1998 Mercury Mountaineer wheel size

²The 4WD HIGH mode provides
four-wheel drive with full power
to both axles. It is only intended
for severe winter or off-road
conditions, such as deep snow
and ice (where no dry or wet
pavement remains uncovered),
and shallow sand.
²The 4WD LOW mode supplies
four-wheel drive with full power
to both axles and includes a
lower gear ratio for low-speed. It
is only intended for off-road
applications that require extra
power including deep sand,
steep grades and pulling a boat
and trailer out of the water.
The vehicle should not be
operated in 4WD HIGH and
4WD LOW on dry or merely wet
pavement. Doing so will
produce excessive noise,
increase tire wear and may
damage driveline components.
These modes are intended for
use only on consistently
slippery or loose surfaces.
If your vehicle is equipped with
4WD or AWD, a spare tire of a
different size than the road
tires should never be used.
Such a tire could result in
damage to driveline
components and make the
vehicle difficult to control.HIGH
LOW AUTO
HIGH
LOW AUTO
Driving
112

TRACTION-LOK AXLE
(IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction
on slippery surfaces, particularly
when one wheel is on a poor
traction surface. Under normal
conditions, the Traction-Lok axle
functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the
manufacturer's specified size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could
result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect
normal driving and should not be
noticeable to the driver.
To avoid injury, never run
the engine with one wheel
off the ground, such as when
changing a tire.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize
yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight: Weight of
the vehicle including any
standard equipment, fluids,
lubricants, etc. It does not
include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload: Combined maximum
allowable weight of cargo,
passengers and optional
equipment. The payload equals
the gross vehicle weight rating
minus base curb weight.
Driving
123

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
PCM Power
RelayÐ PCM Power Relay
Fuel Pump Relay Ð Fuel Pump Relay
Horn Relay Ð Horn Relay
Washer Pump
RelayÐ Washer Pump Relay
Fog Lamp Relay Ð Fog Lamp Relay
Starter Relay Ð Starter Relay
Blower Motor
RelayÐ Blower Motor Relay
1 Resistor Fuse [7ca]
2 Diode Anti-Lock Brakes Indicator
3 Diode Electronic Engine Controls
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
15.0L Engines Only
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving,
do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your
speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe
place on the side of the road.
Spare tire information
Your vehicle is equipped with a
spare tire that may be used as a
spare or a regular tire. The spare
tire is not equipped with wheel
trim. The wheel trim from the
original wheel/tire may be used on
the spare.
If your vehicle is equipped with
4WD or AWD, a spare tire of a
different size than the road
tires should not be used. Such
Roadside emergencies
144

Tires that are larger or smaller
than your vehicle's original tires
may also affect the accuracy of
your speedometer.
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. If you need
to use snow tires and chains, you
must install steel wheels of the
same size and specifications as
those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using
snow tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the
chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the
chains. If this does not work,
remove the chains to prevent
damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle.
²Do not use tire chains on
aluminum wheels. Chains may
chip the wheels.
Maintenance and care
182