1998 Mercury Mountaineer catalytic converter

What you should do if the
check engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system
has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause
yourCheck Enginelight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.
(The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the
fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been
properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can
be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or
properly installing and securely
tightening the gas cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Enginelight
should turn off. (A driving cycle
consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city/highway
driving.) No additional vehicle
service is required.
If theCheck Enginelight remains
on, have your vehicle serviced at
the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which
could damage your catalytic
converter. You should drive in a
moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and
Instrumentation
7

have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
Under engine misfire
conditions, excessive
exhaust temperatures could
damage the catalytic converter,
the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle
components, possibly causing a
fire.
Fuel reset
Illuminates when the ignition key
is turned to the ON position and
the fuel pump shut-off switch has
been triggered. For more
information, refer toFuel pump
shut-off switchin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to
flash or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON to remind
you to fasten your safety belts. For
more information, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
FUEL
RESET
Instrumentation
8

12. Stow the flat tire, jack and lug
wrench. Make sure the jack is
fastened so it does not rattle when
you drive.
13. Turn ON the air suspension
switch (if equipped).
14. Unblock the wheels.
JUMP STARTING YOUR
VEHICLE
The gases around the
battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle
damage.
Do not push start your
vehicle. You could damage
the catalytic converter.
Batteries contain sulfuric
acid which burns skin,
eyes, and clothing.
Preparing your vehicle
Also see the label on the battery.
1. Use only a 12±volt supply to
start your vehicle. If you connect
your battery to a 24±volt power
supply you can damage your
starter, ignition system and other
electrical components.
Roadside emergencies
149

Calculating fuel economy
To accurately calculate your
vehicle's fuel economy:
1. Fill the tank completely and
record the initial odometer
reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank,
record the amount of fuel added
(in liters or gallons).
3. After at least three to five fuel
tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and
record the current mileage
reading.
4. Use one of the following
equations to calculate fuel
economy.
Liters used x 1004Total
kilometers traveled
Total miles traveled4Total
gallons used
Keep a record for at least one
month. This will provide an
accurate estimate of the vehicle's
fuel economy.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with
various emission control
components and a catalytic
converter which will enable your
vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To
make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission
control components continue to
work properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
Maintenance and care
187