2001 Mercury Mountaineer air condition

²Be particularly careful if you are taking ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle.
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Maintenance and care
226

Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as ªRegularº that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and care
227

Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
²Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
²Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
²Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Maintenance and care
231

Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507±BA), Lacquer
Touch-up Paint (#ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or Exterior Acrylic Spray
Lacquer (#ALAZ-19500±XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line.
Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with
your vehicle's specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on
the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
Maintenance and care
241

The use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without proper conversion may
damage the effectiveness of your emission control system and may cause
engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor Company/Ford of
Canada is not responsible for any damage caused by use of improper
fuel.
In the United States, using leaded fuel may also result in difficulty
importing your vehicle back into the U.S.
If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or living in
Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East, contact the
nearest Ford dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, write or call:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
WORLDWIDE DIRECT MARKET OPERATIONS
1555 Fairlane Drive
Fairlane Business Park #3
Allen Park, Michigan 48101
U.S.A.
Telephone: (313) 594-4857
FAX: (313) 390-0804
If you are in another foreign country, contact the nearest Ford
dealership. If the dealership employees cannot help you, they can direct
you to the nearest Ford affiliate office.
If you buy your vehicle in North America and then relocate outside of
the U.S. or Canada, register your vehicle identification number (VIN) and
new address with Ford Motor Company Worldwide Direct Market
Operations.
FORD CAR CARE PRODUCTS FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Ford has many quality products available from your dealer to clean your
vehicle and protect its finishes. These quality products have been
specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom
designed to complement the style and appearance of your vehicle. Each
product is made from high quality materials and that meet or exceed
Ford's rigid specifications. For best results, use the following or products
of equivalent quality:
Ford Custom Clearcoat Polish*
Ford Custom Silicone Gloss Polish
Ford Custom Vinyl Protectant* (not available in Canada)
Motorcraft Vinyl Conditioner (Canada only)
Customer assistance
262

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

Certification Label ....................254
Child safety restraints ..............135
child safety belts ....................135
Child safety seats ......................136
attaching with tether straps ..140
in front seat ............................138
in rear seat ..............................138
Cleaning your vehicle ...............240
engine compartment ..............241
exterior ............................241, 243
exterior lamps .........................243
instrument cluster lens ..........244
instrument panel ....................244
interior .............................243±244
mirrors .....................................245
plastic parts ............................243
safety belts ..............................244
washing ....................................240
waxing .....................................241
wheels ......................................242
windows ..................................245
wiper blades ............................243
woodtone trim ........................245
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .......................................22
Clock ................................41, 52, 66
Compass, electronic ....................87
calibration .................................89
set zone adjustment .................88
Console ........................................98
overhead ....................................85
rear ............................................99
Controls
power seat ...............................114
steering column ........................84Coolant
checking and adding ..............207
refill capacities ................211, 247
specifications ..................249, 251
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................78
Customer Assistance ................176
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................262
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................255
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............261
Getting roadside assistance ...176
Getting the service you
need .........................................255
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................266
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................258
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................261
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................21
Defrost
rear window ..............................33
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................213
engine oil .................................201
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........249
Index
269

engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................15
trip odometer ............................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................167
calculating ...............................169
definition .................................167
driving with a heavy load ......167
location ....................................167
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................167
calculating .......................167, 169
definition .................................167
driving with a heavy load ......167
location ....................................167
H
Hazard flashers .........................177
Head restraints .........................113
Headlamps ...................................21
aiming ......................................240
autolamp system .......................94
bulb specifications ..................239
daytime running lights .............21
flash to pass ..............................22
high beam ...........................11, 21
replacing bulbs .......................235
turning on and off ....................21
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................22
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................22HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) .........................89±93
Hood ..........................................199
I
Ignition .........................77, 251±252
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................136
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................234
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................244
cluster ..................................8, 244
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................22
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ............................................186
positioning ...............................186
storage .....................................186
Jump-starting your vehicle ......190
K
Keyless entry system ...............107
autolock ...................................108
keypad .....................................107
locking and unlocking doors ..108
programming entry code .......107
Keys ...................................110, 112
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........77
Index
271