1998 Mercury Mountaineer suspension

your vehicle in an emergency.
Since the parking brake applies
only the rear brakes, the vehicle's
stopping distance will be adversely
affected.
Pull the release lever to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
The air suspension system is
designed to improve ride, handling
and general vehicle performance
during:
²certain road conditions
²steering maneuvers
²braking
²accelerations
This system maintains the vehicle
height at a constant level by
automatically adding air or
releasing air from the springs to
offset changes in vehicle loads.
Driving
103

The air suspension shut-off switch
is located in the cargo area behind
the left rear quarter trim panel.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior
to jacking, hoisting or towing
your vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Automatic transmission
operation
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a
brake-shift interlock feature that
prevents the gearshift from being
moved from P (Park) unless the
brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift
out of P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn
ignition key to LOCK, then remove
the key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to
OFF. Apply the brake pedal and
shift to N (Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above
procedure to move the gearshift, it
is possible that a fuse has blown.
Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Driving
104

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle
may require the use of a trailer
tow option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads
on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires,
and suspension. For your safety
and to maximize vehicle
performance, be sure to use the
proper equipment while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure
safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load
limits.
²Thoroughly prepare your vehicle
for towing. Refer toPreparing
to towin this chapter.
²Use extra caution when driving
while trailer towing. Refer to
Driving while you towin this
chapter.
²Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer.
Refer to the severe duty
schedule in the ªService Guideº.
²Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least
800 km (500 miles).
²Refer to the instructions
included with towing accessories
for the proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads
listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load
specification terms found on the
label, refer toVehicle loadingin
Driving
127

2. Slide the wheel under the
vehicle and install the retainer
through the wheel center.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its
original position underneath the
vehicle. The jack handle ratchets
when the tire is raised to the
stowed position. It will not allow
you to overtighten.
Tire change procedure
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior
to jacking, hoisting or towing
your vehicle.
Refer to the instruction sheet for
detailed tire change instructions.
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set the parking
brake.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park).
When one of the rear wheels is off
the ground, the transmission alone
will not prevent the vehicle from
moving or slipping off the jack,
even if the transmission is in P
(Park).
3. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
4. Use the tip of the lug wrench to
remove any wheel trim.
Roadside emergencies
146

5. Loosen each wheel lug nut, but
do not remove them until the
wheel is raised off the ground.
6. Turn OFF the air suspension
switch (if equipped). Refer toAir
suspension systemin theDriving
chapter.
7. Position the jack according to
the following guides and turn the
jack handle clockwise until the tire
is a maximum of 25 mm (1 inch)
off the ground.
²Front
Roadside emergencies
147

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

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle
towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance
center.
If equipped with air suspension,
the air suspension control must be
turned to the OFF position.
The Ford approved towing
procedure is flatbed or wheel
lift with dollies.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to
tow the vehicle with the front
wheels on the ground (without
dollies) and the rear wheels off the
ground.
Roadside emergencies
152

²Remove the tire chains when
they are no longer needed. Do
not use tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent
vehicle damage. Do not remove
these components from your
vehicle when using snow tires
and chains.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel
tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause
leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
If you do not use the
proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can
damage the fuel system or cause
it to work improperly in a
collision.
The fuel system may be
under pressure. If the fuel
cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it
stops before completely
removing the cap.
Automotive fuels can
cause serious injury or
death if misused or mishandled.
Maintenance and care
183