2001 Mercury Mountaineer Check engine

System check
Press the system check control to
display the status of the following
systems:
²engine oil life left
²engine oil level
²voltage level
²engine coolant temperature
²washer fluid level
²fuel level
The engine oil life left has two phases. The first display will indicate the
oil change status (OK, SOON, REQUIRED). The second display will
indicate the percentage of oil life remaining. The display OIL TEMP
SIGNAL ERROR indicates a problem with the system. Following this
display, contact your dealer or qualified service technician for system
maintenance.
Operating the message center during system check
The message center controls can be operated as follows during the
system check sequence:
1. Press the system check controls to advance to the next display.
2. Press the reset control to immediately conclude the system check.
3. Press the range, fuel status or fuel economy control to conclude the
system check and display the requested feature.
4. Press the metric/English control to conclude the system check and
change the previous display to the new mode.
5. Press the oil change reset control to conclude the system check and
begin the oil change reset procedure.
An oil change is recommended whenever indicated by the message
center. Use only recommended engine oils.
The message center will tell you the percent of oil life left during system
check. This percentage is based on your driving history and the time
since your last oil change. In order to ensure accurate oil life left
indications, you should only perform the following procedure after you
have the oil changed.
ENGLISH/
METRICRANGESTATUS
ECONRESETSYSTEM
CHECKOIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
Instrumentation
19

The SecuriLockypassive anti-theft
system is not compatible with
non-Ford (aftermarket) remote start
systems. Use of these systems may
result in vehicle starting problems and
a loss of security protection. Large
metallic objects, electronic devices on
the key chain that can be used to
purchase gasoline or similar items, or
a second key on the same key ring as
the PATS ignition key may cause
vehicle starting concern. If present,
you need to keep these objects from
touching the PATS ignition key while
starting the engine. These objects and
devices cannot damage the PATS ignition key, but can
cause a momentary concern if they are too close to the key during engine
start. If a problem occurs, turn ignition OFF and restart the engine with all
other objects on the key ring held away from the ignition key. Check to make
sure the encoded ignition key is an approved Ford encoded ignition key.
If your keys are lost or stolen you
will need to do the following:
²Use your spare key to start the
vehicle. or
²Have your vehicle towed to a
dealership or locksmith. The key
codes will need to be erased from
your vehicle and new key codes will need to be re-coded.
Replacing coded keys can be very costly and you may want to store an
extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to prevent
an unforeseen inconvenience.
The correct PATS key must be used for your vehicle. The use of the
wrong type of PATS key may lead to a ªNO-STARTº condition. Refer to
the Rotunda Key Application Matrix for the correct PATS key type for
your particular vehicle make and model year. If a key Application Marix
is not available, call 1±800±ROTUNDA (1±800±768±8632) (press 2) to
order a Key Application Matrix.
If an unprogrammed key is used in the ignition it will cause a
ªNO STARTºcondition.
Controls and features
111

Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine's idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have
the vehicle checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
²Make sure the parking brake is
set.
²Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START).
If there is difficulty in turning the
key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns
freely. This condition may occur
when:
²front wheels are turned
²front wheel is against the curb
1
2
34
5
Starting
144

²steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12ÉC
(10ÉF) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10
seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10 seconds
and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, press the
accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to START
position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
C
012345
6
RPMx1000
ABS
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
FUEL CAP
EFH
H
H
PRN D 2 1THEFT
SPEED
CONT
4WD
HIGH
4WD
LOW
O/D
OFFL
L
10MPH 205060
70
304080
90
km/h
0 0 0
10 100
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0406080100
120
140
160
180
20
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
!BRAKECHECK
SUSP
3
2
1
5
4
Starting
145

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service.
²the sound of the exhaust system changes.
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Starting
146

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
148

Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be
checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a
synthetic lubricant and does not normally require a lubricant change for
the life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to
be checked unless a leak is suspected.
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the
other side of a hill before driving over the crest.
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting
to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This
reduces the strain on the engine.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.
Driving
163

When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts,
halfshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance that could damage drive components.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be
checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a
synthetic lubricant and does not normally require a lubricant change for
the life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to
be checked unless a leak is suspected.
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the
other side of a hill before driving over the crest.
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting
to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This
reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.
When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed
may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.
If vehicle speed drops more than 16 km/h (10 mph), the speed control
will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal.
If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing
and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 50 km/h
[30 mph]).
Driving
166