towing Mercury Mystique 1996 Owner's Manuals

Starting Your Mystique
51
*
[ST11700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
*
[ST11800(ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
substantial jolt:
*
[ST11900(ALL)04/95]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST12000(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST12050(ALL)03/95]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button
down. If the button is already set, you may have a different
mechanical problem.
*
[ST12100(ALL)03/95]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ST12150(ALL)03/95]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel.If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again.If you do not
see or smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.
*
[ST12175(ALL)03/95]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving the vehicle.
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Driving Your Mystique
155
*
[DR23400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improper distribution of your vehicle's load or carrying
weight in excess of the amount shown on the tire decal
can cause rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control.
*
[DR23500(ALL)04/95]
Trailer Towing
[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer of up to a maximum
of 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) gross trailer weight with a maximum
tongue load of 100 lbs (45 kg). It should also have 25 sq. ft.
(2.3 sq. meters) or less frontal area. Do not drive faster than
55 mph (90 km/h) while towing a 1,000 lb. (454 kg) trailer.
*
[DR23700(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to
tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealers.
*
[DR23800(ALL)01/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on your vehicle, you
must follow certain precautions for your safety and the good of
your vehicle:
*
[DR25800(ALL)11/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow. (SeeKnowing Your
Vehicle's Load Limits.)
*
[DR25900(ALL)01/95]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR26000(ALL)01/95]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR26100(ALL)01/95]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR26300(ALL)01/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should be on the
tongue. However, the tongue load should never exceed 10% of
the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[DR26400(ALL)01/95]
New vehicles should be driven 2,000 miles (3,200 km) before
towing a trailer.
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156
*
[DR26500(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[DR26600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is
being used.
*
[DR27000(ALL)04/95]
You should also limit your trailer's load when you tow in high
altitudes.
*
[DR28500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR28600(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR28700(ALL)01/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's bumper. The
bumper is not designed to bear the load.
%*
[DR28750(ALL)01/95]
Using the hitch
*
[DR28800(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle uses a load carrying hitch. Because this type of
hitch places the tongue load of a trailer on the rear wheels of
your vehicle, you must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
*
[DR28900(ALL)01/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the
weight on the hitch. This will prevent damage to your vehicle
and make your vehicle easier to handle.
%*
[DR28950(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[DR29000(ALL)01/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your vehicle. They
help protect your trailer if the hitch breaks.
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158
%*
[DR29900(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR30000(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR30050(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle has a manual transaxle and you are towing a
trailer, you should select gear positions which will avoid jerking
or excessive engine speed. If you need to drive excessively in
1 (First) or 2 (Second), it may indicate that the trailer is too big
or heavily loaded for your vehicle's drivetrain. Continuous
driving in these two gears while towing a trailer is not
recommended.
[DR30100(ALL)11/94]
When you tow up or down steep hills, move the manual
transaxle gearshift to a lower gear. This will increase engine
power on upgrades and engine braking on downgrades.
[DR30175(ALL)04/95]
When you tow in steep hills, move the automatic transaxle to
1 (First) when descending. This will give more engine braking
on downgrades. The automatic transaxle will automatically
downshift to the proper gear on upgrades.
%*
[DR30300(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off.
[DR30400(ALL)05/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[DR30500(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for additional
information.
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Update:Fri Feb 23 11:04:09 1996

Roadside Emergencies
171
*
[RE15050(ALL)02/95]
If the Engine Cranks But Does Not Start or
Does Not Start After a Collision
*
[RE15100(ALL)04/95]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE15200(ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
triggered. The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
*
[RE15250(ALL)01/95]
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off switchin the Index.
*
[RE16400(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[RE16500(ALL)04/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center. Recommended towing options include wheel lift towing
or flat bed towing.
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172
[RE16600(ALL)05/95]
three fourths page
art:0001100-D*
[RE16700(ALL)04/95]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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Update:Fri Feb 23 11:03:34 1996

Roadside Emergencies
173
*
[RE18000(ALL)03/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
*
[RE18100(ALL)03/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, a car, or a truck.
*
[RE18200(ALL)03/95]
Before you have your vehicle towed:
*
[RE18300(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
*
[RE18400(ALL)03/95]
n
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[RE18500(ALL)03/95]
n
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[RE18600(ALL)03/95]
n
Unlock the steering wheel.
[RE18700(ALL)05/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 35 mph
(55 km/h) or for a distance greater than 50 miles (80 km)
unless the drive wheels are placed on dollies.
[RE18900(ALL)05/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 55 mph
(90 km/h) if you have a manual transaxle. Your maximum
towing distance is unlimited.
*
[RE19000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper when
you tow your vehicle. This could damage the bumper
and cause an accident.
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175
Customer Assistance
*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators that put you in touch with the
help you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you throughout your
warranty period of 3 years or 36,000 miles (3 years or
60,000 km), whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside
Assistance coverages beyond this period, through Ford Auto
Club, contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer (not
available in Canada).
*
[HS00215(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
n
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
n
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
n
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
n
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
n
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in mud or snow,
are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing
and repossession).
*
[HS00245(ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00250(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can be found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in your glove compartment. Complete
the card and place it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00255(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United States call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00260(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside assistance yourself,
Ford Motor Company will reimburse the reasonable cost. To
obtain information about reimbursement call 1-800-241-FORD (in
Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
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277
Cooling fan...................... 196
Crankcase emission filter................ 253
Cruise control (see Speed control)............. 86
Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada....... 182
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)............. 67
Daytime running light system.............. 77
Defects, reporting................... 181
Defrost, rear window and side view mirrors........ 74
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid............... 230
engine oil..................... 211
power steering fluid................. 234
Disabled vehicle (see Towing).............. 171
Dispute Settlement Board................ 178
Doors......................... 91
lubricant specifications................ 254
Driving under special conditions
bad weather.................... 151
heavy load..................... 153
high water..................... 153
slippery roads................... 151
tips for safe driving................. 151
towing a trailer................... 155
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers................... 243
fuses......................235, 242
relays....................... 235
Electronic sound system
radio reception................... 134
tuning the radio.................115, 129
warranty and service information........... 135
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Update:Fri Feb 23 10:58:07 1996

278 Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system).......... 128
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound system) . . . 128
Emergencies, roadside
assistance..................... 175
battery acid spills................159, 219
jump-starting.................... 159
towing....................... 171
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 150
Emission control system
catalytic converter.................. 248
emissions warranty................ 3,248
Engine
check engine warning light.............. 60
does not start..................... 47
fuel injected engine, starting............ 43,45
fuel pump shut-off switch............... 50
preparing to start................... 44
refill capacities................... 252
service points.................... 199
starting....................... 45
starting after a collision................ 50
storing your vehicle................. 255
Engine block heater................... 49
Engine coolant
checking and adding................ 214
disposal...................... 217
low coolant warning light............... 66
preparing for storage................ 256
recovery reservoir................199, 214
refill capacities................... 252
specifications.................... 254
temperature gauge.................. 63
Engine coolant temperature gauge............ 63
description...................... 63
mechanical...................... 63
Engine fan...................... 196
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Update:Fri Feb 23 10:58:07 1996