light Mercury Mystique 1996 s Service Manual

Driving Your Mystique
151
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The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will
increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.
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[DR19050(ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each time you start your
engine. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes
to wear out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
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Driving Under Special Conditions
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Tips for Safe Driving
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As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use care until you
become accustomed to its various features and driving
characteristics.
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[DR19400(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Sudden
acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of these
maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated.
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Driving in Bad Weather
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Slippery roads
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On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel drive may provide
better acceleration than rear-wheel drive. However, this does not
mean that your vehicle can stop any faster or any better than a
vehicle with rear-wheel drive. Exercise the same caution while
driving on slippery roads with your front-wheel drive vehicle as
you would with a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
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Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
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Drive slower than you normally would.
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Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
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152
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Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking
your wheels.
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Consider using one of the lower gears.
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[DR20700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads, do not
downshift into 1 (First) with the automatic transaxle
when moving faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into 1 (First) with the manual transaxle when
moving faster than 10 mph (16 km/h).
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[DR20750(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not use it on
slippery roads. You could lose control of your vehicle
and could injure someone.
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[DR20800(ALL)01/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle and your vehicle gets stuck
(for example, in mud or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of
the spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward and reverse
gears. While in each gear, press lightly on the accelerator and
release.
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RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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[DR21000(ALL)03/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward, you may gain
enough momentum to move out of the spot. Do not rock the
vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires. If you are
still stuck after a minute or two of rocking, call for a tow truck.
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Driving Your Mystique
157
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To connect the trailer's safety chains:
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[DR29200(ALL)01/95]1.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and attach them to
your vehicle's frame or hook retainers. Never attach the
safety chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not
designed to bear the weight of a trailer.
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[DR29300(ALL)01/95]2.
Make sure that you leave enough slack in the chains to
allow you to turn corners.
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If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental
agency gives you.
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Connecting the trailer's brakes
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Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge-type hydraulic
brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that your
trailer's brakes meet local and federal regulations.
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[DR29600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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.
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Connecting the trailer's lights
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Do not connect a trailer's lighting system wiring directly to
your vehicle's lighting system wiring.To get the proper
equipment for hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.
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[DR29800(ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause
damage to the vehicle's lighting system.
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159
Roadside Emergencies
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Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
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Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the lights on or any
electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start from a booster battery
to start your vehicle.
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[RE00400(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
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[RE00500(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
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[RE00700(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.
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RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
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178
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The Dispute Settlement Board (U.S. Only)
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The Dispute Settlement Board is a voluntary, independent
dispute-settlement program available free to owners or lessees
of qualifying Ford Motor Company vehicles.
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[HS02500(ALL)01/95]
The Dispute Settlement Board may not be available in all states.
Ford Motor Company reserves the right to change eligibility
limitations, modify procedures and/or to discontinue this
process at any time without notice and without incurring
obligations.
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[HS02600(ALL)01/95]
What Kind of Cases Does the Board Review?
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[HS02700(ALL)03/95]
The Board reviews all product performance and service
complaints on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln Cars and Ford and
Mercury Light Trucks under warranty that have not been
resolved by a dealer or Ford Motor Company.
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[HS02750(ALL)03/95]
The Board does not review issues involving:
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[HS02800(ALL)01/95]
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A non-Ford product
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[HS02900(ALL)01/95]
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A non-Ford dealership
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[HS03100(ALL)01/95]
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A vehicle sales transaction
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[HS03200(ALL)01/95]
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A request for reimbursement of consequential expenses
unless incidental to a service or product complaint being
reviewed
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[HS03300(ALL)01/95]
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Items not covered by your warranty
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Alleged liability claims
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Property damage where such damage is significant when
compared to the economic loss alleged under the warranty
dispute
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Cases currently in litigation
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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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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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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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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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This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
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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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Servicing Your Mystique
205 and systems may be adversely affected. Repair of damage
caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not designed for
may not be covered by your warranty.
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Octane recommendation
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Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend gasolines
labeled as ªregularº in high altitude areas that are sold with
octane ratings of 86 or even less.
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6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
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Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly.
However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on
the recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
[SV09430(ALL)02/96]
Fuel Quality
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[SV09450(ALL)05/95]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation
problems try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists,
see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
[SV09460(ALL)02/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
issued a gasoline specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of your vehicle. We
recommend the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA
specification if they are available.
[SV09470(ALL)02/96]
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
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Servicing Your Mystique
209
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Heavy loads
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Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
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Self-Service Pointers
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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.
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The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
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Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
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Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
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Check windshield washer fluid
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Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
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Check the tire pressure at least monthly
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[SV13600(ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
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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
211
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
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Checking the engine oil level:
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[SV14000(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
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[SV14050(ALL)05/94]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
1 (First) (manual transaxle).
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[SV14100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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[SV14200(ALL)03/95]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
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[SV14300(ALL)01/95]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[SV14350(ALL)05/94]
6 pica art:0001305-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.0L engine)
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212
[SV14400(ALL)05/94]
6 pica art:0001245-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.5L engine)
[SV14450(ALL)05/94]6.
2.0L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the lower notch, add engine oil as necessary.
If the oil level is beyond the upper notch, engine damage
and/or high oil comsumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
[SV14500(ALL)05/95]
2.5L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the MIN line, add engine oil as necessary. If
the oil level is above the letter M in MAX, engine damage
and/or high oil consumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
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[SV14600(ALL)01/95]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
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[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
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[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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