brakes Mercury Montego 2007 s User Guide

3. Locate the white plastic cover at
the front driver side of the gearshift
lever. Locate the screw which
attaches this cover and remove
using a screwdriver. Remove the
cover by tilting forward while
pulling up and out of the gearshift
assembly.
4. Locate the silver button in the driver side front area of the gearshift
assembly. Press and hold the silver button while moving the gearshift
lever out of P (Park) into N (Neutral).
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the Continuously Variable
Transaxle (CVT) (if equipped)
The CVT is a fully automatic transaxle that electronically monitors
vehicle system inputs and outputs and driver demands to select the
desired drive ratio. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles,
the CVT continually adjusts the optimum overall drive ratio between
engine and drive wheels for all operating conditions.
As traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles shift up or down in
gears, this shifting in gear ratios is noticeable by increasing and
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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 authorized dealer.
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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gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If your vehicle is equipped with a 6–speed transmission:When
driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures,
use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.Do not perform this
operation if your vehicle is equipped with an
electronically-controlled CVT.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
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 AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
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, AWD system components or axles 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 and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
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.
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“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.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
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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 theBrakessection 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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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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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 your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking automatic transaxle fluid—CVT transaxle
Do not use supplemental transaxle fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials or transaxle fluids
other than the recommended fluid, may affect transaxle operation
and result in damage to internal transaxle components.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid 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, takes more than a couple of seconds
to engage into Drive/Reverse or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
It is recommended that an authorized dealer check fluid level and
add fluid if required.
If your transaxle has a low fluid condition sufficient to affect proper
operation the transaxle control module will send a signal to illuminate
the
on the instrument panel.
As long as the transaxle engages normally to drive or reverse, it is safe
to drive but if the
illuminates the vehicle should be taken to your
authorized dealer for evaluation as soon as possible.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ..........................67
Air cleaner filter .......................265
Air conditioning ....................46, 48
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................127, 136, 138
and child safety seats ............129
description ..............127, 136, 138
disposal ....................................141
driver airbag ............129, 137, 139
indicator light .................135, 141
operation .................129, 137, 139
passenger airbag .....129, 137, 139
side airbag ...............................136
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................190
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................245
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................180–181
Anti-theft system ..............100, 104
arming the system ..................104
disarming a triggered
system .....................................105
triggering .................................105
Audio system
(see Radio) ............................16, 21
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ....................262–263
fluid, checking ................262–263
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specification ..................266
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................185, 187
B
Battery .......................................243acid, treating emergencies .....243
jumping a disabled battery ....213
maintenance-free ....................243
replacement, specifications ...265
servicing ..................................243
BeltMinder
...............................123
Brakes ........................................180
anti-lock ...........................180–181
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................181
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specifications .................266
lubricant specifications ..........266
parking ....................................181
shift interlock ..........................184
Bulbs ............................................56
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....266
Cargo net .....................................87
Cassette tape player ...................16
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................206
Child safety restraints ..............142
child safety belts ....................142
Child safety seats ......................145
attaching with tether straps ..149
in front seat ............................146
in rear seat ..............................146
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............229
instrument panel ....................231
interior .....................................232
interior trim ............................232
plastic parts ............................230
washing ....................................228
waxing .....................................228
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Keys ...........................................102
positions of the ignition .........177
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................52
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
daytime running light ...............54
fog lamps ...................................53
headlamps .................................52
headlamps, flash to pass ..........53
instrument panel, dimming .....54
interior lamps .....................56–57
replacing bulbs ...................57, 60
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................56
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........181
Load limits .................................168
Locks
autolock .....................................88
childproof ..................................91
doors ..........................................88
Lubricant specifications ...........266
Lug nuts ....................................213
Lumbar support, seats .............107
M
Message center ...........................78
english/metric button ...............83
system check button ................83
warning messages .....................83
Mirrors .........................................67
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................67
fold away ...................................68
heated ........................................68side view mirrors (power) .......67
Moon roof ....................................72
Motorcraft parts ........233, 251, 265
N
Navigation system .......................30
O
Octane rating ............................254
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................239
P
Parking brake ............................181
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....265
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................115
Power adjustable foot pedals .....68
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................203
Power door locks ........................88
Power mirrors .............................67
Power point .................................64
Power steering ..........................183
fluid, checking and adding ....261
fluid, refill capacity ................266
fluid, specifications .................266
Power Windows ...........................65
R
Radio ......................................16, 21
Relays ........................................200
Remote entry system .................93
illuminated entry ................97–98
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