1997 Mercury Mountaineer brake

Adding engine oil
If the fluid level is below the MIN
line, add engine oil. Add engine oil
through the oil filler cap and use a
funnel to pour oil into the opening.
Make sure you use a certified
engine oil of the preferred
viscosity.
Recheck the oil level. Make sure
that the oil level is not above the
MAX line on the dipstick.
Continuous contact with
USED motor oil has
caused cancer in laboratory rats.
Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed
for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter
is used that does not meet Ford
material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock
may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
CHECKING AND ADDING
BRAKE FLUID
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once
each year.
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142

1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid
until the level reaches within 1/89
of the MAX line on the reservoir.
²Do not exceed MAX.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25-A. Refer toLubricant
specifications.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use brake fluid that
is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage.
Do not let the reservoir in
the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
MAX
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143

Your vehicle does not use up
transmission fluid. However, it is
recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twice a
year. The fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., the
transmission slips or shifts slowly
or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
It is preferable to check the
transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, after
approximately 32 km (20 miles) of
driving. However, if necessary, you
can check the fluid level without
driving to obtain a normal
operating temperature if the
outside temperature is above 10ÉC
(50ÉF).
If the vehicle has been operated
for an extended period at high
speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the
vehicle should be turned off for
about 30 minutes to allow the fluid
to cool before checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to change.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in
P(Park), set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry rag.
5. Install the dipstick.
P R N D 2 1
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150

Failure to follow these
precautions may adversely
affect the handling of the vehicle
and make it easier to lose control
and roll over.
IDENTIFYING TIRE TYPES
Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label to determine
the specific size tire and wheel
Ford Motor Company recommends
for use on this vehicle.
All wheel/tire combinations
(including spare) must be the
same size for AWD equipped
vehicles.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the
same size and grade as the
tires you currently have on your
vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all
weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However in some
climates, you may need to use
snow tires and chains. Follow
these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Install tire chains on rear tires
only.
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163

EXTERIOR LAMPS
Replacing the exterior bulbs
It is a good idea to check the
operation of the following lights
frequently:
²Headlamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²Backup lamps
²Hazard flasher
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172

3. Remove electrical connector by
grasping wires and pulling
rearward.
4. Remove bulb retaining ring by
turning it 1/8 turn to free it from
the socket. Slide the ring off the
plastic base.
5. Carefully remove the bulb
assembly from its socket by gently
pulling it rearward.
6. With the flat side of the bulb's
plastic base facing upward, insert
the glass end of the bulb into the
socket. You may need to turn the
bulb left or right to line up the
grooves in the plastic base with
the tabs in the socket.
7. Slip the bulb retaining ring over
the plastic base and lock it by
rotating it clockwise until you feel
it stop.
8. Push the electrical connector
into the rear of the plastic base
until you feel it ªsnap.º
9. Replace the bulb assembly into
the headlamp.
High-mount brakelamp
The high-mount brakelamp is
located just above the rear liftgate
window. For bulb replacement, see
your dealer.
Rear turn signals/brake/tail
lamps/backup lamps
The tail lamps, backup lamps and
the brake lamps are located in the
same bezel. Follow these steps to
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174

BULB SPECIFICATIONS
DescriptionNumber
of BulbsTrade Number
Exterior Illumination
Headlamps 2 9007
Front lamp and turn signal 4 3157NA*
Front side marker lamp 2 916NA*
Underhood lamp 1 906
Fog lamps 2 H3
Rear Lamps - Exterior
Rear back-up lamp 2 3156
High-mount brakelamp 1
2
License plate lamp 2 194
Rear tail/brake lamp 2 3157
Turn lamp 2 3156
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cargo lamp 1 211-2
Dome lamp (low series) 1 912
Dome lamp (high series) 1 906
Map lamps 2 168
Map lamps with overhead
console (if equipped)2 T10
Front door courtesy lamp 1 168
Deluxe map reading
lamp/dome2 168
Instrument panel
illumination1 906
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179

See your Lincoln/Mercury or Ford
dealer for precise adjustment of
your headlamps.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge and plenty of
water for best results. We
recommend that you have the
underbody of your vehicle washed
at the end of the winter to remove
deposits left by snow, salt and
water.
Remove any aftermarket
accessories, such as antennas,
before entering a car wash.
After washing your vehicle, apply
the brakes several times to dry
them.
Wax the paintwork of your vehicle
once or twice a year. This will help
retain the glossy finish and water
droplets will run off more easily.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage
from road debris may be
camouflaged with touch-up paint,
paint repair foil, or aerosol paint
spray from the Ford Accessory
line. Observe the application
instructions on the products. In
order to retain the vehicle
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181