Motor Mercury Mystique 1996 s Owner's Guide

204
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[SV06550(ALL)05/95]2.
Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel filler pipe before
pumping the fuel.
*
[SV06625(ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[SV06675(ALL)05/95]4.
Push the fuel door closed.
*
[SV06690(ALL)06/95]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
%*
[SV06700(ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[SV06750(ALL)05/95]
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.
%*
[SV07500(ALL)05/95]
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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Servicing Your Mystique
209
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[SV12660(ALL)05/95]
n
Heavy loads
*
[SV12665(ALL)05/95]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
*
[SV13510(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save
you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of
your vehicle.
*
[SV13530(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV13540(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13550(ALL)01/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
*
[SV13560(ALL)01/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570(ALL)02/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
*
[SV13600(ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13610(ALL)05/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
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Servicing Your Mystique
213
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[SV16300(ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
[SV16400(ALL)03/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever
occurs first.
[SV16500(ALL)05/95]
twelve pica
chart:0001472-A*
[SV16600(ALL)04/95]
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet for
additional information.
%*
[SV16700(ALL)04/95]
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.
*
[SV17275(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17290(ALL)05/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
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Servicing Your Mystique
217
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[SV19108(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: The use of an improper coolant may void your
warranty for the engine cooling system. Use only a
premium, nationally recognized brand name engine
coolant. Do not use alcohol, methanol antifreeze or
engine coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant, the
aluminum engine on your vehicle will corrode.
*
[SV19110(ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the Ford Rotunda
engine coolant recycling process and chemicals. Use only Ford
Rotunda recycled engine coolant or an equivalent recycled
engine coolant that is certified by the supplier to meet Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A.
%*
[SV19112(ALL)04/95]
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.
[SV19115(ALL)02/95]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an equivalent
engine coolant that meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A.
*
[SV20050(ALL)03/95]
Battery
*
[SV20100(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft maintenance-free battery.
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The vents are part of
the cover and cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery
terminals.
*
[SV20150(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
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218
[SV20200(ALL)02/95]
Battery Replacement
*
[SV20250(ALL)02/95]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement (under
warranty), it may in some cases be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed.
*
[SV20300(ALL)05/95]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least every 12 months
or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC)
and more often in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº indicator. Do not
overfill the battery cell.
*
[SV20350(ALL)02/95]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low, you can add
plain tap water to the battery, as long as you don't use hard
water, or water with a high mineral or alkali content. If
possible, however, try to only fill the battery cell with distilled
water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging
system checked.
*
[SV20400(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames,
sparks or lit tobacco to come near the battery. When
charging or working near a battery, always cover your
face and protect your eyes, and also provide ventilation.
%*
[SV20450(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[SV20475(ALL)06/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
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Servicing Your Mystique
219
%*
[SV20500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
*
[SV20550(ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[SV20600(ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
[SV20650(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0001223-A
Battery recycling symbol
[SV20660(ALL)06/95]
Disconnecting the Battery
[SV20675(ALL)02/95]
Because your vehicle engine is electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power
from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a
new battery, you must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this
process, put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle), set the emergency brake, turn off all
the accessories, and start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature. Allow the manual transaxle to idle for
one minute in Neutral. Allow the automatic transaxle engine to
idle for one minute in N (Neutral) and one minute in D (Drive).
Perform the previous procedure with the air conditioning (if
equipped) on and off (conditions permitting). The relearning
process will complete automatically as you drive the vehicle.
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Servicing Your Mystique
221
%*
[SV22500(ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than
plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol
should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below32ÊF
[0ÊC]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC's) may restrict use of the most common antifreeze,
methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
*
[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV23300(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper
blades.
*
[SV23400(ALL)03/95]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
*
[SV23500(ALL)03/95]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply turn the
ignition to the ACC position and turn your wipers on. Wait for
them to reach a vertical position and turn the ignition to the
OFF position. Do not move the wipers manually. Manually
moving the wipers across the windshield may damage them.
*
[SV23600(ALL)03/01]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[SV23700( OZ)03/95]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly after you clean
them, you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly or the
blade element. When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part or equivalent.
To replace the blades, follow the instructions that come with
them.
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224
[SV23761(ALL)07/94]5.
Slide the filter out of the housing, replace with the new
filter, and slide the housing and passenger compartment air
filter back into place. Reinstall the clips on the housing.
[SV23766(ALL)11/93]6.
Replace the grille and wiper arms.
*
[SV23800(ALL)03/95]
Tires
*
[SV23900(ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
Always follow these precautions:
*
[SV24200(ALL)03/95]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
*
[SV24300(ALL)02/95]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits (seeLoad limitsin
the Index).
*
[SV24500(ALL)02/95]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[SV24550(ALL)10/89]
n
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[SV24750(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
[SV25000(ALL)02/95]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold (after the vehicle has
been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than
3 miles [5 km]). You can find the proper cold pressure and load
limits of recommended size tires on the Tire Pressure Decal on
the left front door lock facing.
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228
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[SV28299(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
%*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28601(ALL)06/93]
During the winter months in some climates, you may need to
use snow tires and occasionally chains for your tires.
*
[SV28700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your vehicle.
*
[SV28750(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. If you choose to use chains on
your vehicle's tires, be aware of the following:
*
[SV28801(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum wheels. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE CHAINS ARE INSTALLED
ON STEEL WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before using tire chains
to avoid scratches or damage.
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244
[SV37100(ALL)02/95]
Circuit breakers will reset themselves and allow the electrical
parts to work again once the overload on the circuit is gone. If
the circuit breakers continue to cut off electricity, have your
vehicle's electrical system checked.
*
[SV37200(ALL)02/95]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the same
amperage rating. To remove a circuit breaker mounted in the
fuse panel, grip it with your finger and thumb and pull it
straight out of its socket.
*
[SV37500(ALL)03/95]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[SV37600(ALL)01/95]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
n
headlamps
*
[SV37800(ALL)01/95]
n
tail lamps
*
[SV37900(ALL)01/95]
n
brakelamps
*
[SV37950(ALL)02/95]
n
high-mount brakelamp
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]
n
hazard flasher
*
[SV38100(ALL)01/95]
n
turn signals
*
[SV38200(ALL)01/95]
n
side markers
*
[SV38300(ALL)01/95]
n
license plate lamp
%*
[SV38400(ALL)01/95]
The alignment of your headlamps should be checked if:
*
[SV38500(ALL)01/95]
n
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to turn off your
vehicle's high beams when you do not have the high beams
on
*
[SV38600(ALL)01/95]
n
the headlamps do not seem to give you enough light to see
clearly at night
*
[SV38700(ALL)11/92]
n
the headlamps are not aligned so that they point slightly
down and to the right.
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