2000 Mercury Mystique ac drain

Controls and features
29 Manual heating and air
conditioning system
(if equipped)
OFF LO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C HI/
LO
HIFan speed control
Controls the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle.
Temperature control knob
Controls the temperature of the
airflow inside the vehicle.
OFF PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C/Mode selector control
Controls the direction of the
airflow to the inside of the vehicle.
The air conditioning compressor
will operate in all modes except
PANEL, PNL/FLR, and FLOOR.
However, the air conditioning will
only function if the outside
temperature is about 10°C (50°F )
or higher.
Since the air conditioner removes
considerable moisture from the air
during operation, it is normal if
clear water drips on the ground
under the air conditioner drain
while the system is working and
even after you have stopped the
vehicle.
13MCfen 24.6.99 15:05 Uhr Seite 29

Maintenance and care
169
ADDFULL
Engine oil
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil
CERTIFIED FOR GASOLINE
ENGINES by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary
and could, under certain
conditions, lead to engine damage
which is not covered by Ford
Warranty.
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
To check the oil:
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground. If the engine is warm, turn
the engine off and wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake and ensure
the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park). Put the manual gearshift
in 1 (first) or R (Reverse).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil dipstick.
5. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert
the dipstick fully, then remove it
again. The oil level should be
between the MIN and MAX marks.2.0 l DOHC
2.5 l DOHC
AMERICANPETROLEUMINSTITUTE
CERTIFIED
FOR
GASOLINE
ENGINES
AMERICANPETROLEUMINSTITUTECERTIFIEDFOR
GASOLINE
ENGINES
Motorcraft
Do not exceed MAX!
Do not exceed MAX!
31MMCen 24.6.99 15:30 Uhr Seite 169

Maintenance and care
175 • A large amount of water without
engine coolant may be added, in
case of emergency, to reach a
vehicle service location. In this
instance, the cooling system must
be drained and refilled with a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and
distilled water as soon as possible.
Water alone (without engine
coolant) can cause engine damage
from corrosion, overheating or
freezing.
•Do not use alcohol or
methanol or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze (coolant).
Alcohol and other liquids can cause
engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors
or additives to the coolant.
These can be harmful and
compromise the corrosion
protection of the engine coolant.
•Do not mix with recycled
coolant unless the bottle label
states compliance with Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A.
31MMCen 24.6.99 15:30 Uhr Seite 175

Maintenance and care
177 After any coolant has been added,
check the coolant concentration
(see Checking engine coolant
section). If the concentration is not
50/50 (protection to -34°F /-36°C),
drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several
drains and additions to obtain a
50/50 coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added,
the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the
next few times you drive the
vehicle. If necessary, add enough
50/50 concentration of engine
coolant and distilled water to bring
the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than
1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine
coolant per month, have your
dealer check the engine cooling
system. Your cooling system may
have a leak. Operating an engine
with a low level of coolant can
result in engine overheating and
possible engine damage.
Changing engine coolant
Change your engine coolant
according to the appropriate
schedule listed in the “Scheduled
Maintenance Guide“. It is important
that the engine coolant be changed
at the specified intervals. The
corrosion protection of engine
coolant is depleted with time and
usage. Use of engine coolant with
depleted corrosion protection may
result in damage to the coolant
system. Color, specific gravity and
freeze point of the coolant are not indicators of depletion.
To find out how much fluid your
vehicle’s cooling system can hold,
refer to the Refill capacities in the
Capacities and Specifications
chapter. Fill your coolant reservoir
following the directions given in
the Adding engine coolant
section.
Coolant usage in severe winter
climate
If you drive in extremely cold
climates less than -34°F (-36°C), it
may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50 %.
Refer to the chart on the coolant
container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle will
provide adequate freeze protection.
Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above
60 %(protection to -60°F). At a
level over 60 %, your engine could
overheat and become damaged.
Coolant usage in hot climate
If you drive in hot climates, it is still
necessary to maintain the coolant
concentration at 50/50 coolant and
water. Do not allow the
concentration to fall below
40 % coolant.At a concentration
less than 40 %, the corrosion
protection to your engine and
cooling components may be
compromised and permanent
damage may result.
31MMCen 24.6.99 15:30 Uhr Seite 177

Maintenance and care
216
Washing your vehicle
Only use car washing areas
that have environmentally
friendly drainage systems.
VEHICLE CARE
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of
water for best results. To avoid
spots, avoid washing when the
hood is still warm, immediately
after or during exposure to strong
sunlight.
31MMCen 24.6.99 15:31 Uhr Seite 216