1998 Mercury Mountaineer maintenance

To adjust cross-bar position:
1. Slide the locking switches at
each end of the crossbar toward
the rear of the vehicle until
UNLOCKED appears.
2. Slide cross-bar to the desired
location.
3. Lock the cross-bar into position
by pushing the locking switches on
each end of the crossbar toward
the front of the vehicle.
The rear rack can be completely
removed in the UNLOCKED
position by sliding the cross-bar
rearward until it frees the guides.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by
avoiding:
²lack of regular, scheduled
maintenance
²excessive speed
²rapid acceleration
²extended idle
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134

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
²We provide a ªService Guideº
which makes tracking routine
service easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary
parts and service. Check your
ªWarranty Guideº to find out which
parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels,
lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running,
make sure that loose clothing,
jewelry or long hair does not get
caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with
the engine running in an
enclosed space, unless you are
sure you have enough
ventilation.
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154

²Keep all lit cigarettes, open
flames and other lit material
away from the battery and all
fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the
engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in
Batteryin this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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155

OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
steering column on the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle
and release the auxiliary latch that
is located under the front center of
the hood. Lift the hood until the
lift cylinders hold it open.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN
THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L SOHC engine
9
13425
867
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156

1. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
2. Transmission fluid dipstick
3. Engine oil fill cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Air filter assembly
9. Engine coolant reservoir
5.0L engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
3. Engine oil fill cap
4. Automatic transmission fluid
dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Battery
1
23
6
54
879
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157

7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Air filter assembly
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a
few minutes for the oil to drain
into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator
(dipstick).
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158

²4.0L engines
²5.0L engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert
the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the
ADD and FULL marks (4.0L
engines)orbetween the MIN
and MAX marks (5.0L
engines)the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
ADD 1 QTFULL
MAX MIN
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159

²If the oil level is below the ADD
mark (4.0L engines) or MIN
mark (5.0L engines), add
enough oil to raise the level
within the ADD-FULL range
(4.0L engines) or MIN-MAX
range (5.0L engines).
²Oil levels above the letter F in
FULL (4.0L engines) or the
MAX mark (5.0L engines) may
cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the
engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer toChecking the
engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within
the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure
the oil level is not above the MAX
mark or the letter F in FULL on
the dipstick.
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160