1999 Mercury Mystique wheel

Driving
120
¥D (Overdrive)
Note that the vehicleÕs gearshift is
console-mounted on the floor. The
transaxle control switch (TCS) is
located on the gearshift handle.
The transaxle control indicator
light (O/D light) is located on the
instrument panel.
Overdrive is not shown on the
display, but is the default mode for
the D gearshift position. This is the
normal driving mode for the best
fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
The O/D light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle
operation.
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transaxle control
switch (TCS) located on the
gearshift handle. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster.
¥N(Neutral)
The wheels of the transaxle are not
locked. Your vehicle will roll freely,
even on the slightest incline, unless
the parking brake or brakes are on.
22MDren 4/13/99 3:40 PM Page 120

Roadside emergencies
146
CHANGING TIRES
Park your vehicle in such a position
that neither the traffic nor you are
hindered or endangered when
changing the tire. Ensure that the
vehicle is on firm, level ground.
Secure your vehicle further by
blocking the wheels.
Activate the hazard lights.
Apply the parking brake and
engage first or reverse gear if the
vehicle has a manual transaxle or, if
the vehicle has an automatic
transaxle, select the P (Park)
position.
If parking on a slope is unavoidable,
block the wheels.
The temporary spare tire
The vehicle may have a high
pressure temporary spare tire. This
spare is smaller than a regular tire
and is designed for emergency use
only. This tire should be replaced
as soon as possible.
If you use the temporary
spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the
tire could fail, causing you to lose
control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 146

Roadside emergencies
147
80
MAX
km/h
When driving with a temporary
spare tire:
¥ Do not exceed the maximum
speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and
only drive the shortest possible
distance.
¥ Do not exceed the permissible
gross weight of the vehicle.
¥ Do not install more than one
spare wheel on your vehicle at any
one time.
¥ Do not use snow chains on this
type of wheel.
¥ Do not drive through an
automatic car wash.
Spare tire location
The spare tire and tools are located
under the floor cover in the
luggage compartment.
50
MAX
mph
Removing the spare tire and
tools
1. Raise the rear of the floor cover
in the luggage compartment.
2. Completely unscrew the bolt and
remove the bolt and cup.
3. Lift out the spare wheel.
4. Unscrew the jack bolt and
remove jack.
5. Obtain jack handle, which is
located on the floor under the
spare wheel.
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 147

Roadside emergencies
148
Removing a tire
1. Apply the parking brake and 1
(first) gear (manual transaxle) or
the P (Park) position (automatic
transaxle).
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. The driver and all passengers
must leave the vehicle.
4. Secure the vehicle against rolling
or sliding.
5. Insert the tapered end of the
jack handle between the rim and
hub cover and push in. Twist off to
remove the cover.
6. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly.
Tire changing procedure
7. Place jack with complete support
surface on the ground.
8. The jack must be applied exactly
vertical to the jacking point of the
vehicle.
9. Jack up the vehicle until the tire
is clear of the ground. Unscrew and
remove the wheel nuts and remove
the wheel.
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 148

Roadside emergencies
149
Replacing a tire
1. Push the spare tire onto the
wheel studs.
2. Screw on the wheel nuts,
ensuring the tapered end of the
wheel nuts are facing the wheel,
and secure in a clockwise direction.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove
the jack by turning the handle
counterclockwise.
4. Fully tighten the wheel nuts in a
crosswise pattern.
5. Align the hub cap with the valve
and push firmly into position with
the ball of the hand.
6. Stow the jack and damaged tire
in the luggage compartment by
reversing the spare tire removal
instructions.
3
42 1
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 149

Roadside emergencies
156
If towing is necessary, it is
recommended that your vehicle be
towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with
slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor
Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook or slingbelt
towing procedure.
WRECKER TOWING
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 156

Roadside emergencies
157
Never use a tow bar that
attaches to the bumper
when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and
cause an accident.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Before you have your vehicle
towed:
¥ release the parking brake,
¥ move the gearshift to N
(Neutral),
¥ turn the ignition to the off
position and
¥ unlock the steering wheel.
Automatic transaxle
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed
faster than 55 km/h (35 mph) or
for a distance greater than 80 km
(50 miles) unless the drive wheels
are placed on dollies.
Manual transaxle
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed
faster than 90 km/h (55 mph). Your
maximum towing distance is
unlimited.
23MREen 4/13/99 3:42 PM Page 157

Maintenance and care
160
Working with engine off
(manual transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (first) or R (Reverse).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with engine off
(automatic transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 160