2000 Mercury Mountaineer tow

Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
Maintenance and care
224

Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Cleaning non-painted plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover such as Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover (B7A-19520±AA).
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from your
Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause
scratches. The windshield or rear window is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and wiper
blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Maintenance and care
234

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Certification label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Certification Label be affixed
to a vehicle and prescribe where the
Certification Label may be located.
The Certification Label is located on
the front door latch pillar on the
driver's side.
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.
EXT PNT: XXXXXX XXXXXX RC: XX DSO: XXXX F0000
BAR INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR T0000
X XX XXX X XX X XXXX
UTC
ÑFOHT-15294A10-GA
MAXIMUM LOAD=OCCUPANTS + LUGGAGE=XXXKG/XXXXLB
OCCUPANTS: X TOTAL X FR X 2ND X RR OCCUPANTS LUGGAGE
XX XXXKG/XXXXLB
TIRE: XXXX/XXXXX XXX X XXXKG/XXXXLB
PRESSURE (FR) XXX kPa/33 PSI COLD
PRESSURE (RR) XXX kPa/33 PSI COLD
TRAILER TOWING - SEE OWNER GUIDE
DATE: XXXXX GVWR:XXXXX LB/ XXXXX KG
VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX TYPE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX FGAWR: XXXXXX/XXXXXXX RGAWR: XXXXXXX/XXXXXXX
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE
DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Capacities and specifications
244

Ford Extended Service Plan
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP
is an optional service contract which is backed by Ford Motor Company
or Ford Motor Service Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in
Canada). It provides the following:
²benefits during the warranty period depending on the plan you
purchase (such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain
maintenance and wear items)
²protection against repair costs after your Bumper to Bumper Warranty
expires
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford and Lincoln/
Mercury and Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans available in
various time, distance and deductible combinations which can be tailored
to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental coverage. (In Hawaii, rules vary. See your
dealer for details.)
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,000 participating Ford or Lincoln/Mercury and Ford of
Canada dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Please contact
your dealer for further information. Since this information is subject to
change, please ask your dealer for complete details about Ford Extended
Service Plan coverage options.
Getting the service you need
At home
Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada have authorized dealerships to
service your vehicle. When you need warranty repairs your selling dealer
would like you to return to it for that service, but you may also take your
vehicle to another Ford Motor Company dealership authorized for
warranty repairs. Certain warranty repairs require special training
though, so not all dealers are authorized to perform all warranty repairs.
That means that depending on the warranty repair needed, the vehicle
may need to be taken to another dealer. If a particular dealership can not
assist you, then contact the Customer Assistance Center.
Customer assistance
245

lighting up
panel and interior .....................22
location of components ..............8
Jump-starting your vehicle ......185
Keyless entry system ...............106
autolock ...................................107
keypad .....................................106
locking and unlocking doors ..107
programming entry code .......106
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........76
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................230
cargo lamps ...............................22
daytime running light ...............21
fog lamps ...................................21
headlamps .................................21
headlamps, flash to pass ..........22
instrument panel, dimming .....22
replacing
bulbs ............226,227,228,229,230
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................76
Liftgate ........................................99
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ..........................................9
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,145
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
fuel reset .....................................9
high beam .................................11
overdrive off ..............................12
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................80
turn signal indicator .................10Load limits .................................162
GAWR ......................................162
GVWR ......................................162
trailer towing ..........................162
Loading instructions .................164
Locks
autolock ...................................107
childproof ..................................96
doors ..........................................95
Lubricant specifications ....240,242
Lumbar support, seats .............115
Message center ...........................17
english/metric button ...............17
reset button ..............................18
system check button ................19
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................94
cleaning ...................................236
fold away ...................................97
heated ........................................97
side view mirrors (power) .......96
Moon roof ....................................85
Motorcraft parts .................221,237
Octane rating ............................219
Odometer .....................................15
Off-Road Driving .......................160
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................195
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................102
Parking brake ............................145
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....237
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................178
Power door locks ........................95
Power steering ..........................146
fluid, checking and adding ....205
fluid, refill capacity ................237
fluid, specifications ..........240,242
Preparing to
drive your vehicle .....................147
Radio ............................................35
Index
261

Relays ........................................174
Remote entry system ........101,102
illuminated entry ....................105
locking/unlocking doors .........102
panic alarm .............................102
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................104
replacing the batteries ...........104
Reverse sensing system .............33
Roof rack ...................................170
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ......................13,116,117
118,119,120,121
Safety defects, reporting ..........257
Safety restraints .................116,117
118,119,120,121
belt minder .............................122
cleaning the
safety belts .......................125,235
extension assembly ................121
for adults ............117,118,119,120
for children ......................133,134
warning light
and chime ...............10,13,121,122
Safety seats for children ..........135
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............116
Seats ..........................................112
child safety seats ....................135
cleaning ............................234,236
memory seat ...........................103
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ................109,110
Servicing your vehicle ..............192
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................237,242
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................240,242Speed control ..............................77
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle .........140,142
jump starting ..........................185
Steering wheel
controls ......................................82
tilting .........................................81
Tachometer .................................15
Tilt steering wheel ......................81
Tires .............................180,213,214
changing ....................180,181,182
checking the pressure ............214
replacing ..................................215
rotating ....................................214
snow tires and chains ............216
tire grades ...............................214
treadwear ................................213
Towing ................................165,214
recreational towing .................170
trailer towing ..........................165
wrecker ....................................191
Traction-lok rear axle ...............162
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................209
Transmission .............................148
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................206
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
lubricant specifications ...240,242
Trip odometer .............................15
Turn signal .............................10,76
Vehicle dimensions ...................242
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................244
Vehicle loading ..........................162
Ventilating your vehicle ...........143
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................200
Water, Driving through .............165
Windows
power .........................................94
Index
262

rear wiper/washer .....................82
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................82
checking and adding fluid .....200
checking and cleaning ............212liftgate reservoir .....................200
operation ...................................81
replacing wiper blades ...........212
Wrecker towing .........................191
Index
263