2000 Mercury Mountaineer climate control

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Maintenance and care
213

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with ªhigh performanceº tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and care
216

washing ....................................231
waxing .....................................232
wheels ......................................233
windows ..................................236
wiper blades ............................234
woodtone trim ........................236
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock ..................................41,51,64
Compass, electronic ....................86
calibration .................................88
set zone adjustment .................87
Console ........................................97
overhead ...............................83,84
rear ............................................98
Controls
power seat ...............................113
steering column ........................82
Coolant
checking and adding ..............200
refill capacities .................204,237
specifications ...................240,242
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................77
Customer Assistance ................171
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................252
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................245
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............251
Getting roadside assistance ...171
Getting the
service you need ....................245
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................256
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................248
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............251
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................21Defrost
rear window ..............................33
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................206
engine oil .................................195
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........240
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................209
Driving under special
conditions ...........................158,161
mud .....................157,158,160,161
sand ..................................158,160
snow and ice ......157,159,160,162
through water ...........158,161,165
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................185
Emission control system ..........224
Engine ........................................242
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................232
coolant .....................................200
idle speed control ...................210
lubrication
specifications ...................240,242
refill capacities ........................237
service points ...................194,195
starting after a collision .........172
Engine block heater .................142
Engine oil ..................................195
checking and adding ..............195
dipstick ....................................195
filter, specifications .........198,237
recommendations ...................198
refill capacities ........................237
specifications ...................240,242
Exhaust fumes ..........................143
Floor mats ...................................99
Fluid capacities .........................237
Index
259