warning Mercury Mountaineer 2002 s Owner's Guide

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 the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key 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 5–speed automatic transmission
Your automatic transmission electronically controls the shift feel by using
an adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to increase
durability, and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. It
is normal for a new transmission to shift firmly. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Once the vehicle is at operating temperature it may take
several shifts at the same operating condition for the transmission to
properly adapt. Over time the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. The more varied the driving habits, speed and
torque, the longer it may take to adapt but the more complete the
process will be.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Understanding gearshift positions
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
183

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.
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.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid“over-driving”your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking. Use all
available road surface to return the vehicle to a safe direction of
travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Driving
188

Do not replace your tires with“high performance”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.
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (if equipped)
The tire pressure monitoring system provides the driver with a warning
message indicating when tire pressure is severely low or high. This
system is a supplement to normal tire maintenance including regular
manual inspections. The device will inform the operator of severe low or
high inflation pressures, but may not illuminate for less severe
discrepancies in inflation pressure.
The system uses radio-frequency pressure sensors to monitor the tire
pressure on all tires including the spare. The sensors transmit the tire
pressure readings to the receiver module located in the vehicle. The
receiver module then transmits the status to the message center. For
more tire warning information, refer to theMessage Centerin the
Driver controlschapter.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a substitute for
checking tire pressure. The tire pressure should be checked
periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge, seeChecking the
tire pressurein this chapter. Failure to properly maintain your tire
pressure could increase the risk of tire failure and the potential for
personal injury.
Maintenance and care
255

Per Gallon (MPG) and your driving range to decrease by about 30%
compared to gasoline operation.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
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:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have 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“Check Engine”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.
Maintenance and care
266

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 yourWarranty Guidefor 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“Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon”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“Check Engine/Service Engine Soon”light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and care
267

A
ABS(see Brakes) .....................174
Accessory delay ..........................94
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................149–150, 154
and child safety seats ............152
description ......................150, 154
disposal ....................................157
driver air bag ..................152, 155
indicator light ...........10, 154, 157
operation .........................152, 155
passenger air bag ...........152, 155
Air cleaner filter .......................282
Air conditioning ..........................36
automatic temperature
control system ..........................40
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................49
rear seat controls .....................51
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................186
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................240
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................174–175
Anti-theft system ......................113
arming the system ..................114
disarming a triggered
system .....................................115
Audio system (see Radio) ...54, 63
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................183
fluid, adding ............................247
fluid, checking ........................247
fluid, refill capacities ..............282fluid, specification ..................287
Auxiliary power point .................98
Axle
lubricant specifications ..285, 287
refill capacities ........................282
B
Battery .......................................248
acid, treating emergencies .....248
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....222
maintenance-free ....................248
replacement, specifications ...282
servicing ..................................248
voltage gauge ............................16
BeltMinder .................................143
Brakes ........................................174
anti-lock ...........................174–175
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................11, 175
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....239
fluid, refill capacities ..............282
fluid, specifications .........285, 287
lubricant specifications ..285, 287
parking ....................................176
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................33
shift interlock ..........................181
Break-in period .............................3
Bulbs ..........................................268
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....282
Cargo cover ...............................100
CD-single premium .....................54
Certification Label ....................289
Index
304

Changing a tire .........................216
Child safety restraints ..............158
child safety belts ....................158
Child safety seats ......................161
attaching with tether straps ..166
in front seat ............................163
in rear seat ......................163, 165
Cleaning your vehicle ...............275
engine compartment ..............277
instrument panel ....................279
interior .....................................279
plastic parts ............................278
washing ....................................275
waxing .....................................276
wheels ......................................277
wiper blades ............................279
woodtone trim ........................279
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clock ......................................61, 74
Compass, electronic ....................17
calibration .................................19
set zone adjustment ...........18, 21
Console ........................................97
overhead ....................................85
rear ............................................98
Controls
power seat ...............................121
steering column ........................84
Coolant
checking and adding ..............240
refill capacities ................244, 282
specifications ..................285, 287
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................78
Customer Assistance ................204
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .............................281, 298Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................291
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............297
Getting roadside assistance ...204
Getting the service you
need .........................................291
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................301
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................294
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................297
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................31
Defrost
rear window ..............................53
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................247
engine oil .................................233
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........285
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................248
Driving under special
conditions ..........................187, 190
sand .........................................189
snow and ice ...........................191
through water .................189, 196
E
Electronic message center .........19
Index
305

