2003 Mercury Marauder climate control

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Maintenance and Specifications
208

Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification or Tire Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size,
speed rating, and load-carrying capacity as those requiring
replacement. Use only the tire combinations recommended on the
label. If you do not follow these precautions, your vehicle may not
drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº,
ªTouringº, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires:
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²DO NOT USE snow chains on your vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
210

Child safety seats ......................114
attaching with tether
straps .......................................118
in front seat ............................116
in rear seat ..............................116
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............174
instrument panel ....................176
interior .....................................177
interior trim ............................176
plastic parts ............................175
washing ....................................173
waxing .....................................173
wheels ......................................174
wiper blades ............................176
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............33
Clock ............................................24
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................53
Console ........................................74
overhead ..............................51±52
Controls
power seat .................................89
steering column ........................67
Coolant
checking and adding ..............188
coolant temperature light ........13
refill capacities ................193, 211
specifications ..................212, 214
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................63
Customer Assistance ................142
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................178
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................165Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............169
Getting roadside assistance ...142
Getting the service you
need .........................................163
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................170
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................166
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................169
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................39
Defrost
rear window ..............................37
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................204
engine oil .................................182
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........212
Driving under special
conditions ..................................135
through water .........................136
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................156
Emission control system ..........201
Engine ........................................214
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................174
coolant .....................................188
Index
222