1996 Mercury Mystique maintenance

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.
File:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

222
[SV23716(ALL)11/94]
Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement
*
[SV23719(ALL)04/95]
In your climate control system, you may have a filter that cleans
the air before it enters the interior of the vehicle. This filter
should be replaced at the intervals in theMaintenance Schedule
and Recordbooklet.
[SV23723(ALL)04/95]
To replace the passenger compartment air filter:
[SV23726(ALL)02/95]1.
Remove both windshield wiper arms. With the wiper arm in
the horizontal position, lift the arm away from the
windshield while pulling the retaining clip at the base
toward the windshield. Release the wiper arm, then lift it off
the base.
[SV23730(ALL)07/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0001242-A
The screws on the grille
[SV23736(ALL)02/95]2.
Remove the plastic caps from the screws on the grille.
Remove the screws.
[SV23741(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Pull off the rubber weatherstrip at the back
of the engine compartment. Remove the screws that hold the
grille, separate the two halves and remove the grille.
File:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

230
*
[SV29300(ALL)03/01]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle, since your vehicle does not use up
transaxle fluid. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle is
not working properly Ð for instance, the transaxle may slip or
shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð
the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[SV29340(ALL)02/93]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29350(ALL)01/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake fully applied,
start the engine and move the gear shift selector through all of
the gears allowing sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[SV29370(ALL)01/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick out. Wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
*
[SV29372(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven until some fluid
has been added if the fluid level is below the bottom
dimple on the dipstick and the outside temperature is
above50ÊF (10ÊC). Addonly enough fluid to bring the
level above the bottom hole.
*
[SV29376(ALL)02/95]
If the vehicle has not been driven and the fluid level is above
the bottom dimple on the dipstick, do not add fluid. Recheck
the fluid level after your vehicle has reached normal operating
temperature.
*
[SV29378(ALL)05/95]
Normal operating temperature is reached after driving
approximately 20 miles (30 km). The fluid level should be
within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
File:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

248
*
[SV41000(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV41100(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[SV41200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
*
[SV41300(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
*
[SV41400(ALL)01/95]
n
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV41500(ALL)01/95]
n
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV41600(ALL)01/95]
n
Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
*
[SV41700(ALL)03/95]
n
Have the services listed in theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance services are required because
they are considered essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
*
[SV41720(ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement
parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance replacements or
for the service of components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It is the owner's
responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult your warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
File:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

250
%*
[SV42425(ALL)06/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance Testing
*
[SV42450(ALL)06/95]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies a ªneed for additional mixed city and highway driving
to complete the checkº of the OBD II system. As soon as all of
the OBD II system checks are successfully completed, the OBD
II system is set to the ready condition. The amount of driving
required to reach the ready condition varies with individual
driving patterns. To complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle defined below.
If the vehicle owner cannot or does not want to do the
additional driving required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of repair work.
*
[SV42475(ALL)06/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[SV42501(ALL)06/95]
The following steps must be run in the order shown. If any
steps are interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe
driving mode is acceptable between steps.
*
[SV42550(ALL)06/95]
Always drive vehicle in safe manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
*
[SV42560(ALL)05/95]
The engine must be warmed up and at operating temperature
before proceeding with the drive modes of the following OBD II
Drive Cycle.
*
[SV42575(ALL)05/95]1.
Start the engine. Drive or idle (in neutral) the vehicle for
4 minutes.
[SV42601(ALL)05/95]2.
Idle the vehicle in Drive (Neutral for manual transaxle) for
40 seconds.
*
[SV42610(ALL)06/95]3.
Accelerate the vehicle to 45 mph (70 km/h) at 1/4 to 1/2
throttle for 10 seconds.
File:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

Servicing Your Mystique
255
*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV44100(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV44150(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of
time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance
recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[SV44200(ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV44300(ALL)01/95]
n
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV44400(ALL)01/95]
n
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV44500(ALL)01/95]
n
If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular
maintenance to protect against rust and damage.
*
[SV44600(ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV44700(ALL)01/95]
n
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or
mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housing and
underside of front fenders.
*
[SV44800(ALL)01/95]
n
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
*
[SV44900(ALL)01/95]
n
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
*
[SV45000(ALL)01/95]
n
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of
auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when
the vehicle is washed.
*
[SV45100(ALL)04/95]
n
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches
with a light grade oil.
*
[SV45200(ALL)01/95]
n
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[SV45300(ALL)01/95]
n
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
File:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

274 Axle
lubricant specifications................ 254
refill capacities................... 252
B
Backing up....................140, 144
Basic vehicle warranty.................. 3
Battery
acid, treating emergencies............159, 218
charging system warning light............. 57
disconnecting.................... 163
how to service................... 217
jumping a disabled battery.............. 159
maintenance-free.................. 217
proper disposal, recycling.............. 219
replacement, specifications.............. 253
when storing your vehicle.............. 256
Brake fluid
brake warning light.................. 56
checking and adding................ 232
description..................... 232
specifications.................... 254
Brakelamp, high-mount brakelamp........... 246
Brakes
anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light....... 65
applying the brakes................. 147
brake warning light.................. 56
fluid, checking and adding.............. 232
fluid, refill capacities................ 252
fluid, specifications................. 254
master cylinder................... 232
new brake linings................... 4
noise........................ 148
parking...................... 150
trailer....................... 157
when storing your vehicle.............. 257
Brake-shift interlock.................. 138
Break-in period..................... 4
File:cdixz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 10:58:07 1996

284 Lug nuts
anti-theft...................... 169
standard...................... 167
M
Maintenance (see Servicing).............. 195
Manual transaxle
backing up (reverse)................. 144
clutch....................... 143
shifting gears.................... 143
Map pockets..................... 109
Master cylinder, brakes................ 232
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 207
Mirrors
side view mirrors (manual)............. 105
Moon roof....................... 97
Motorcraft parts.................... 253
N
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration..... 181
New vehicle break-in.................. 4
O
Odometer
trip odometer..................... 64
Oil filter....................... 253
Oil (see Engine oil).................. 209
Oil viscosity..................... 209
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system.......... 250
Overseas offices.................... 184
File:cdixz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 10:58:07 1996