warning light Mercury Mountaineer 2005 s Owner's Guide

Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Brake Assist (if equipped as part of the AdvanceTracsystem)
The Brake Assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and
maximizes the amount of brake booster assist, helping the driver to
achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake application is
detected, the system will remain activated as long as the brake pedal is
depressed. The system is deactivated by releasing the brake pedal.
When the system activates, the brake pedal will travel with very little
effort; this is normal.P!
BRAKE
ABS
P!
BRAKE
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
199

Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTrac
include:
•Taking a turn too fast.
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle.
•Hitting a patch of ice.
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road.
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa.
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa.
•Driving on slick surfaces.
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.)
Roll Stability Control System (if equipped)
The Roll Stability Control system works in conjunction with the
AdvanceTrac
system to further enhance the vehicle’s overall stability
during aggressive maneuvers. The system helps maintain roll stability of
the vehicle during aggressive maneuvers by applying brake force to one
or more wheels.
Driving conditions that may activate Roll Stability Control include:
•Emergency lane-change
•Taking a turn too fast
•Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
The AdvanceTrac
/Roll Stability Control system automatically turns on
when the engine is started. However, the system does not function when
the vehicle is traveling in R (Reverse). In R (Reverse), ABS and the
traction enhancement feature will continue to function.
The AdvanceTrac
/Roll Stability
Control button allows the driver to
control the availability of the
AdvanceTrac
/Roll Stability Control
system. AdvanceTrac
/Roll Stability
Control system status is indicated by a warning indicator light with a
“sliding car” icon in the instrument cluster that will flash when the
system is active and an indicator light in the control button that will
illuminate when the system is turned off. In vehicles with a message
center, the message “ADVANCETRAC OFF” will be displayed.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac
/Roll Stability Control system,
the warning indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. If the
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
202

warning indicator light in the instrument cluster remains on while the
engine is running, have the system serviced immediately.
Pressing the control once will disable the AdvanceTrac
stability
enhancement/Roll Stability Control and the engine power reduction
portion of the traction enhancement feature; the brake portion of the
traction enhancement feature will still function normally. Pressing and
holding the control for more than five seconds will disable the
AdvanceTrac
stability enhancement/Roll Stability Control and traction
enhancement feature. If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when
driving in deep sand, switching off the AdvanceTrac
system may be
beneficial so the wheels are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose
engine power while driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off
the AdvanceTrac
stability enhancement feature will restore full engine
power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTrac
performs a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac
/Roll
Stability Control operation you may experience the following:
•A rumble or grinding noise
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The AdvanceTrac
indicator light will flash
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac
/Roll Stability
Control operation.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac
/Roll Stability Control system.
Note:Pressing the AdvanceTrac
button will disable AdvanceTrac
and
Roll Stability Control.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a AdvanceTrac
/Roll
Stability Control event is an indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
203

Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
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 minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) 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.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
209

If your vehicle gets stuck
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.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). 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 which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. 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.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
213

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
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.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
281

3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
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 yourCheck engine/Service engine
soonlight is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight 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.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCON
AT F.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
282

A
Accessory delay ..........................62
AdvanceTrac ..............................201
Air cleaner filter ...............284–286
Air conditioning ..........................39
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........130–131, 135
and child safety seats ............132
description ......................131, 135
disposal ....................................138
driver airbag ....................133, 136
indicator light .................135, 137
operation .........................133, 136
passenger airbag .............133, 136
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................211
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................265
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................199
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 21, 25, 30
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................207
fluid, adding ............................284
fluid, checking ........................284
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specification ..................292
Auxiliary power point .................60
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................290, 292
refill capacities ........................287
B
Battery .......................................263acid, treating emergencies .....263
jumping a disabled battery ....231
maintenance-free ....................263
replacement, specifications ...286
servicing ..................................263
BeltMinder .................................126
Brakes ........................................198
anti-lock ...................................199
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............199
fluid, checking and adding ....284
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specifications .........290, 292
lubricant specifications ..290, 292
parking ....................................200
shift interlock ..........................205
C
Calculating load ........................189
Capacities for refilling fluids ....287
Cargo cover .................................89
Cell phone use ............................57
Changing a tire .........................159
Child safety restraints ..............139
child safety belts ....................139
Child safety seats ......................141
attaching with tether straps ..145
in front seat ............................143
in rear seat ..............................143
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............248
instrument panel ....................250
interior .....................................251
interior trim ............................251
plastic parts ............................250
safety belts ..............................251
washing ....................................247
waxing .....................................247
Index
298

I
Ignition ...............................195, 292
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................141
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................282
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................250
cluster ........................................10
J
Jack ....................................159, 162
positioning .......................159, 164
storage .............................159, 162
Jump-starting your vehicle ......231
K
Keyless entry system .................98
autolock ...................................100
Keys
positions of the ignition .........195
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................48
daytime running light ...............44
fog lamps ...................................44
instrument panel, dimming .....45
interior lamps ...........................47
replacing bulbs .........................52
Liftgate ..................................88, 95
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........199
Limited-slip axle .......................211
Load limits .................................182Loading instructions .................189
Locks
autolock ...................................100
childproof ..................................93
doors ..........................................92
Lubricant specifications ...290, 292
Lug nuts ....................................167
Luggage rack ...............................90
Lumbar support,
seats ...........................107, 109–110
M
Manual transmission
lubricant specifications ..........292
Message center .....................75–76
english/metric button ...............81
system check button ................80
warning messages .....................82
Mirrors ...................................60, 63
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................63
fold away ...................................63
heated ........................................62
side view mirrors (power) .......62
Moon roof ....................................68
Motorcraft parts ................276, 286
O
Octane rating ............................274
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................258
P
Parking brake ............................200
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....286
Index
301

Pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ...............63
Power adjustable foot pedals .....63
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................227
Power door locks ........................92
Power mirrors .............................62
Power point ...........................60–61
Power steering ..........................204
fluid, checking and adding ....282
fluid, refill capacity ................287
fluid, specifications .........290, 292
Power Windows ...........................61
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................204
R
Radio ..........................18, 21, 25, 30
Rear window defroster ...............43
Relays ................................221, 230
Remote entry system .................94
illuminated entry ......................98
opening the trunk .....................95
Reverse sensing system ...........209
Roadside assistance ..................219
Roof rack .....................................90
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........130
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........117, 119–123, 125
Safety Canopy ...................135–136
Safety defects, reporting ..........246
Safety restraints ........117, 119–125belt minder .............................126
extension assembly ................125
for adults .........................120–123
for children .....................138–139
safety belt maintenance .........130
warning light and
chime ...............................125–126
Safety seats for children ..........141
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................294
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............117
Seats ..........................................105
child safety seats ....................141
front seats ...............................106
heated ......................................110
memory seat .....................95, 109
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................18
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ....23, 27, 32
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs, specifications ......286,
292
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................290, 292
Speed control ..............................64
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......197
Starting your vehicle ........195, 197
jump starting ..........................231
Steering wheel
controls ......................................66
tilting .........................................56
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................56
Index
302