2001 Mercury Mountaineer check engine light

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

Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not effect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle making
sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles
and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) booster cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
Roadside emergencies
191

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and care
198

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.
Maintenance and care
233

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.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Foglamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Brakelamps
²Turn signals
²License plate lamp
²Tail lamps
²Back-up lamps
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they can be replaced immediately with
new ones. If a bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the lamp housings and affect lamp performance.
Maintenance and care
234

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................127±128, 132
and child safety seats ............129
description ......................128, 132
disposal ....................................135
driver air bag ..................130, 133
indicator light ...........10, 131, 134
operation .........................130, 133
passenger air bag ...........130, 133
side air bag ..............................132
Air cleaner filter .......................246
Air conditioning ..........................22
automatic temperature
control system ..........................26
rear seat controls .....................31
Air suspension ...........................151
description ..............................151
warning light .............................12
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................164
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................207
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................148±149
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Armrests ....................................100
Audio system (see Radio) .........36
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................154, 156
fluid, adding ............................213
fluid, checking ........................213
fluid, refill capacities ..............247fluid, specification ..................251
Auxiliary power point .................99
Axle
lubricant specifications ..249, 251
refill capacities ........................247
traction lok ..............................167
B
Battery .......................................217
acid, treating emergencies .....217
charging system warning
light ............................................11
jumping a disabled battery ....190
maintenance-free ....................217
replacement, specifications ...246
servicing ..................................217
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................123
Brakes ........................................148
anti-lock ...........................148±149
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 149
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....205
fluid, refill capacities ..............247
fluid, specifications .........249, 251
lubricant specifications ..249, 251
parking ....................................150
shift interlock ..........................153
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....247
Cargo area shade ......................101
Cargo cover ...............................101
CD changer .................................73
Index
268

Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................216
Driving under special
conditions ..........................163, 166
mud ..........................162±163, 165
sand .................................163, 165
snow and ice ...162, 164±165, 167
through water .........163, 165, 170
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................190
Emission control system ..........232
Engine ................................251±252
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................241
coolant .....................................207
idle speed control ...................217
lubrication
specifications ..................249, 251
refill capacities ........................247
service points ..................200±201
starting after a collision .........178
Engine block heater .................146
Engine oil ..................................201
checking and adding ..............201
dipstick ....................................201
filter, specifications ........204, 246
recommendations ...................204
refill capacities ........................247
specifications ..................249, 251
Exhaust fumes ..........................146
F
Floor mats .................................100
Fluid capacities .........................247Foglamps .....................................21
Four-Wheel Drive
vehicles ................................12, 159
control trac .......................33, 159
description ......................160±161
driving off road ...............162, 165
electronic shift ..........................33
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................152
Fuel ............................................224
calculating fuel
economy ............................18, 229
cap .......................................9, 228
capacity ...................................247
choosing the right fuel ...........226
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................232
detergent in fuel .....................227
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................224, 228±229
filter, specifications ........229, 246
fuel pump shut-off switch .....178
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........229
octane rating ...........227, 251±252
quality ......................................227
running out of fuel .................228
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................224
Fuses ..................................179±180
G
Garage door opener ..............85, 89
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ........9, 228
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................229
Gauges .........................................14
battery voltage gauge ...............16
Index
270

L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................239
cargo lamps ...............................22
daytime running light ...............21
fog lamps ...................................21
headlamps .................................21
headlamps, flash to pass ..........22
instrument panel, dimming .....22
replacing bulbs ...............234±238
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................77
Liftgate ......................................100
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 149
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
fuel cap light ...............................9
high beam .................................11
overdrive off ..............................12
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................81
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................167
GAWR ......................................167
GVWR ......................................167
trailer towing ..........................167
Loading instructions .................169
Locks
autolock ...................................108
childproof ..................................97doors ..........................................96
Lubricant specifications ...249, 251
Lumbar support, seats .............116
M
Message center ...........................17
english/metric button ...............17
reset button ..............................18
system check button ................19
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................95
cleaning ...................................245
fold away ...................................98
heated ........................................98
side view mirrors (power) .......97
Moon roof ....................................86
Motorcraft parts ................229, 246
O
Octane rating ............................227
Odometer .....................................15
Off-Road Driving .......................165
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................201
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................103
Parking brake ............................150
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....246
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................183
Power door locks ........................96
Power steering ..........................151
Index
272