2000 Mercury Mountaineer charging

High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer toSecuriLockypassive
anti-theft systemin theControls
and featureschapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Check gage
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high, the engine oil
pressure is low or the fuel gauge is
at or near empty. The ignition must
be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also
illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position. Refer toEngine coolant temperature gauge, Engine oil
pressure gaugeorFuel gaugein this chapter for more information.
Four wheel drive low (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the START
position. Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged. If
the light continues to flash have the system serviced.
THEFT
CHECK
GAGE
4WD
LOW
Instrumentation
11

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is 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
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
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.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
Maintenance and care
210

²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By law,
vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells,
leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle's emission system is on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the engine. This
decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
Maintenance and care
225

Air bag supplemental
restraint system .................126,130
and child safety seats ............128
description .......................126,130
disposal ....................................133
driver air bag ...................128,131
indicator light ...............9,130,132
operation ..........................128,131
passenger air bag ............128,131
side air bag ..............................130
Air cleaner filter .......................237
Air conditioning ..........................22
automatic temperature
control system ..........................25
rear seat controls .....................31
Air suspension ...........................147
description ..............................147
warning light .............................12
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................159
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................200
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................144,145
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Armrests ......................................99
Audio system (see Radio) .........35
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ..........................149,152
fluid, adding ............................206
fluid, checking ........................206
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
fluid, specification ..................242
Auxiliary power point .................98
Axle
lubricant specifications ...240,242
refill capacities ........................237
traction lok ..............................162
Battery .......................................210acid, treating emergencies .....210
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....185
maintenance-free ....................210
replacement, specifications ...237
servicing ..................................210
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................122
Brakes ........................................144
anti-lock ............................144,145
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........10,145
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....199
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
fluid, specifications ..........240,242
lubricant specifications ...240,242
parking ....................................145
shift interlock ..........................148
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....237
Cargo area shade ......................100
Cargo cover ...............................100
CD changer .................................71
Certification Label ....................244
Child safety restraints ..............134
child safety belts ....................134
Child safety seats ......................135
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
tether anchorage hardware ...139
Cleaning your vehicle ...............231
engine compartment ..............232
exterior .............................232,234
exterior lamps .........................234
instrument panel ....................235
instrument panel lens ............235
interior ..............................234,235
mirrors .....................................236
plastic parts ............................234
safety belts ..............................235
Index
258

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