Mercury Mystique 1996 Owner's Manuals

195
Servicing Your Mystique
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[SV00500(ALL)01/95]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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[SV00600(ALL)01/95]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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[SV00700(ALL)01/95]
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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[SV00800(ALL)01/95]
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When possible, we design parts Ð such as the headlamp
bulbs Ð that can be replaced without tools.
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[SV00900(ALL)05/94]
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The maintenance
schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
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[SV01000(ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
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[SV01150(ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this Owner
Guide.
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[SV01250(ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance Checklist,be
alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that
your vehicle may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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196
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Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service
parts conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your assurance that
Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle.
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NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
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Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
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Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
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n
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine cooling fan may
come on unexpectedly. Always turn the engine off and let it
cool.
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RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any
time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
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If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
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Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
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Never get under a vehicle while it is supported by a jack
only. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
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[SV02200(ALL)01/95]
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Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
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Servicing Your Mystique
197
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Working with the engine off:
[SV02625(ALL)02/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
1 (First) gear (manual transaxle).
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[SV02650(ALL)03/95]2.
Remove the key from the ignition after you turn the engine
off.
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[SV02675(ALL)03/95]3.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
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[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
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[SV02825(ALL)04/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle).
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[SV02850(ALL)03/95]2.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
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RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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If the battery is disconnected, the computer must relearn its idle
control. SeeBatteryin the Index.
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198
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Opening the Hood
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[SV03200(ALL)01/95]1.
Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located
under the bottom left corner of the instrument panel.
[SV03250(ALL)05/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0000375-K
The hood release under the instrument panel
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[SV03300(ALL)02/95]2.
Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch
that is located under the hood at the center of the vehicle.
[SV03500( Z)05/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001477-A
The auxiliary latch under the front edge of the hood
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Servicing Your Mystique
199
[SV04000(ALL)05/94]3.
Lift the hood and secure it in the open position with the
prop rod. Make sure only the hole in the hood marked in
yellow is used.
[SV04100(ALL)02/89]
When you close the hood, make sure the prop rod is in its
retainer and that the hood latches securely.
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NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at six-month
intervals to maintain smooth and trouble-free
operation.
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NOTE: Read and understandPrecautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter before
opening the hood.
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Engine Compartment
[SV05200(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle has a 4-cylinder 2.0L EFI or 6-cylinder 2.5L EFI
engine.
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33-1/2 pica
art:0001162-D
The 2.0L EFI engine
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Servicing Your Mystique
201
[SV05550(ALL)05/95]
33-1/2 pica
art:0001163-D
The 2.5L EFI engine
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202
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Cleaning the Engine
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A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
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n
Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to
clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate
sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
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In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or
fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection
pump with cold water.
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The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water damage.
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Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
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Filling the Fuel Tank
[SV06125(ALL)03/95]
Fuel Filler Door Release (If equipped)
[SV06200(ALL)04/94]
On some models, the fuel filler door cannot be opened from
outside the vehicle. To unlatch the fuel filler door, find the front
end of the release handle on the floor to the left of the driver's
seat. Push the handle down firmly until it stops and the door
pops down.
[SV06275(ALL)05/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0000601-F
The fuel filler door release
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Servicing Your Mystique
203
[SV06300(ALL)01/95]
If the fuel filler door does not open when you push the release
handle, open the trunk and find the override release on the
right side. The override release is a handle which is marked
with a fuel pump symbol. Open the fuel filler door by pulling
on the handle.
[SV06340(ALL)04/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001019-C
Fuel filler door release Ð manual override
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Filling the fuel tank
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The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger side near the
back. To fill the fuel tank:
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[SV06400(ALL)05/95]1.
After opening the fuel filler door, remove the cap carefully
and slowly by turning it counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn. If
a hissing sound is heard, wait until it stops, then continue
turning until the cap is free.
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[SV06500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing
sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the
cap.
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204
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Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel filler pipe before
pumping the fuel.
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NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
[SV06650(ALL)05/95]3.
Replace the fuel cap completely when you are finished. Turn
it clockwise until it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
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[SV06675(ALL)05/95]4.
Push the fuel door closed.
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If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
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RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
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NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
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Choosing the Right Fuel
[SV07600(ALL)05/95]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is
prohibited by law and could damage your vehicle. The damage
may not be covered by your warranty.
[SV07650(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel containing
manganese-based additives such as MMT. Additionally, vehicles
certified to California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are
designed to operate on California reformulated gasolines. If
California reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on non-California fuels.
However, even though your engine will perform adequately on
other gasolines, the performance of the emission control devices
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