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*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals Servicing Your Mystique
211
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using](/manual-img/33/11007/w960_11007-206.png)
Servicing Your Mystique
211
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[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.
*
[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).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[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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![Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals 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 Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals 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](/manual-img/33/11007/w960_11007-207.png)
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.
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[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.
*
[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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![Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals 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 electr Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals 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 electr](/manual-img/33/11007/w960_11007-239.png)
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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![Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals Servicing Your Mystique
249
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[SV41800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exha Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals Servicing Your Mystique
249
*
[SV41800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exha](/manual-img/33/11007/w960_11007-244.png)
Servicing Your Mystique
249
*
[SV41800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
*
[SV41900(ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
the charge warning light, the check engine light, or the
temperature warning light. These sometimes indicate that the
emission system is not working properly.
*
[SV42000(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV42100(ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it
from working. In some of the United States and in Canada,
vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[SV42300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV42400(ALL)05/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
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255
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[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 da Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals 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 da](/manual-img/33/11007/w960_11007-250.png)
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.
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![Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals 256
%*
[SV45350(ALL)01/95]
Engine
*
[SV45400(ALL)01/95]
n
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches
normal operating temperature.
*
[SV45500(ALL)01/95]
n
With your foot on the brak Mercury Mystique 1996 Owners Manuals 256
%*
[SV45350(ALL)01/95]
Engine
*
[SV45400(ALL)01/95]
n
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches
normal operating temperature.
*
[SV45500(ALL)01/95]
n
With your foot on the brak](/manual-img/33/11007/w960_11007-251.png)
256
%*
[SV45350(ALL)01/95]
Engine
*
[SV45400(ALL)01/95]
n
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches
normal operating temperature.
*
[SV45500(ALL)01/95]
n
With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV45600(ALL)01/95]
Fuel system
%*
[SV45700(ALL)07/94]
n
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first
automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
*
[SV45900(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or
more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system
and may also clog small orifices.
*
[SV46000(ALL)01/95]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or
expected storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions
on the label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed
to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[SV46100(ALL)01/95]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will
protect the fuel system's inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow
the instructions packaged with the product.
%*
[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
n
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
n
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV46600(ALL)01/95]
n
Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of
grease.
*
[SV46650(ALL)03/95]
n
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without
recharging the battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is maintained for
quick starting.
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Page 265 of 284

INDEX
273
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock brake system)...... 65
Additives, engine oil.................. 210
Air bag supplemental restraint system
and child safety seats............... 18,25
description.................... 17,20
disposal....................... 23
driver air bag................... 17,20
indicator light..................... 59
operation....................... 20
passenger air bag................... 20
proper seating.................... 18
tone generator.................... 23
wearing safety belts.................. 17
Air cleaner filter
location...................... 199
specifications.................... 253
Alarm, activating remote personal............. 94
Antenna, radio (see Electronic sound system)....... 134
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)............. 214
Anti-lock brake system (ABS), warning light........ 65
Anti-theft lug nuts and key............... 169
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board)......... 178
Assistance (see Customer assistance)........... 175
Audio system (see Electronic sound system)....... 113
Automatic transaxle
driving with.................... 137
fluid, adding.................... 231
fluid, checking................... 230
fluid, refill capacities................ 252
fluid, specification.................. 254
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Page 266 of 284

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
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Update:Fri Feb 23 10:58:07 1996