealer.
These quality accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your
automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style
and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory
is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Mercury’s
rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will
repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Genuine Mercury
Accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that Genuine Mercury Accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle’s Limited Warranty — 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km)
(whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a copy of
the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Following is a list of several Genuine Mercury Accessory products. Not
all accessories are available for all models. To find out what accessories
are available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our
online store at: www.mercuryaccessories.com.
Exterior style
Bug shields
Deflectors
Spoilers
Splash guards
Front end cover
Interior style
Electrochromic compass/temperature/Homelink interior mirrors
Floor mats
Interior trim kits
Leather wrapped steering wheels
Scuff plates
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washing ....................................207
waxing .....................................207
wheels ......................................208
wiper blades ............................209
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......26, 28
Clock ............................................43
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................20
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................59
Console ........................................68
overhead ....................................43
Controls
power seat .................................90
steering column ........................51
Coolant
checking and adding ..............222
refill capacities ................227, 242
specifications ..................245, 247
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................48
Cupholder(s) ...............................93
Customer Assistance ................182
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................211
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................204
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................205
Getting roadside assistance ...182
Getting the service
you need .................................198
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................206
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................201
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............204D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................239
engine oil .................................216
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........245
Driving under special
conditions ..........................176, 179
sand .........................................177
snow and ice ...........................180
through water .................178, 181
E
Electronic message center .........57
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................191
Emission control system ..........236
Engine ........................................247
cleaning ...................................208
coolant .....................................222
idle speed control ...................220
lubrication
specifications ..................245, 247
refill capacities ........................242
service points ..........................215
starting after a collision .........183
Engine block heater .................165
Engine oil ..................................216
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................216
checking and adding ..............216
dipstick ....................................216
filter, specifications ........219, 241
recommendations ...................219
refill capacities ........................242
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Reverse sensing system ...........173
Roadside assistance ..................182
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........106
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .94, 97–101
Safety Canopy ...........................116
Safety defects, reporting ..........206
Safety restraints ............94, 97–101
belt minder .............................102
extension assembly ................106
for adults ...........................98–100
for children .....................119–120
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................95
safety belt maintenance .........106
warning light and chime ........101
Safety seats for children ..........122
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............94
Seats ............................................87
child safety seats ....................122
front seats .....................87, 89, 91
heated ........................................28
memory seat .......................75, 91
Servicing your vehicle ..............213
Setting the clock
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................20
Spare tire (see
Changing the Tire) ...........135, 138
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................241, 247
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................245, 247
Speed control ..............................48Starting your
vehicle ........................162–163, 165
jump starting ..........................191
Steering wheel
controls ......................................51
tilting .........................................42
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................42
Tires ...........................130–131, 135
alignment ................................149
care ..........................................147
changing ..........................135, 138
checking the pressure ............133
inspecting and inflating .........132
label .........................................147
replacing ..................................134
rotating ....................................149
safety practices .......................148
sidewall information ...............142
snow tires and chains ............151
spare tire .................................136
terminology .............................131
tire grades ...............................131
treadwear ........................130, 147
Towing .......................................158
recreational towing .................161
trailer towing ..........................158
wrecker ....................................196
Traction control ........................167
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............242
lubricant specifications ..........247
Transmission .............................169
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....169
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................239
lubricant specifications ..........245
Trunk ...........................................71
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