Page 76 of 196
Starting
76
Extended idling at high
engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other
damage.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
A computer system controls the
engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(rpm). When the engine starts, the
idle rpm runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed
does not slow down automatically,
have the vehicle checked by your
dealer or a qualified servcie
technician. Do not allow the vehicle
to idle for more than ten minutes.
Do not park, idle, or drive
your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire.
CDW IVA1_2 Starting en MM 5/15/97 7:50 PM Page 76
Page 81 of 196
Starting
81 3. Turn the key to the onposition
(without turning the key to start).
Make sure the following lights
illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
•If the driver’s safety belt is
fastened the warning light does
not illuminate.
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
CDW IVA1_2 Starting en MM 5/15/97 7:50 PM Page 81
Page 108 of 196
Roadside emergencies
108
If your engine cranks but does not
start after a collision or substantial
jolt:
1. Turn the ignition key to the off
position.
2. Check under the vehicle for
leaking fuel.
3. If you do not see or smell fuel,
push the red reset button down. If
the button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical
problem.
4. Turn the ignition key to the on
position for a few seconds, then
turn it to the off position.
5. Check under the vehicle again
for leaking fuel. If you see or smell
fuel, do not start your vehicle
again. If you do not see or smell
fuel, you can try to start your
vehicle again.
If you see or smell fuel, do
not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the
passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department
or a towing service.
CDW IVC1-6Roads en MM 5/15/97 7:53 PM Page 108
Page 109 of 196

Roadside emergencies
109 Even after a fuse is replaced, it will
continue to blow if the cause of the
overload is not identified and
corrected. If the fuse continues to
blow, have the vehicle’s electrical
system checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
The passenger compartment fuse
panel is located on the driver’s side
under the instrument panel. The
power distribution box is located
on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment.
They contain the main fuses and
the main relays. The circuits
protected are identified by
numbers on the passenger
compartment fuse panel and inside
the cover on the power distribution
box.
FUSES AND RELAYS
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire. Check
the appropriate fuses before
replacing any electrical
components.
Always replace a fuse with
one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with
higher amperage rating can cause
severe wire damage and could
start a fire.
CDW IVC1-6Roads en MM 5/15/97 7:53 PM Page 109
Page 110 of 196
Roadside emergencies
110
1
2
Power distribution box
To check or replace a fuse or a
relay, remove the cover of the fuse
box in the engine compartment by
releasing the latch (1) and lifting
up.
A blown fuse can be identified by a
break in the wire. Use the fuse
puller (2) attached to the cover of
the power distribution box to
change a fuse.
All fuses are a push fit.
Five reserve fuses with different
current ratings are attached to the
inside cover of the power
distribution box in case of
emergency fuse replacement.
2
R10
R91516R11
10 18
17
R8 R7
11121314R6
R4 R3
3
2
1R1R2 R5 D1
456789
Blown fuse
Always replace the cover to
the Power Distribution Box
before reconnecting the battery or
refilling fluid reservoirs.
CDW IVC1-6Roads en MM 5/15/97 7:53 PM Page 110
Page 112 of 196
Roadside emergencies
112Passenger compartment fuse
panel
To check or change a fuse or a
relay, open the fuse box by pulling
down the lock release lever (1).
1
Power distribution box (engine compartment)
Relay
Circuits switched
R 1
R 2
R 3
R 4
R 5
R 6
R 7
R 8
R 9
R 10
R 11
D1
Daytime running lights
Radiator fan relay (high speed)
Air conditioning
Air conditioning clutch relay
Radiator fan relay (low speed)
Starter solenoid
Horn
Electrically operated fuel pump
Low beam headlamps
High beam headlamps
EEC module
Reverse voltage protection
CDW IVC1-6Roads en MM 5/15/97 7:53 PM Page 112
Page 125 of 196
Maintenance and care
125 SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
•We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
•As possible, we design parts that
can be replaced without tools.
•We provide you with a “Service
Guide” which makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional service, your Ford
dealership can provide necessary
parts and service. Check your
“Warranty Guide” 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.
CDW VA1-19Maint en MM 5/15/97 7:55 PM Page 125
Page 129 of 196
Maintenance and care
129 Opening the hood
•Pull the handle (1) located under
the instrument panel.
MIRRORS
000123000010 20 3040506070
80
90
100
110
120
130MPH20 406055
80120 100
140
160
180
200EF 1
/
2UNLEADED FUEL ONLY12
03x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMALBRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
1
Off
ResSet
AccCoast
On
•Release the safety catch by
reaching under the hood (2)
(adjacent to the Mercury
emblem) and pushing it up.
2
3
•Raise the hood and support it
with the strut (3) in the yellow
colored retainer, ensuring it is
secure. Hold the support at the
yellow colored insulation section.
To close, replace the support strut
in its retaining clip, lower the hood
and allow it to drop into the catch
for the last 20 – 30 cm
(8 – 12 inches).
Always check to ensure that the
hood lock is fully engaged.
CDW VA1-19Maint en MM 5/15/97 7:55 PM Page 129