suspension Mercury Mountaineer 2000 Owner's Manuals

Four wheel drive high (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the START
position. Illuminates when
four-wheel drive high is engaged. If
the light continues to flash have the system serviced.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON or START position and any
door is open.
O/D off
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive controlin theControls
and Featureschapter, has been
pushed turning the transmission overdrive function OFF. When the light
is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode, refer to
theDrivingchapter for transmission function and operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control
Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
Check air suspension (if equipped)
Illuminates momentarily when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is OFF. The light
also illuminates when the air
suspension system requires servicing.
For information, refer toAir suspension systemin theDrivingchapter.
4WD
HIGH
DOOR
AJAR
O/D
OFF
CHECK
SUSP
Instrumentation
12

²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The load leveling feature of the air suspension automatically keeps the
vehicle at a constant level if a load is added or removed from the vehicle.
This system maintains the vehicle height at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs to offset
changes in vehicle loads.
When ever a door is opened (including the liftgate) the system
memorizes and maintains the height of the vehicle until all doors are
closed.
It is normal to hear a buzz or clicking from the air compressor on the
vehicle when the ignition is turned off. The system stays energized for 40
minutes after the ignition is turned off to compensate for any load
changes made after the vehicle is parked.
The air suspension shut-off switch is
located in the cargo area behind the
left rear quarter trim panel.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Driving
147

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the 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.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load limits.
Driving
165

The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
1 60A** I/P Fuse Panel
2 40A** Blower Motor Relay
3 50A** 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (4WABS)
Module
4 30A** Power Windows, Power Moon Roof, Power
Seat
5 50A** Ignition Switch, Starter Relay
6 20A** Transfer Case Relay
7 Ð Not Used
8 20A** Air Suspension
9 40A** Air Suspension
10 30A** PCM Power Relay
1 10A* A/C Relay
2 30A* Heated Seats
3 30A* Heated Backlight
4 15A* Fog Lamps and Daytime Running Lamps
5 Ð Not Used
5432110 9 8 7 612 11 10 9
876 5
432 1
14 15 13
211
9 6
10 87 5 41
2 3
175
MEGAFUSE
Roadside emergencies
179

Stowing the spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2. Slide the wheel under the vehicle
and install the retainer through the
wheel center.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle. The
jack handle ratchets when the tire is
raised to the stowed position. It will
not allow you to overtighten.
Tire change procedure
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the Air
Suspension switch prior to jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Refer to the instruction sheet for detailed tire change instructions.
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set the parking
brake.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
and turn engine OFF.
Roadside emergencies
182

When one of the rear wheels is off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the transmission is in P (Park).
3. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
4. Use the tip of the lug wrench to
remove any wheel trim.
5. Loosen each wheel lug nut, but
do not remove them until the wheel
is raised off the ground.
6. Turn OFF the air suspension
switch (if equipped). Refer toAir
suspension systemin theDriving
chapter.
7. Position the jack according to the
following guides and turn the jack
handle clockwise until the tire is a
maximum of 25 mm (1 inch) off the
ground.
Roadside emergencies
183

10. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
11. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.
12. Stow the flat tire, jack and lug
wrench. Make sure the jack is
fastened so it does not rattle when
you drive.
13. Turn ON the air suspension
switch (if equipped).
14. Unblock the wheels.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Do not push start your vehicle. You could damage the catalytic
converter.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes, and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability.
1
4 3
2 5
Roadside emergencies
185

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If equipped with air suspension, the air suspension control must be
turned to the OFF position.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground (without dollies) and the rear wheels off the ground.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a
wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the
ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company provides a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
191

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with ªhigh performanceº tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and care
216

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