trailer Mercury Mountaineer 2004 s User Guide

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:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500
miles (800 km).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter when figuring the total weight of your
vehicle.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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4x2
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weight
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-lbs.
(kg)Trailer weight
range-lbs. (kg)
(0-Maximum)
4.0L SOHC/4.6L*
Class II towing3.55 7700 (3493) 0–3125 (0–1417)
4.0L SOHC Class
III/IV Towing3.73 LS 10240 (4645) 0–5645 (0–2561)
4.6L* Class III/IV
Towing3.73/3.73 LS 11600 (5262) 0–7015 (0–3182)
Notes:- For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table and
instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer toVehicle
loadingin this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The
combined weight of the completed towing vehicle and the loaded
trailer must not exceed the GCWR.
*-When towing maximum loads under high outside temperatures and
on steep grades, the A/C system may cycle on and off to protect the
engine from overheating. This may result in a temporary increase of
interior temperatures.
Towing a trailer over 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg.) requires a weight
distributing hitch.
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4x4/AWD
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weight
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-lbs.
(kg)Trailer weight
range-lbs. (kg)
(0-Maximum)
4.0L SOHC Class
II towing3.55 8000 (3629) 0–3275 (0–1486)
4.6L* Class II
towing3.55 8000 (3629) 0–3295 (0–1495)
4.0L SOHC Class
III/IV Towing3.73 LS 10000 (4536) 0–5255 (0–2384)
4.6L* Class III/IV
Towing3.73/3.73 LS 11600 (5262) 0–6875 (0–3118)
Notes:- For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table and
instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer toVehicle
loadingin this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The
combined weight of the completed towing vehicle and the loaded
trailer must not exceed the GCWR.
*-When towing maximum loads under high outside temperatures and
on steep grades, the A/C system may cycle on and off to protect the
engine from overheating. This may result in a temporary increase of
interior temperatures.
Towing a trailer over 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg) requires a weight
distributing hitch.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue, not to exceed
the maximum tongue loads as stated:
•Class II receiver: 159 kg (350 lbs.)
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•Class III/IV receiver: 227 kg (500 lbs.) (weight carrying); 349 kg
(770 lbs.) (weight distributing)
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle’s taillamp
circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
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•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmissionsection in this
chapter.)
•Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gaugein theInstrument cluster
chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•
The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
23 15A Not used
24 15A Cigar lighter, OBD II
25 5A Mode-Temperature actuator for
auxiliary climate control, Trailer
tow battery charge relay coil,
TPMS
26 7.5A Reverse park aid, Brake shift
interlock, IVD switch
27 7.5A Automatic dimming mirror, Digital
transmission range sensor, Backup
lamps
28 5A Radio (Start)
29 10A Digital transmission range sensor,
PWR feed to fuse #28 (Start feed)
30 5A Daytime Running Lamps (DRL),
DEATC climate controller, Manual
climate control, Manual climate
control temp blend actuator
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The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
1 60A** PJB #1
2 30A** BSM
3 — Not used
4 30A** Rear defrost
5 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
pump
6 60A** Delayed accessory, Power
windows, Audio
7 20A** Power point #2
8 — Not used
9 20A** Power point #1
10 30A** ABS module (valves)
11 40A** Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
12 50A** Ignition relay, Starter relay
13 40A** Trailer tow battery charge, Trailer
tow turn signals
14 — Not used
15 15A* Memory (PCM/DEATC/Cluster),
Courtesy lamps
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
16 15A* Park lamps, Autolamp parklamps,
Front foglamps relay coil
17 — Not used
18 20A* PCM with two-speed 4x4 clutch
19 20A** High beam relay
20 30A** Trailer electric brake module
21 30A** Front wiper motor
22 20A** Low beam, Autolamp
23 30A** Ignition switch, PCM diode
24 — Not used
25 15A* Brake on-off
26 20A* Fuel pump
27 20A* Trailer tow park lamps, Trailer
tow back-up
28 20A* Horn relay
29 60A** PJB #2
30 20A** Rear wiper motor
31 — Not used
32 — Not used
33 30A** Auxiliary blower motor
34 30A** Passenger power seat, Adjustable
pedals (non-memory)
35 — Not used
36 40A** Blower motor
37 15A* A/C clutch relay, Transmission
38 15A* HEGO, VMV, CMS, ESM, CVS
39 15A* Injectors, Fuel pump relay coil
40 15A* PCM power
41 15A* Coil on plug (4.6L engine only),
Ignition coil (4.0L engine only)
42 10A* Right low beam
43 10A* Left low beam
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
44 15A* Front foglamps
45 2A* Brake pressure switch
(non-AdvanceTrac vehicles)
46 20A* High beams
47 — Horn relay
48 — Fuel pump relay
49 — High beam relay
50 — Front fog lamps relay
51 — Not used
52 — A/C clutch relay
53 — Trailer tow right turn relay
54 — Trailer tow left turn relay
55 — Blower motor relay
56 — Starter relay
57 — PCM relay
58 — Ignition relay
59 — Not used
60 — PCM diode
61 — A/C clutch diode
62 30A CB Power windows circuit breaker
* Mini Fuses ** Cartridge Fuses
Rear relay box
The relay box is located on the rear passenger side quarter trim panel.
See your dealer or a certified technician for service of this relay box.
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The relays are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay Location Description
Relay 14 Not used
Relay 15 Trailer tow back-up lamps
Relay 16 Not used
Relay 17 Not used
Relay 18 Not used
Relay 19 Trailer tow park lamps
Relay 20 Trailer tow battery charge
Relay 21 Not used
Relay 22 Not used
Relay 23 Not used
Diode 3 Not used
Diode 4 Not used
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