air condition Mercury Mountaineer 2009 s Owner's Guide

how much air is released from your tires and/or how long you drive the
vehicle under these conditions.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
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Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of AWD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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In the United States, a warranty dispute must be submitted to the BBB
AUTO LINE before taking action under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act, or to the extent allowed by state law, before pursuing replacement
or repurchase remedies provided by certain state laws. This dispute
handling procedure is not required prior to enforcing state created rights
or other rights which are independent of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act or state replacement or repurchase laws.
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d) requires that, if a manufacturer
or its representative is unable to repair a motor vehicle to conform to the
vehicle’s applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of
attempts, the manufacturer shall be required to either replace the
vehicle with one substantially identical or repurchase the vehicle and
reimburse the buyer in an amount equal to the actual price paid or
payable by the consumer (less a reasonable allowance for consumer
use). The consumer has the right to choose whether to receive a refund
or replacement vehicle.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) presumes that the manufacturer
has had a reasonable number of attempts to conform the vehicle to its
applicable express warranties if, within the first 18 months of ownership
of a new vehicle or the first 18,000 miles (29,000 km), whichever occurs
first:
1. Two or more repair attempts are made on the same non-conformity
likely to cause death or serious bodily injury OR
2. Four or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity (a
defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value or safety of
the vehicle) OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair of nonconformities for a total of
more than 30 calendar days (not necessarily all at one time)
In the case of 1 or 2 above, the consumer must also notify the
manufacturer of the need for the repair of the nonconformity at the
following address:
Ford Motor Company
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
Mail Drop 3NE-B
Dearborn, MI 48126
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•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling
(4.6L V8 engine only)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
Fail-safe cooling and engine oil overheat mode (4.6L V8 only)
If the engine coolant and/or engine oil overheat, the vehicle’s fail-safe
modes will reduce engine power to limit engine damage, even with a
total loss of coolant. The vehicle’s range and/or speed will be reduced,
depending on vehicle load, terrain, and outside temperatures.
The instrument cluster provides warnings for each mode.
•Fail-Safe Cooling Mode:The
(Service engine
soon),
(Engine oil pressure), and(Engine coolant
temperature) indicators will be on.
Along with these warning indicators, the engine coolant temperature
gauge will read in the Hot (H) area.
If the engine coolant reaches even hotter temperatures, fail-safe
cooling mode limits engine power more and disables air conditioning.
The engine will switch to alternating cylinder operation to help cool
the engine. The engine will run rough in this mode.
If continued operation increases the engine coolant temperature to a
critical range, the engine will shut down. Steering and braking effort
will increase. Once engine coolant temperature cools, the engine can
be restarted.
•Engine Oil Overheat Mode:The
(Engine coolant temperature)
indicator will be on. The instrument cluster has no separate oil
temperature indicator.
Along with the
(Engine coolant temperature) indicator, the engine
coolant temperature gauge will read in the Hot (H) area.
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Oil overheat can be triggered in severe driving conditions, such as
towing heavy loads over mountainous terrain in extreme hot
temperatures. As oil temperature increases, engine and vehicle speed
will be limited. The transmission will also shift differently.
When the engine oil has cooled, the vehicle will perform normally.
When fail-safe cooling mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. Remember that the engine is capable of completely
shutting down automatically to prevent engine damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait approximately 15 minutes for the engine to
cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low. Look for coolant leakage
in the engine compartment and under the vehicle.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING:Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
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Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED fuel blended with a maximum
of 10% ethanol. Do not use fuel ethanol (E85), diesel, methanol, leaded
fuel or any other fuel. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law and
could damage your vehicle.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives.
Note:Use of any fuel other than those recommended may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and repairs may not
be covered under warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with a
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as “Regular” in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane ratings less than 87.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
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A
Accessory delay ........................104
AdvanceTrac ..............................269
Air cleaner filter ...............370–371
Air conditioning ..........................80
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................190, 199, 201
and child safety seats ............192
description ..............190, 199, 201
disposal ....................................205
driver airbag ............192, 200, 202
indicator light .................199, 204
operation .................192, 200, 202
passenger airbag .....192, 200, 202
side airbag ...............................199
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................284
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................349
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................266–267
Anti-theft system ......................152
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 23, 30
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................277, 279
fluid, adding ............................368
fluid, checking ........................368
fluid, refill capacities ..............372
fluid, specification ..................372
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....38
Auxiliary power point ...............101
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........372refill capacities ........................372
B
Battery .......................................347
acid, treating emergencies .....347
jumping a disabled battery ....313
maintenance-free ....................347
replacement, specifications ...371
servicing ..................................347
Belt-Minder
.............................185
Booster seats .............................220
Brakes ........................................266
anti-lock ...........................266–267
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................267
fluid, checking and adding ....368
fluid, refill capacities ..............372
fluid, specifications .................372
lubricant specifications ..........372
parking ....................................267
shift interlock ..........................276
C
Calculating load ........................253
Capacities for refilling fluids ....372
Cargo cover ...............................136
Cargo management system ......136
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................303
Child safety seats ......................209
attaching with tether straps ..217
in front seat ............................210
in rear seat ..............................210
LATCH .....................................213
recommendations ...................207
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................220
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Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............330
instrument panel ....................332
interior .....................................333
plastic parts ............................331
washing ....................................328
waxing .....................................329
wheels ......................................329
wiper blades ............................331
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............80
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................32
AM/FM/CD .................................25
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............129
Console ..............................100–101
overhead ....................................99
rear ..........................................101
Controls
power seat ...............................160
steering column ......................111
Coolant
checking and adding ..............349
refill capacities ................353, 372
specifications ..........................372
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................108
Customer Assistance ................292
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................325
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................326
Getting roadside assistance ...292
Getting the service
you need .................................321
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................326Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................324
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................86
Defrost
rear window ..............................84
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................368
engine oil .................................342
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................369
Driving under special
conditions ..................282, 286, 289
sand .........................................287
snow and ice ...........................289
through water .................288, 291
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................80
DVD system .................................46
E
Electronic message center .......120
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................313
running out of fuel .........313, 360
Emergency Flashers .................293
Emission control system ..........364
Engine ........................................377
cleaning ...................................330
coolant .....................................349
fail-safe cooling .......................354
idle speed control ...................347
lubrication specifications .......372
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refill capacities ........................372
service points ..................338–339
starting after a collision .........294
Engine block heater .................264
Engine oil ..................................342
checking and adding ..............342
dipstick ....................................342
filter, specifications ........345, 371
recommendations ...................345
refill capacities ........................372
specifications ..........................372
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................264
F
Fail safe cooling ........................354
Family entertainment system ....46
Floor mats .................................135
Fluid capacities .........................372
Fog lamps ....................................86
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................285
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................275
Fuel ............................................355
calculating fuel
economy ..........................122, 361
cap ...........................................357
capacity ...................................372
choosing the right fuel ...........359
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................364
detergent in fuel .....................360
filler funnel .............................360
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................355, 357, 361
filter, specifications ........355, 371
fuel pump shut-off switch .....294improving fuel economy ........361
octane rating ...................359, 377
quality ......................................359
running out of fuel .........313, 360
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................355
Fuses ..................................295–296
G
Garage door opener ..................100
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............357
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................361
Gauges .........................................17
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................253
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................253
H
Hazard flashers .........................293
Headlamps ...................................85
aiming ........................................87
bulb specifications ....................90
daytime running lights .............86
flash to pass ..............................87
high beam .................................86
turning on and off ....................85
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................78, 80
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................114
Hood ..........................................337
How to get going ........................19
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