Page 55 of 244
Controls and features
55
OFF LO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C HI/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK 31245ANSSIDE 1-2EJECTVOLUME
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
10 0
110
120
13 0MPH20 406055
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
200EF12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
MIRRORS
CLOCK
TRACTION
TROL
CH
Multi-function switch
The turn signal functions are
available only with the ignition
switch on.
Right turn signal
Move the lever up.
Left turn signal
Move the lever down.
Flash-to-pass
Pull the lever toward you and
release quickly for Òflash-to-passÓ
operation.
High beam heaadlamps
Push the lever toward the
instrument panel.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 55
Page 57 of 244
Controls and features
57
Do not use the speed control
in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, slippery, or
unpaved.
Off
On
Speed control (if equipped)
To turn speed control off
¥ Press Off, or
¥ turn off the vehicle ignition.
Once the speed control is switched
off, the previously programmed set
speed will be erased.
To turn speed control on
¥ Press On.
MIRRORS
OFF LO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C HI/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK 31245ANSSIDE 1-2EJECTVOLUME
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
10 0
110
120
13 0MPH20 406055
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
200EF12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
CLOCK
Res
Set
AccCoastOff
On
TRACTION
TROL
CH
13MCten 4/13/99 3:36 PM Page 57
Page 87 of 244
87
the instrument cluster or a
secondary warning light to indicate
the condition of the system. Refer
to the
Air bag readinesssection in
the
Instrumentationchapter.
Routine maintenance of the air bag
is not required.
A difficulty with the system is
indicated by one or more of the
following:
¥ The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
¥ The readiness light will not
illuminate after ignition is turned
on.
¥ The air bag secondary warning
light will flash five times. The
pattern will repeat periodically
until the problem or the readiness
light is repaired.
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the SRS
serviced at your dealership or by a
qualified technician immediately.
Unless serviced, the system may
not function properly in the event
of a collision.
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
Page 109 of 244
Starting
109
3. Turn the key to the on position
(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 driverÕs safety belt is
fastened the safety belt warning
light does not illuminate.
BRAKE
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
Alternative design
Alternative design
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
21MSten 4/13/99 2:23 PM Page 109
Page 115 of 244

Driving
115
TRACTION CONTROL
(if equipped)
This system prevents wheel spin at
all speeds. The control will toggle
this function on and off, but the
feature defaults to on after each
cycle of the ignition key.
The traction control system
controls excessive wheel spin by
automatically applying and
releasing the brakes in conjunction
with engine torque reductions.
This can occur when accelerating
on a slippery road, a loose surface
or when pulling away on a hill. The
traction control lamp flashes on the
instrument panel when the system
is functioning to regulate tire
traction.
When the ignition is turned to the
on position, the traction control
system light comes on for
approximately three (3) seconds. If
the light does not come on when
the ignition is turned to the on
position or if it remains on when
the traction control system is
turned on, have the system
serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician. You
can continue to drive and do not
need to have the vehicle towed in.
You should not take unnecessary
driving risks because of the
systemÕs safety potential.
22MDren 4/13/99 3:40 PM Page 115
Page 116 of 244

Driving
116
STEERING YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle comes with power
steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
If the amount of effort needed to
steer your vehicle at a constant
vehicle speed, have the power
steering system checked. If the
power steering system breaks
down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle
manually but it takes more effort.
Never hold the steering wheel to
the extreme right or left for more
than five seconds if the engine is
running. This can damage the
power steering pump.
Switching off traction control
If you become stuck in snow or on
a slippery road surface, try
switching off the traction control
system by pressing the switch. This
may allow the excess wheel spin to
ÒdigÒ the vehicle out or enable a
successful ÒrockingÒ maneuver. Do
not rock the vehicle for more than
a few minutes, because it could
damage the vehicle.
The light in the control illuminates
continuously when the system has
been switched off. To reactivate
the system, depress the switch
again or restart the engine.
22MDren 4/13/99 3:40 PM Page 116
Page 121 of 244
Driving
121
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
¥ D (Drive)
D (Drive) provides more engine
braking than overdrive and is
useful when driving through hilly
terrain or if your vehicle requires
additional power for climbing hills.
Activate by pressing the transaxle
control switch (TCS) located on
the gearshift handle. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. Transaxle
operates in gears one through
three.
To return to overdrive mode, press
the transaxle control switch.The
O/D OFF indicator light will
extinguish.
When starting your vehicle, the
transaxle will automatically return
to normal overdrive mode when the
D (Drive) gearshift position is
selected.
22MDren 4/13/99 3:40 PM Page 121
Page 162 of 244
Maintenance and care
162
Opening the hood
¥ Pull the handle (1) located
under the instrument panel.000123000010 20 3040506070
80
90
10 0
110
120
13 0MPH20 406055
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
200EF12
03x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
MIRRORS
1
TRACTION
TROLCH
¥ Release the safety catch by
reaching under the hood (2)
(adjacent to the Mercury emblem)
and pushing it to the left.
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 Ð 30 cm
(8 Ð 12 inches).
Always check to ensure that the
hood lock is fully engaged.
31MMCen 4/13/99 2:17 PM Page 162