1997 Mercury Mountaineer Owner's Manuals

IMPORTANT SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
Extended idling at high
engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other
damage.
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.
Do not start your vehicle
in a closed garage or other
enclosed area. Never sit in a
stopped vehicle for more than a
short period of time with the
engine running. Exhaust fumes
are toxic. SeeGuarding against
exhaust fumeslater in this
chapter for more instructions.
PREPARING TO START YOUR
VEHICLE
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants
have buckled their safety belts.
Refer to theSeating and safety
restraintschapter for more
information.
Starting your vehicle
89

2. Make sure the headlamps and
vehicle accessories are off.
3. Make sure the parking brake is
set and the gearshift lever is in P
(Park).
4. Turn the key to the ON position
(without turning the key to
START).OFF
0020406080100
120
140
160
180
200P RND21
000000oooo
MPH km/h
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPM x 100012345
6H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST OFF ON
SRS
- +H
H
L L
ON
START
LOCK
ACCESSORYOFF
Starting your vehicle
90

The above lights illuminate briefly.
If a light fails to illuminate, have
the vehicle serviced.
If the driver's safety belt is
fastened, the
light does not
illuminate.
STARTING THE VEHICLE
After completing the steps under
Preparing to start the vehicle:
1. Turn the key to START, hold
until engine is running, then
release. DO NOT press the
accelerator.
The key will return to the ON
position.
2. After idling for a few seconds,
apply the brake and release the
parking brake.
Special conditions when
starting
Starting a cold engine
At temperatures -12ÉC (10ÉF) and
below, do not hold the key in the
START position longer than 15
0ABS
- +
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPM x 1000
12345
6
- +
H
H
L L
ANTI-
THEFT
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF SPEED
CONT
H
C
F
E
!P
DOOR
AJAR
BRAKE
CHECK
GAGE
0
20
1030405060
70
80
90
110
120000000
oooo
100

20406080100
120
140
160
180
MPH km/h
ON
START
LOCK
ACCESSORYOFF
Starting your vehicle
91

seconds. If the engine does not
start on the first attempt:
1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK
and wait approximately 10
seconds.
2. Try starting the engine again.
At temperatures above -12ÉC
(10ÉF), do not hold the key in the
START position longer than five
seconds. If the engine does not
start on the first attempt:
1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK
and wait approximately five
seconds.
2. Try starting the engine again.
Starting a warm engine
Do not hold the key in the START
position for longer than five
seconds. If the engine does not
start on the first attempt:
1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK
and wait a few seconds until the
starter stops.
2. Try starting the engine again.
Starting the engine after two
failed attempts (warm or cold)
If the engine does not start after
two attempts:
1. Turn the key to LOCK and wait
about two minutes.
Starting your vehicle
92

2. Press the accelerator all the way
to the floor and hold.
3. Turn the key to START. Release
it once the engine starts.
4. Release the accelerator
gradually as the engine speeds up.
If the engine still does not start,
refer toFuel pump shutoff
switchin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Engine block heater (if
equipped)
To prevent electrical
shock, do not use your
engine block heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Engine block heaters are strongly
recommended if you live in a
region where temperatures reach
-23ÉC (-10ÉF) or below. An engine
block heater works by warming the
engine coolant. This improves
engine starting by warming the
engine faster. Engine block heater
operation also allows the heater
and defrost system to respond
more quickly than usual.
Starting your vehicle
93

GUARDING AGAINST EXHAUST
FUMES
Carbon monoxide, although
colorless and odorless, is present
in exhaust fumes. Take precautions
to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes
inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Have the exhaust and body
ventilation system checked
whenever:
²The vehicle is raised for service.
²The sound of the exhaust
system changes.
²The vehicle has been damaged
in a collision.
Starting your vehicle
94

Ventilating your vehicle
²If the engine is idling while the
vehicle is stopped in an open
area for long periods of time,
open the windows at least 2.5
cm (1 inch). Adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in
fresh air.
²Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear
of snow, leaves and other debris.
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
U
AUTO
L DOOR LOCK
Starting your vehicle
95

BRAKES
The anti-lock brake system
(ABS)
Anti-lock brake operation differs
slightly from standard brake
operation.
Apply the brakes steadily. DO NOT
pump the brakes in a panic stop.
The brake system will prevent
wheel lockup by automatically
releasing and reapplying the
brakes.
Even with ABS, the brakes could
lock up on roads with alternating
slippery and dry patches or with
loose surfaces such as snow or
gravel. Be careful when braking.
The ABS conducts a self-test each
time the vehicle is driven. A
mechanical noise may be heard
while the system conducts its
self-test.
Occasional brake squeal during
light to moderate stops is normal.
Significantly increased squeal is an
indicator that brake service is
needed.
After driving through standing
water, gently apply the brakes
several times to dry them.
If driving down a long or steep hill,
shift to a lower gear and do not
apply the brakes continuously.
Continuously applying the brakes
on a hill could overheat them and
make them less effective.
Driving
96