1999 Mercury Mystique battery

Roadside emergencies
153
Do not connect the end of
the second cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may
cause an explosion of the gases
that surround the battery.
¥ 2.0 litre engine
¥ 2.5 litre engine
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 153

Roadside emergencies
155
2. Remove the jumper cable on the
negative (-) connection of the
booster vehicleÕs battery.
4. Remove the jumper cable from
the positive (+) terminal of the
disabled vehicleÕs battery.
3. Remove the jumper cable from
the positive (+) terminal of the
booster vehicleÕs battery
After the disabled vehicle has been
started and the jumper cables
removed, allow it to idle for several
minutes so the engine computer
can ÒrelearnÓ its idle conditions.
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 155

Maintenance and care
159
Precautions when servicing
your vehicle
Be especially careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
¥ Do not work on a hot engine.
The cooling fan is automatic
and may come on at any
time. Always disconnect the
negative terminal of the battery
before working near the fan.
¥ If you must work with the engine
running, avoid wearing loose
clothing or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts. Take
precautions with long hair.
¥ Do not work on a vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have
enough ventilation.
¥ Keep all lit cigarettes, open
flames and other lit material away
from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the
engine must ÒrelearnÓ its idle
conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained under
Battery in this chapter.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 159

Maintenance and care
163
For ease of identification, all filler caps and the engine oil dipstick are
marked yellow/black.
2.0 litre EFI-engine compartment
Power
steering
reservoirEngine
coolant
reservoirAutomatic
transaxle
dipstick
(if equipped)Brake fluid
reservoir
BatteryWindshield
washer fluid
reservoirEngine oil
dipstickPower
distribution
box
Air
cleaner
Engine oil
filler cap
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Maintenance and care
164
Power
steering
reservoirEngine
coolant
reservoir
2.5 litre EFI-engine compartment
For ease of identification, all filler caps and the engine oil dipstick are
marked yellow/black.
Air
cleanerBrake fluid
reservoirAutomatic
transaxle
dipstick
(if equipped)
BatteryWindshield
washer fluid
reservoirEngine oil
dipstickPower
distribution
boxEngine oil
filler cap
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 164

Maintenance and care
176
Battery
Your vehicle may be equipped with
a Motorcraft maintenance-free
battery. The Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery normally
does not require additional water
during its life of service. However,
for severe service usage or in high
temperature climates, refer to the
maintenance guide and or service
guide for additional information.
Keep the electrolyte in each cell up
to the ÒlevelÓ indicator. Do not
overfill the battery cell.
For longer, trouble-free operation,
keep the top of the battery clean
and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. The fluid level
should be in the crosshatched area
on the dipstick.
7. If necessary, add fluid in .25 litre
(1/2 pint) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
8. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transaxle
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 176

Maintenance and care
177
Battery replacement
If your original equipment battery
requires replacement while under
warranty, it will be replaced with a
Motorcraft service battery,
identical in design technology. Like
the original equipment battery, it
should not require water addition
during its normal life of service;
however, for severe service usage
or in high temperature climates,
refer to the maintenance guide and
or service guide for additional
information. Do not overfill the
battery cell.
If the electrolyte level in your
battery gets low, you can add plain
tap water to the battery, as long as
you do not use hard water (water
with a high mineral or alkali
content). If possible, however, try
to only fill the battery cell with
distilled water. If the battery needs
water often, have the charging
system checked.
If you see any corrosion on the
battery cables or terminals, remove
the cables from the terminal(s) and
clean with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution
of baking soda and water. Reinstall
the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of
each battery terminal to help
prevent corrosion.
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Maintenance and care
178
Batteries normally produce
explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Do not allow
flames, sparks or lit tobacco to
come near the battery. Always
cover your face and protect your
eyes and also provide ventilation.
Applying too much pressure
on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill.
Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite
corners.
Follow these steps to
minimize risk of personal
injury.
Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible
manner. Follow your communityÕs
local standards for disposal. Call
your local recycling center to find
out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 178