1996 Mercury Mystique warning

150to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other
than during maximum braking, have your mobile radio
installation checked.
*
[DR17800(ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
*
[DR17900(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
*
[DR18100(ALL)11/93]
The parking brake lever is located between the front seats. To
set the parking brake, put your foot on the brake pedal while
pulling the parking brake handle fully and firmly upward.
*
[DR18300(ALL)12/89]
To release the parking brake, put your foot on the brake pedal,
pull the handle upward and push the button. Then lower the
handle to the released position while holding the button in.
*
[DR18400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[DR18500(ALL)11/91]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release the parking
brake while outside the vehicle.
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
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Driving Your Mystique
151
*
[DR19000(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR19300(ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR19900(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[DR20100(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
*
[DR20200(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR20400(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
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152
*
[DR20505(ALL)01/92]
n
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking
your wheels.
*
[DR20600(ALL)02/93]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[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).
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[DR20900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
*
[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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Update:Fri Feb 23 11:04:09 1996

Driving Your Mystique
153
%*
[DR21200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel rims.
*
[DR21400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to
dry the brakes.
*
[DR21600(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR21700(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
%*
[DR21800(ALL)01/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on the left front door lock facing
or on the door latch post pillar.
*
[DR21900(ALL)01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limit than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR22000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
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Update:Fri Feb 23 11:04:09 1996

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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Update:Fri Feb 23 11:04:09 1996

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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Driving Your Mystique
157
*
[DR29100(ALL)01/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[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.
*
[DR29300(ALL)01/95]2.
Make sure that you leave enough slack in the chains to
allow you to turn corners.
*
[DR29400(ALL)01/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental
agency gives you.
%*
[DR29450(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[DR29500(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR29650(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR29700(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[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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Update:Fri Feb 23 11:04:09 1996

159
Roadside Emergencies
*
[RE00310(ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[RE00320(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[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.
%*
[RE00800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
File:cdrez.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:03:34 1996