maintenance Mercury Mystique 1998 Owner's Manuals

Contents
Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 14
Seating and safety restraints 44
Starting and driving
Starting 76
Driving 84
Roadside emergencies 107
Servicing
Maintenance and care 125
Capacities and specifications 183
Reporting safety defects (U. S. only) 189
Index 190
1
CDW I_IIImpr_Cont_en MM 5/15/97 7:41 PM Page 2

Instrumentation
7 Safety belt
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to fasten
the safety belts. For more
information, refer to
Safety belt
indicator light and warning
chime in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.
O/D Off indicator
(Automatic transaxle only)
Illuminates and remains
illuminated when the transaxle
control switch (TCS) on the end of
the gearshift lever is pressed and
overdrive is turned off.
Indicates the status of the
transaxle and will flash steadily if a
malfunction is detected. If the
flashing persists, have your
transaxle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified service technician as
soon as possible.
If the condition persists, your
transaxle may be damaged.
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
Low coolant (if equipped)
Briely illuminates when the ignition
is turned on and the engine is off.
Illuminates when the engine
coolant level is low. Refer to the
Maintenance and care chapter to
check the engine coolant level.
CDW IIA2Instrum_en MM 5/15/97 7:43 PM Page 7

Instrumentation
9 Front foglamps
Illuminates when foglamps are
switched on.
Refer to Foglamps controlin the
Controls and features chapter for
notes on use.
CHECK
ENGINE
Brake system warning light
Extinguishes when the parking
brake is released. Illuminates after
releasing the parking brake to
indicate low brake fluid level.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light stays on or
continues to flash, the ABSneeds
to be serviced. Engine oil pressure
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. The light also illuminates
when engine oil pressure has been
lost. Refer to the Maintenance
and carechapter to check the
engine oil level as soon as possible.
If the engine oil level is correct and
the light stays on, see your dealer
or qualified service technician.
BRAKE
BRAKE
BRAKE
CDW IIA2Instrum_en MM 5/15/97 7:43 PM Page 9

Instrumentation
12
NORMALEngine coolant temperature
gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal
operating temperature, the needle
remains within the NORMAL area.
If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Switch off
the ignition and determine the
source of the problem. Refer to
Checking and adding engine
coolant in the Maintenance and
care chapter.
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMAL
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
GAUGES
CDW IIA2Instrum_en MM 5/15/97 7:43 PM Page 12

Controls and features
23
Using the FLR/DEF mode
The floor/defrost mode directs
outside air to flow through the floor
vents and windshield defroster
vents. The A/C compressor (if
equipped) will function to
dehumidify the windows provided
the outside temperature is above
10°C (50°F).
LO
HIOFFPNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEFFLR
DEF

MAX
A/C
Using the DEF mode
In addition to defogging and
demisting the front windshield, the
defrost mode of your vehicle also
has the capability to demist the
front side windows. The A/C
compressor (if equipped) will
function to dehumidify the
windows provided the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
LO
HIOFFPNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEFFLR
DEF

MAX
A/C
Passenger compartment air
filter
Your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter that removes pollen and road
dust from outside air before it is
directed to the interior of the
vehicle. Refer to the
Maintenance
and carechapter for maintenance
of this filter.
CDW IIIC3Cont en MM 5/15/97 7:45 PM Page 23

Controls and features
43 Key coding
Replacement keys or a maximum of
15duplicate keys can be coded.
To program a key, cycle ignition
switch from (3) to (1) with a
programmed key. Within five
seconds of this cycle, insert a new
PATS key into ignition and turn to
(3) or (4). If successful, the theft
warning indicator will glow for two
seconds, and the vehicle can be
started. Repeat until all chosen
keys have been programmed.
The control light illuminates to
indicate a successful programming
operation.
Repeat the procedure to program
additional keys.
Your dealer can also delete keys
already programmed.
The system is maintenance free.
If keys become lost, you must have
your dealer clear and reprogram
the code for security reasons.
3
4
21
CDW IIIC3Cont en MM 5/15/97 7:45 PM Page 43

Seating and safety restraints
59 Determining if the system is
operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in
the instrument cluster or a chime
to indicate the condition of the
system. Refer to the Air bag
readinesssection in the
Instrumentationchapter. Routine
maintenance of the air bag is not
required.
A difficulty with the system is
indicated by one or more of the
following:
•The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
•The readiness light will not
illuminate after ignition is turned
on.
•A group of five beeps will be
heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the SRS
serviced at your dealership or by a
qualified technician immediately.
Unless serviced, the system may
not function properly in the event
of a collision.
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
CDW IIID Seat en MM 5/15/97 7:48 PM Page 59

Driving
84BRAKES
Your brakes are self-adjusting.
Refer to the “Service Guide” for
maintenance intervals.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
(if equipped)
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lock up during
brake applications and
compensating for this tendency.
The wheels are prevented from
locking even when the brakes are
firmly applied, helping to ensure
that the vehicle can be steered and
the driver can avoid obstacles.
Operation of the anti-lock
braking system
The anti-lock braking system is not
employed during normal braking. It
becomes operational only when it
senses differences in the rotational
speed of the road wheels,
indicating that they are about to
lock up. Its operation is indicated
by a pulsing of the brake pedal.
CDW IVB1-10Driving en MM 5/15/97 7:51 PM Page 84

Driving
106FUELCONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by
avoiding:
•lack of regular, scheduled
maintenance,
•excessive speed,
•rapid acceleration,
•driving with the brake pedal
depressed,
•sudden stops,
•extended engine idling,
•use of speed control in hilly
terrain,
•extended use of the air
conditioner, defroster, rear
window defroster and other
accessories,
•underinflated tires,
•heavy loads,
•aftermarked add-ons such as
bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
CDW IVC1-6Roads en MM 5/15/97 7:53 PM Page 106

Maintenance and care
125 SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
•We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
•As possible, we design parts that
can be replaced without tools.
•We provide you with a “Service
Guide” which makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional service, your Ford
dealership can provide necessary
parts and service. Check your
“Warranty Guide” to find out which
parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels,
lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
CDW VA1-19Maint en MM 5/15/97 7:55 PM Page 125