2002 Mercury Mountaineer warning light

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.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp
illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient
space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a
controlled stop.
•The anti-lock system does not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Brake Assist (if equipped as part of the AdvanceTrac
system)
The Brake Assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and
Driving
175

Drivingconditionswhichmayactivate AdvanceTracinclude:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Hitting a patch of ice
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Hitting a curb while turning
•Driving on slick surfaces
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
Towingin this chapter)
The AdvanceTracsystem automatically turns on when the engine is
started. However, the system does not function when the vehicle is
traveling in R (Reverse) or, if equipped with four-wheel drive, in 4L (4X4
LOW). In R (Reverse) or in 4L (4X4 LOW), ABS and the traction
enhancement feature will continue to function.
The AdvanceTracbutton allows
the driver to control the availability
of the AdvanceTracsystem.
AdvanceTracsystem status is
indicated by a warning indicator
light with a“sliding car”icon in the instrument cluster that will flash
when the system is active and an indicator light in the control button
that will illuminate when the system is turned off. In vehicles with a
message center, the message“ADVANCETRAC OFF”will be displayed.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTracsystem, the warning
indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. If the warning
indicator light in the instrument cluster remains on while the engine is
running, have the system serviced immediately.
Pressing the control once will disable the AdvanceTracstability
enhancement and the engine power reduction portion of the traction
enhancement feature; the brake portion of the traction enhancement
feature will still function normally. Pressing and holding the control for
more than five seconds will disable the AdvanceTracstability
enhancementandtraction enhancement feature. If the vehicle is stuck
in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand, switching off the
AdvanceTracsystem may be beneficial so the wheels are allowed to
Driving
178

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission
Your automatic transmission electronically controls the shift feel by using
an adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to increase
durability, and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. It
is normal for a new transmission to shift firmly. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Once the vehicle is at operating temperature it may take
several shifts at the same operating condition for the transmission to
properly adapt. Over time the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. The more varied the driving habits, speed and
torque, the longer it may take to adapt but the more complete the
process will be.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery 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 fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Understanding gearshift positions
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
Driving
183

Per Gallon (MPG) and your driving range to decrease by about 30%
compared to gasoline operation.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have 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“Check Engine”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.
Maintenance and care
266

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 yourWarranty Guidefor 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“Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon”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“Check Engine/Service Engine Soon”light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
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:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, 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.
Maintenance and care
267

A
ABS(see Brakes) .....................174
Accessory delay ..........................94
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................149–150, 154
and child safety seats ............152
description ......................150, 154
disposal ....................................157
driver air bag ..................152, 155
indicator light ...........10, 154, 157
operation .........................152, 155
passenger air bag ...........152, 155
Air cleaner filter .......................282
Air conditioning ..........................36
automatic temperature
control system ..........................40
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................49
rear seat controls .....................51
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................186
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................240
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................174–175
Anti-theft system ......................113
arming the system ..................114
disarming a triggered
system .....................................115
Audio system (see Radio) ...54, 63
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................183
fluid, adding ............................247
fluid, checking ........................247
fluid, refill capacities ..............282fluid, specification ..................287
Auxiliary power point .................98
Axle
lubricant specifications ..285, 287
refill capacities ........................282
B
Battery .......................................248
acid, treating emergencies .....248
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....222
maintenance-free ....................248
replacement, specifications ...282
servicing ..................................248
voltage gauge ............................16
BeltMinder .................................143
Brakes ........................................174
anti-lock ...........................174–175
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................11, 175
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....239
fluid, refill capacities ..............282
fluid, specifications .........285, 287
lubricant specifications ..285, 287
parking ....................................176
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................33
shift interlock ..........................181
Break-in period .............................3
Bulbs ..........................................268
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....282
Cargo cover ...............................100
CD-single premium .....................54
Certification Label ....................289
Index
304

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................194
calculating ...............................196
definition .................................194
driving with a heavy load ......194
location ....................................194
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................194
calculating .......................194, 196
definition .................................194
driving with a heavy load ......194
location ....................................194
H
Hazard flashers .........................205
Head restraints .................120, 125
Headlamps ...................................31
aiming ......................................274
autolamp system .......................33
bulb specifications ..................273
daytime running lights .............31
flash to pass ..............................32
high beam ...........................12, 32
replacing bulbs .......................268
turning on and off ....................31
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................36
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................36
rear seat controls .....................51
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage door
opener) ...................... 88–89, 91–92
Hood ..........................................230
I
Ignition .................................78, 287Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................161
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................267
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................279
cluster ..........................................8
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................32
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ....................................216–217
positioning .......................216, 218
storage .....................216–217, 221
Jump-starting your vehicle ......222
K
Keyless entry system ...............107
autolock ...................................111
keypad .....................................107
locking and unlocking doors ..110
programming entry code .......108
Keys ...................................116–118
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........78
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................33
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................273
cargo lamps ...............................32
daytime running light ...............31
fog lamps ...................................31
headlamps .................................31
headlamps, flash to pass ..........32
instrument panel, dimming .....32
Index
307

interior lamps ...........................87
replacing bulbs .......268, 270–273
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................77
Liftgate ................................99, 103
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
AdvanceTrac .............................12
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....11, 175
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................11
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar
....................................12
engine oil pressure
...................11
fuel cap light
.............................10
high beam
.................................12
low washer fluid
.......................12
overdrive off
..............................13
safety belt
.................................10
service engine soon
....................9
speed control
............................82
turn signal indicator
.................12
Limited-slip axle
.......................194
Load limits
.................................194
GAWR
......................................194
GVWR
......................................194
trailer towing
..........................194
Loading instructions
.................196
Locks
autolock
...................................111
childproof
..................................96
doors
..........................................95
Lubricant specifications
...285, 287
Lumbar support, seats
.............124M
Manual transmission
lubricant specifications ..........287
Message center .....................19–20
english/metric button ...............25
system check button ................25
warning messages .....................25
Mirrors .........................................93
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................92
fold away ...................................97
heated ........................................97
side view mirrors (power) .......96
Moon roof ....................................86
Motorcraft parts ................262, 282
O
Octane rating ............................260
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................233
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................103
Parking brake ............................176
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....282
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................33
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................211
Power door locks ........................95
Power mirrors .............................96
Power point .................................98
Power steering ..........................180
Index
308