warning Mercury Mountaineer 2003 s Owner's Guide

REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The RSS sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear
bumper when R (Reverse) is selected. The RSS will assist the driver in
detecting certain objects while:
•the vehicle is moving toward a stationary object at a speed of 5 km/h
(3 mph) or less.
•the vehicle is in R (Reverse) but not moving backward (the brake
pedal is depressed or the parking brake is applied), and a moving
object is approaching the rear of the vehicle at a speed of 5 km/h (3
mph) or less.
•the vehicle is moving in reverse at a speed of less than 5 km/h (3
mph) and a moving object is approaching the rear of the vehicle at a
speed of less than 5 km/h (3 mph).
The RSS is not effective at speeds greater than 5 km/h (3 mph) and may
not detect certain angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at“parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R
(Reverse) and when using the RSS.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Driving
153

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.
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
Maintenance and Specifications
234

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.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
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 theInstrument clusterchapter. 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”
Maintenance and Specifications
235

3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by a qualified technician.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
237

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
manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure should be
checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge, see
Checking the tire pressurein this chapter. Failure to properly
maintain your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire failure, loss
of control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Changing tires with TPMS
It is recommended that you always
have your tires serviced by a dealer
or qualified technician.Each tire is
equipped with a tire pressure
sensor mounted on the wheel
inside the tire behind the valve
stem. The tire pressure sensor
must be unbolted from the wheel prior to tire removal. The
sensor can be removed by loosening the nut at the valve stem.
Failure to remove the sensor may damage it.The rubber grommet
(washer) between the wheel and the tire pressure sensor needs to be
replaced when any tire is changed to minimize air leaks.
The tire pressure should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using
a tire gauge, refer toChecking the tire pressurein this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
242

A
Accessory delay ..........................55
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................120, 124
and child safety seats ............122
description ......................120, 124
disposal ....................................128
driver air bag ..................122, 126
indicator light .................124, 127
operation .........................122, 126
passenger air bag ...........122, 126
Air cleaner filter .......................243
Air conditioning ..........................32
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................155
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................219
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................146
Anti-theft system ........................94
arming the system ....................94
disarming a triggered system ..95
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................17, 21, 25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................150
fluid, adding ............................237
fluid, checking ........................237
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
fluid, specification ..................248
Auxiliary power point .................53
Axle
lubricant specifications ..246, 248
refill capacities ........................244
B
Battery .......................................217acid, treating emergencies .....217
jumping a disabled battery ....183
maintenance-free ....................217
replacement, specifications ...243
servicing ..................................217
BeltMinder .................................116
Brakes ........................................145
anti-lock ...................................146
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................146
fluid, checking and adding ....237
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
fluid, specifications .........246, 248
lubricant specifications ..246, 248
parking ....................................146
shift interlock ..........................148
C
Calculating load ........................157
Capacities for refilling fluids ....244
Cargo cover .................................80
Cassette tape player ...................17
CD-single premium ...............21, 25
Cell phone use ............................50
Certification Label ....................250
Changing a tire .........................176
Child safety restraints ..............129
child safety belts ....................129
Child safety seats ......................131
attaching with tether straps ..135
in front seat ............................133
in rear seat ..............................133
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............201
instrument panel ....................203
interior .....................................204
interior trim ............................204
Index
Index
256

I
Ignition .......................142, 248–249
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................131
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................235
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................203
cluster ........................................10
J
Jack ....................................176, 178
positioning .......................176, 180
storage .............................176–178
Jump-starting your vehicle ......183
K
Keyless entry system .................89
Keys
positions of the ignition .........142
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................41
daytime running light ...............37
fog lamps ...................................37
high beams ................................38
instrument panel, dimming .....38
interior lamps ...........................40
Liftgate ..................................79, 85
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........146
Limited-slip axle .......................155Load limits .................................156
GAWR ......................................156
GVWR ......................................156
trailer towing ..........................156
Loading instructions .................157
Locks
childproof ..................................84
doors ..........................................83
Lubricant specifications ...246, 248
Lumbar support, seats .............101
M
Manual transmission
lubricant specifications ..........248
Message center ...........................68
english/metric button ...............73
system check button ................72
warning messages .....................74
Mirrors .........................................53
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................52
fold away ...................................56
heated ........................................55
side view mirrors (power) .......55
Moon roof ....................................61
Motorcraft parts ................230, 243
O
Octane rating ............................228
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................212
P
Parking brake ............................146
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....243
Index
259

Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................56
Power adjustable foot pedals .....56
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................171
Power door locks ........................83
Power point .....................51, 53–54
Power steering ..........................147
fluid, checking and adding ....236
fluid, refill capacity ................244
fluid, specifications .........246, 248
Power Windows ...........................54
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................148
R
Radio ................................17, 21, 25
Rear window defroster ...............36
Relays ................................166, 174
Remote entry system .................85
illuminated entry ......................88
locking/unlocking doors ...........95
opening the trunk .....................85
Reverse sensing system ...........153
Roadside assistance ..................163
Roof rack .....................................81
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........119
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........108, 110–113, 115
Safety Canopy ...................124, 126
Safety defects, reporting ..........199
Safety restraints ........108, 110–115belt minder .............................116
extension assembly ................115
for adults .........................111–113
for children .....................128–129
safety belt maintenance .........119
warning light and
chime ...............................115–116
Safety seats for children ..........131
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............108
Seats ............................................97
child safety seats ....................131
heated ......................................101
memory seat .....................86, 100
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs,
specifications .............243, 248–249
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................246, 248
Speed control ..............................56
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......144
Starting your vehicle ........142, 144
jump starting ..........................183
Steering wheel
controls ......................................60
tilting .........................................49
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................49
Tire warning ..............................242
Tires ...........................176, 239, 242
changing ..........................176, 180
replacing ..................................180
snow tires and chains ............243
Index
260

spare tire .................176–177, 179
tire grades ...............................240
treadwear ................................239
Towing .......................................158
recreational towing .................162
trailer towing ..........................158
wrecker ....................................189
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................238
Transmission .............................148
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................237
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
lubricant specifications ..246, 248
Trunk ...........................................85
Turn signal ..................................40
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................249Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................251
Vehicle loading ..........................156
Ventilating your vehicle ...........145
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................211
Water, Driving through .............155
Windows
power .........................................54
rear wiper/washer .....................49
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................48
checking and adding fluid .....211
liftgate reservoir .....................211
replacing wiper blades .............49
Wrecker towing .........................189
Index
261