towing Mercury Monterey 2004 Owner's Manuals

Locks and Security 82
Keys 82
Locks 82
Anti-theft system 84
Seating and Safety Restraints 97
Seating 97
Safety restraints 116
Air bags 129
Child restraints 140
Driving 154
Starting 154
Brakes 157
Transmission operation 162
Vehicle loading 169
Trailer towing 172
Roadside Emergencies 177
Getting roadside assistance 177
Hazard flasher switch 178
Fuel pump shut-off switch 178
Fuses and relays 179
Changing tires 187
Jump starting 194
Wrecker towing 200
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
2

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers
to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust
themselves to other parts.
Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
5

Liftgate ajar Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from OFF to ON
Check left park lamp
Check right park lamp
Check left headlamp
Check fuel cap
Check right headlamp
Check left turn lamp
Washer fluid low
Check right turn lamp
Change oil soon
Check brake lamps
Check tires Warning returns upon another event
Turn signal on reminder
DRIVER’S DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side door is
not completely closed.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver’s rear door is not
completely closed.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side rear
door is not completely closed.
LIFTGATE AJAR.Displayed when the liftgate is not completely closed.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Check the transmission fluid and level. Refer toTransmission
fluidin theMaintenance and specificationschapter. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer for transmission
service as soon as possible.
PARK BRAKE SET.Displayed when the manual park brake is set. If
the warning stays on after the park brake is released, contact your dealer
as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your dealer as soon as possible.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
75

Stowing the third row seat
1. If the comfort guide is on the
center lap/shoulder belt, slip the
guide off the belt and stow the
guide in the pocket on the back of
the seat.
2. If you plan to carry very large
objects or items that might damage
the center lap/shoulder belt, detach
the belt from the seat. Use a key or
seat belt tongue to release the
buckle.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
109

Unstowing the third row seat
Ensure seat latching area is free of objects.
1. Lift the seat out of the tub in the
floor by pulling up on the exposed
strap or handle. Once seat is at a
vertical position, push the seat over,
letting it fall onto the latches.
2. To return the seat back to the
seating position, pull the number 1
strap, then while holding the
number 1 strap, pull the number 3
strap to raise the seat back.
3. Pull up on the head restraits to adjust them.
4. If the center lap/shoulder belt is detached, remove the belt from the
ceiling storage area just ahead of the liftgate opening and buckle the
tongue on the end of the belt to the mini-buckle on the left side of the
center seat.
Ensure seat is latched to vehicle floor by pushing/pulling on seat.
If not latched, the seat may cause injury during a sudden stop.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
113

2. To access the tailgate function,
the seat must be in the seating
position. If the seat is not in the
seating position, follow all the steps
of the‘Unstowing Seat Section’.
Once the seat is in the seating
position, release the cushion latches
by pulling the number 2 strap.
Then, pull the seat rearward by the
number 3 strap and set the seat on
the liftgate scuff plate. The number
1 strap is not used to access this
position.
Do not sit on the head restraints.
3. To return the seat, ensure seat
latching area is free of objects.
Then, raise the seat off the liftgate
scuff plate and push at the top of
the seat back to rotate the seat back
onto the latches. Pull up on the
head restraints to raise them.
Ensure seat is latched to vehicle floor by pushing/pulling on seat.
If not latched, the seat may cause injury during a sudden stop.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
115

Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTrac
include:
•Accelerating on a slippery surface
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Hitting a patch of ice
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Hitting a curb while turning
•Cornering at excessive speeds while towing a heavily loaded trailer
(refer toTrailer Towingin this chapter)
The AdvanceTrac
system automatically turns on when the engine is
started. However, the system does not function when the vehicle is
traveling in R (Reverse).
If you are operating the speed control system and road conditions
change causing the AdvanceTrac
to activate, the AdvanceTrac
will
disengage the speed control. When driving conditions permit, you can
return to speed control by pressing RESUME. Refer toSpeed controlin
theDriver controlschapter.
The AdvanceTrac
button allows
the driver to control the availability
of the AdvanceTrac
system.
AdvanceTrac
system status is
indicated by the TRAC OFF
indicator light in the instrument
cluster when the system is
deactivated.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac
system, the TRAC OFF
indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. CHECK
ADVANCETRAC will show in the message center display. Have the
vehicle system serviced immediately.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand,
switching off the AdvanceTrac
system may be beneficial so the wheels
are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac

stability enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will
enhance momentum through the obstacle.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
160

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
3 (Third)
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•Provides more engine braking than D (Drive).
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from D (Drive)
to other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
164

Cargo Weight–includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)–is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear)–including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)–is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the driver’s door or door pillar. The total load on each
axle must never exceed its GAWR.
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling, performance,
engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer Towingfound in
this chapter or the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided by your
dealership.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)–is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
170

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)–is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle (including all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo).
The GVWR is shown on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the driver’s
door or door pillar. The GVW
must never exceed the GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling, performance,
engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
GCW (Gross Combined Weight)–is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)–is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer–including all cargo and
passengers–that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers weighing more than 680 kg
[1,500 lbs]).The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight–is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
171