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................194
calculating ...............................196
definition .................................194
driving with a heavy load ......194
location ....................................194
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................194
calculating .......................194, 196
definition .................................194
driving with a heavy load ......194
location ....................................194
H
Hazard flashers .........................205
Head restraints .................120, 125
Headlamps ...................................31
aiming ......................................274
autolamp system .......................33
bulb specifications ..................273
daytime running lights .............31
flash to pass ..............................32
high beam ...........................12, 32
replacing bulbs .......................268
turning on and off ....................31
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................36
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................36
rear seat controls .....................51
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage door
opener) ...................... 88–89, 91–92
Hood ..........................................230
I
Ignition .................................78, 287Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................161
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................267
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................279
cluster ..........................................8
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................32
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ....................................216–217
positioning .......................216, 218
storage .....................216–217, 221
Jump-starting your vehicle ......222
K
Keyless entry system ...............107
autolock ...................................111
keypad .....................................107
locking and unlocking doors ..110
programming entry code .......108
Keys ...................................116–118
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........78
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................33
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................273
cargo lamps ...............................32
daytime running light ...............31
fog lamps ...................................31
headlamps .................................31
headlamps, flash to pass ..........32
instrument panel, dimming .....32
Index
307

interior lamps ...........................87
replacing bulbs .......268, 270–273
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................77
Liftgate ................................99, 103
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
AdvanceTrac .............................12
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....11, 175
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................11
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar
....................................12
engine oil pressure
...................11
fuel cap light
.............................10
high beam
.................................12
low washer fluid
.......................12
overdrive off
..............................13
safety belt
.................................10
service engine soon
....................9
speed control
............................82
turn signal indicator
.................12
Limited-slip axle
.......................194
Load limits
.................................194
GAWR
......................................194
GVWR
......................................194
trailer towing
..........................194
Loading instructions
.................196
Locks
autolock
...................................111
childproof
..................................96
doors
..........................................95
Lubricant specifications
...285, 287
Lumbar support, seats
.............124M
Manual transmission
lubricant specifications ..........287
Message center .....................19–20
english/metric button ...............25
system check button ................25
warning messages .....................25
Mirrors .........................................93
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................92
fold away ...................................97
heated ........................................97
side view mirrors (power) .......96
Moon roof ....................................86
Motorcraft parts ................262, 282
O
Octane rating ............................260
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................233
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................103
Parking brake ............................176
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....282
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................33
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................211
Power door locks ........................95
Power mirrors .............................96
Power point .................................98
Power steering ..........................180
Index
308

fluid,checking and adding ....246
fluid, refill capacity ................282
fluid, specifications .........285, 287
Power Windows ...........................93
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................180
R
Radio ......................................54, 63
Radio reception .....................76–77
Rear window defroster ...............53
Relays ................................206, 214
Remote entry system .......101, 103
illuminated entry ....................106
locking/unlocking
doors ................................102, 113
opening the trunk ...................103
panic alarm .............................103
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................105
replacing the batteries ...........104
Reverse sensing system .............33
Roadside assistance ..................204
Roof rack ...................................202
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....13, 133, 135–138, 142
Safety Canopy ...................154–155
Safety defects, reporting ..........303
Safety restraints .......133, 135–138,
141–142
belt minder .............................143
cleaning the safety belts ........149
extension assembly ................142
for adults .........................136–138for children .............................158
lap belt ....................................139
warning light and
chime ...........................10, 13, 143
Safety seats for children ..........161
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................133
Seats ..........................................120
child safety seats ....................161
heated ......................................124
memory seat ...................103, 123
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................116–118
Servicing your vehicle ..............229
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs, specifications ......282,
287
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................285, 287
Speed control ..............................78
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ........169, 171
jump starting ..........................222
Steering wheel
controls ..........................78, 82, 84
tilting .........................................82
T
Tachometer .................................16
Tire warning ..............................255
Tires ...................216, 251–253, 255
changing ..........................216, 218
checking the pressure ............253
Index
309