warning Mercury Mountaineer 2000 s Owner's Guide

2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
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.
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.
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 off the ignition 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 dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
Driving
149

Plain water may be added in an emergency, but youmustreplace it with
a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle the
next few times (with the engine cool). If necessary, add a50/50
mixtureof engine coolant and distilled water to the engine coolant
reservoir until the coolant level is at the ªcold fill levelº or within the
ªcold fill rangeº as listed on the reservoir (depending upon application).
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
To avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from being released from
the engine cooling system, never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is running or hot. Failure to follow this warning may result
in damage to the engine's cooling system and possible severe personal
injury.
If you must remove the radiator cap, follow these steps to avoid personal
injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A. Use of a recycled engine coolant which
does not meet the Ford specification may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Maintenance and care
203

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 ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, 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.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By law,
vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells,
leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle's emission system is on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the engine. This
decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
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 ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
Maintenance and care
225

Air bag supplemental
restraint system .................126,130
and child safety seats ............128
description .......................126,130
disposal ....................................133
driver air bag ...................128,131
indicator light ...............9,130,132
operation ..........................128,131
passenger air bag ............128,131
side air bag ..............................130
Air cleaner filter .......................237
Air conditioning ..........................22
automatic temperature
control system ..........................25
rear seat controls .....................31
Air suspension ...........................147
description ..............................147
warning light .............................12
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................159
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................200
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................144,145
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Armrests ......................................99
Audio system (see Radio) .........35
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ..........................149,152
fluid, adding ............................206
fluid, checking ........................206
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
fluid, specification ..................242
Auxiliary power point .................98
Axle
lubricant specifications ...240,242
refill capacities ........................237
traction lok ..............................162
Battery .......................................210acid, treating emergencies .....210
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....185
maintenance-free ....................210
replacement, specifications ...237
servicing ..................................210
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................122
Brakes ........................................144
anti-lock ............................144,145
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........10,145
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....199
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
fluid, specifications ..........240,242
lubricant specifications ...240,242
parking ....................................145
shift interlock ..........................148
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....237
Cargo area shade ......................100
Cargo cover ...............................100
CD changer .................................71
Certification Label ....................244
Child safety restraints ..............134
child safety belts ....................134
Child safety seats ......................135
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
tether anchorage hardware ...139
Cleaning your vehicle ...............231
engine compartment ..............232
exterior .............................232,234
exterior lamps .........................234
instrument panel ....................235
instrument panel lens ............235
interior ..............................234,235
mirrors .....................................236
plastic parts ............................234
safety belts ..............................235
Index
258

washing ....................................231
waxing .....................................232
wheels ......................................233
windows ..................................236
wiper blades ............................234
woodtone trim ........................236
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock ..................................41,51,64
Compass, electronic ....................86
calibration .................................88
set zone adjustment .................87
Console ........................................97
overhead ...............................83,84
rear ............................................98
Controls
power seat ...............................113
steering column ........................82
Coolant
checking and adding ..............200
refill capacities .................204,237
specifications ...................240,242
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................77
Customer Assistance ................171
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................252
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................245
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............251
Getting roadside assistance ...171
Getting the
service you need ....................245
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................256
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................248
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............251
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................21Defrost
rear window ..............................33
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................206
engine oil .................................195
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........240
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................209
Driving under special
conditions ...........................158,161
mud .....................157,158,160,161
sand ..................................158,160
snow and ice ......157,159,160,162
through water ...........158,161,165
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................185
Emission control system ..........224
Engine ........................................242
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................232
coolant .....................................200
idle speed control ...................210
lubrication
specifications ...................240,242
refill capacities ........................237
service points ...................194,195
starting after a collision .........172
Engine block heater .................142
Engine oil ..................................195
checking and adding ..............195
dipstick ....................................195
filter, specifications .........198,237
recommendations ...................198
refill capacities ........................237
specifications ...................240,242
Exhaust fumes ..........................143
Floor mats ...................................99
Fluid capacities .........................237
Index
259

