1999 Mercury Mystique Temperature

Controls and features
48
Troubleshooting the CD Player
The laser beam used in the
compact disc player is
harmful to the eyes. Do not
attempt to disassemble the case.
If sound skips:
¥ You may be travelling on a rough
road, playing scratched discs or the
disc may be dirty. Skipping will not
scratch the discs or damage the
player.
If player does not work:
¥ The disc is inserted with the label
surface downward.
¥ The disc is dusty or defective.
¥ The playerÕs internal temperature
is above 75¡C (167¡F). Allow the
player to cool down before
operating.
¥ A disc with format and
dimensions not within industry
standards is inserted.
Cleaning compact discs
Inspect all discs for contamination
before playing. If necessary, clean
discs only with an approved CD
cleaner and wipe the center out to
the edge. Do not use circular
motion.
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Controls and features
49
CD and CD player care
¥ Handle discs by their edges only.
Never touch the playing surface.
¥ Do not insert more than one disc
at a time.
¥ Do not expose discs to direct
sunlight or heat sources for
extended periods of time.
¥ After playing, store the disc in its
case.
Cleaning cassette player
(if equipped)
Clean the tape player head with a
cassette cleaning cartridge after
ten to twelve hours of play in order
to maintain the best sound and
operation.
Cassette and cassette player
care
¥ Use only cassettes that are
90 minutes long or less.
¥ Do not expose tapes to direct
sunlight, high humidity, extreme
heat or extreme cold. Allow tapes
that may have been exposed to
extreme temperatures to reach a
moderate temperature before
playing.
¥ Tighten very loose tapes by
inserting a finger or pencil into the
hole and turning the hub.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 49

Starting
104
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
engineÕs 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 service
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.
21MSten 4/13/99 2:23 PM Page 104

Starting
110
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to the start
position (4) without pressing the
accelerator pedal and release as
soon as the engine starts. The key
will return to the on (3) position.3
4
21
2. If the engine does not start
within five seconds, wait ten
seconds and try again.
3. If the engine does not start in
two attempts OR the temperature
is below -12¡C (10¡F), depress the
accelerator pedal and start the
engine while holding the
accelerator pedal down. Release
the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
Vehicles equipped with the 2.0 l
engine: If the engine fails to start,
continue to crank with the
accelerator depressed about 1/4 of
the way down and hold that
position until the engine starts.
DO NOT crank for more than
30 seconds
or you could damage
the starter.
4. After idling the engine for a few
seconds, apply the brake pedal and
release the parking brake.
21MSten 4/13/99 2:23 PM Page 110

Starting
111
USING THE ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the
engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine
faster and allows the heater-
defroster system to respond
quickly. It is strongly recommended
if you live in a region where
temperatures reach Ð23¡C (Ð10¡F)
or below.
For best results, plug the heater in
at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for
more than three hours will not
harm the engine, so the heater can
be plugged in the night before
starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock,
do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
21MSten 4/13/99 2:23 PM Page 111

Maintenance and care
173
Checking and adding power
steering fluid
Switch off the engine. With the
steering system at normal
operating temperature, the fluid
level should come up to the MAX
mark.
If the fluid level drops below the
MIN mark, add the specified fluid.
Refer to the
Capacities and
specifications
chapter.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold
climates (less than -36¡C [-34¡F]),
it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
Refer to the chart on the coolant
container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is
such that the coolant will not
freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during the winter
months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%.
Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle
year-round in non-extreme
climates.
MAX
MIN
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 173

Maintenance and care
174
Automatic transaxle fluid
Follow the scheduled service
intervals outlined in the
maintenance guide and or service
guide.
Before adding any fluid, make sure
the correct type is used. The type
of fluid used is normally indicated
on the dipstick and/or dipstick
handle and also in the
Lubricant
specifications
section in the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the hole at the
bottom of the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above 10¡C
(50¡F).
Your transaxle does not use up
fluid. However, it is recommended
that you check the transaxle fluid
at least twice a year. The fluid level
should be checked if the transaxle
is not working properly, i.e., if the
transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if
you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Transaxle fluid should be checked
at normal operating temperatures
of 66¡C - 77¡C (150¡F - 170¡F) on a
level surface while the engine is
running in the P (Park) gearshift
lever position. The normal
operating temperature can be
reached after approximately 32 km
(20 miles) of driving.
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Maintenance and care
175
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature 66¡C - 77¡C
(150¡F - 170¡F).
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
10¡C - 35¡C (50¡F - 95¡F).
If the vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds,
in the city during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about thirty
minutes to allow the fluid to cool
before checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface and engage the parking
brake.
2. With the parking brake engaged
and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in
P (Park) and leave the engine
running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
5. Install the dipstick making sure
it is fully seated in the filler tube.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 175