Gas Mercury Mountaineer 2002 s Owner's Guide

•Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
•Never wash a vehicle that is“hot to the touch”or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
•Always use a clean sponge or carwash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
•Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
•It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
•Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time.
•Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
•Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
Waxing
Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Do not use waxes that contain abrasives.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will“gray”or stain the parts over time.
Paint chips
Your dealer has touch-up paint and sprays to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jam) to
your dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
•Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
•Always read the instructions before using the products.
Maintenance and care
276

Running boards
Scuff plates
Seatback storage
Smoker’s package
Soft luggage cover
Tire step
Trailer hitch (Class III)
Trailer hitch bars and balls
Trailer hitch mounted bike carrier
Trailer hitch receiver cover
Trailer hitch wiring adaptor
Vehicle security systems
Wheel locks
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
All-weather floor mats
Cargo liners, interior
Carpet floor mats
Door edge guards
Front end covers (full and sport)
Front hood deflectors
Full vehicle cover
Locking gas cap
Molded splash guards
Rear-air deflector
Side window air deflectors
Skid plates
Tow hooks
Universal floor mats
Customer assistance
300

Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................222
Emission control system ..........266
Engine ........................................287
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................9
cleaning ...................................277
coolant .....................................240
fail-safe coolant ......................244
idle speed control ...................248
lubrication
specifications ..................285, 287
refill capacities ........................282
service points ..................232–233
starting after a collision .........205
Engine block heater .................172
Engine oil ..................................233
checking and adding ..............233
dipstick ....................................233
filter, specifications ........237, 282
recommendations ...................237
refill capacities ........................282
specifications ..................285, 287
Exhaust fumes ..........................173
F
Fail safe cooling ........................244
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....257
Floor mats ...................................99
Fluid capacities .........................282
Foglamps .....................................31
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................186
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................180
Fuel ............................................257calculating fuel
economy ............................22, 262
cap .....................................10, 261
capacity ...................................282
choosing the right fuel ...........259
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................266
detergent in fuel .....................261
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................257, 261, 263
filter, specifications ........262, 282
fuel pump shut-off switch .....205
gauge .........................................17
improving fuel economy ........262
octane rating ...................260, 287
quality ......................................260
running out of fuel .................261
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................257
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................257, 259–260
Fuses ..................................206–207
G
Garage door opener ..............86, 88
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......10, 261
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................262
Gauges .........................................14
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........17
fuel gauge ..................................17
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................16
trip odometer ............................16
Index
306