charging Mercury Mountaineer 1999 Owner's Manuals

High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer toSecuriLockypassive
anti-theft systemin theControls
and featureschapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Check gage
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high, the engine oil
pressure is low or the fuel gauge is
at or near empty. The ignition must
be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also
illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position. Refer toEngine coolant temperature gauge, Engine oil
pressure gaugeorFuel gaugein this chapter for more information.
Four wheel drive low (if equipped)
This light momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to ON.
Illuminates when four-wheel drive
low is engaged. If the light continues
to flash have the system serviced.
THEFT
CHECK
GAGE
4WD
LOW
Instrumentation
9

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
Maintenance and care
206

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the charging system warning light, ªCheck Engineº light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Maintenance and care
221

Exhaust fumes ..........................142
Floor mats .................................103
Four-Wheel Drive
vehicles ..............................9,10,152
control trac .............................152
description ................153,154,155
driving off road ................155,158
electronic shift ..........................32
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........214
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................220
detergent in fuel .....................215
filling your vehicle with fuel....213,
216
gauge .........................................15
quality ......................................215
running out of fuel .................216
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................213
Fuses ............................170,171,172
Gas mileage (see
Fuel economy) .....217,218,219,220
Gauges .........................................11
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................12
engine oil pressure gauge ........14
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................162
Hazard flashers .........................169
Headlamps
aiming ......................................227
autolamp system ..................97,98
bulb specifications ..................226
high beam ..............................9,20
warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................21
heating and air conditioning
system .............................21,22,23
Hood ..........................................192
Ignition .......................................237Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................222
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................231
Keyless entry system
autolock ............................109,110
keypad .....................................111
locking and unlocking doors ..112
programming entry
code ..................................111,112
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
positions of the ignition ...........80
Lamps
daytime running light ...............20
fog lamps ...................................20
headlamps .................................20
headlamps, flash to pass ..........21
instrument panel, dimming .....21
replacing bulbs ................222,223
,224,225,226
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................80
Liftgate ......................................103
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................7
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
check coolant ..............................9
cruise indicator .........................10
door ajar ....................................10
fuel reset .....................................7
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................8
speed control ............................84
turn signal indicator ...................8
Locks
childproof ................................100
Lumbar support, seats .............116
Message center ......................15,16
Index
243