Foglamps .....................................21
Four-Wheel
Drive vehicles ..................11,12,154
control trac ........................33,154
description .......................155,156
driving off road ................157,160
electronic shift ..........................33
preparing to
drive your vehicle ...................147
Fuel ............................................217
calculating fuel economy ..18,221
cap ...........................................220
capacity ...................................237
choosing the right fuel ...........219
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................224
detergent in fuel .....................220
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................217,220,221
filter, specifications .........221,237
fuel pump shut-off switch .....172
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........221
octane rating ....................219,242
quality ......................................219
running out of fuel .................220
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................217
Fuses ...................................174,175
Garage door opener ...............84,88
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............220
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................221
Gauges .........................................14
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................14
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................15trip odometer ............................15
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....162
calculating ...............................165
definition .................................162
driving with a heavy load ......162
location ....................................162
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............162
calculating ........................162,165
definition .................................162
driving with a heavy load ......162
location ....................................162
Hazard flashers .........................172
Head restraints .........................112
Headlamps ...................................21
aiming ......................................231
autolamp system .......................93
bulb specifications ..................230
daytime running lights .............21
flash to pass ..............................22
high beam ............................11,21
replacing bulbs .......................227
turning on and off ....................21
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................22
heating and air
conditioning system .................22
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see
Garage door opener) ...88,89,90,91
Hood ..........................................193
Ignition .......................................242
positions of the ignition ...........76
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................135
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................225
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................235
cluster ...................................8,235
Index
260

lighting up
panel and interior .....................22
location of components ..............8
Jump-starting your vehicle ......185
Keyless entry system ...............106
autolock ...................................107
keypad .....................................106
locking and unlocking doors ..107
programming entry code .......106
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........76
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................230
cargo lamps ...............................22
daytime running light ...............21
fog lamps ...................................21
headlamps .................................21
headlamps, flash to pass ..........22
instrument panel, dimming .....22
replacing
bulbs ............226,227,228,229,230
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................76
Liftgate ........................................99
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ..........................................9
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,145
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
fuel reset .....................................9
high beam .................................11
overdrive off ..............................12
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................80
turn signal indicator .................10Load limits .................................162
GAWR ......................................162
GVWR ......................................162
trailer towing ..........................162
Loading instructions .................164
Locks
autolock ...................................107
childproof ..................................96
doors ..........................................95
Lubricant specifications ....240,242
Lumbar support, seats .............115
Message center ...........................17
english/metric button ...............17
reset button ..............................18
system check button ................19
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................94
cleaning ...................................236
fold away ...................................97
heated ........................................97
side view mirrors (power) .......96
Moon roof ....................................85
Motorcraft parts .................221,237
Octane rating ............................219
Odometer .....................................15
Off-Road Driving .......................160
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................195
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................102
Parking brake ............................145
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....237
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................178
Power door locks ........................95
Power steering ..........................146
fluid, checking and adding ....205
fluid, refill capacity ................237
fluid, specifications ..........240,242
Preparing to
drive your vehicle .....................147
Radio ............................................35
Index
261

Relays ........................................174
Remote entry system ........101,102
illuminated entry ....................105
locking/unlocking doors .........102
panic alarm .............................102
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................104
replacing the batteries ...........104
Reverse sensing system .............33
Roof rack ...................................170
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ......................13,116,117
118,119,120,121
Safety defects, reporting ..........257
Safety restraints .................116,117
118,119,120,121
belt minder .............................122
cleaning the
safety belts .......................125,235
extension assembly ................121
for adults ............117,118,119,120
for children ......................133,134
warning light
and chime ...............10,13,121,122
Safety seats for children ..........135
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............116
Seats ..........................................112
child safety seats ....................135
cleaning ............................234,236
memory seat ...........................103
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ................109,110
Servicing your vehicle ..............192
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................237,242
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................240,242Speed control ..............................77
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle .........140,142
jump starting ..........................185
Steering wheel
controls ......................................82
tilting .........................................81
Tachometer .................................15
Tilt steering wheel ......................81
Tires .............................180,213,214
changing ....................180,181,182
checking the pressure ............214
replacing ..................................215
rotating ....................................214
snow tires and chains ............216
tire grades ...............................214
treadwear ................................213
Towing ................................165,214
recreational towing .................170
trailer towing ..........................165
wrecker ....................................191
Traction-lok rear axle ...............162
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................209
Transmission .............................148
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................206
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
lubricant specifications ...240,242
Trip odometer .............................15
Turn signal .............................10,76
Vehicle dimensions ...................242
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................244
Vehicle loading ..........................162
Ventilating your vehicle ...........143
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................200
Water, Driving through .............165
Windows
power .........................................94
Index
262