2003 Mercury Mountaineer steering wheel

The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
Driving
147

USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, the card is
found in the Owner Information Guide in the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call
1-800-241-3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.
ROADSIDE COVERAGE BEYOND BASIC WARRANTY
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Similarly in Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you
may purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
Roadside Emergencies
164

CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may
compromise the integrity of your tires. The use of tire sealants
may also affect your tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped).
If your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (if
equipped)in theMaintenance and specificationssection for
important information. If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes
damaged, it will no longer function.
Spare tire information
The spare tire can be used as a spare or a regular tire although the spare
wheel may not match the regular wheels.
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different
size than the road tires should not be used. Such a tire could
make the vehicle difficult to control as well as result in damage to
driveline components.
Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. If you get a flat tire while driving,
do not apply the brake heavily;
instead, gradually decrease your
speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe
place on the side of the road.
2. Park on a level surface, activate
the hazard flashers and set the
parking brake.
3. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
and turn engine OFF.
Roadside Emergencies
176

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Ford Extra Strength Tar and
Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520–AA).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
•The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23),
available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
Cleaning
203

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.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONAT F.
•4.0L SOHC V6 engine
•4.6L V8 engine
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
Maintenance and Specifications
236

plastic parts ............................203
safety belts ..............................204
washing ....................................200
waxing .....................................200
wheels ......................................201
wiper blades ............................203
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............32
Compass, electronic ....................66
calibration .................................67
set zone adjustment ...........66, 69
Console ........................................50
overhead ....................................51
rear ......................................51, 54
Controls
power seat .................................99
steering column ........................60
Coolant
checking and adding ..............219
refill capacities ................223, 244
specifications ..................246, 248
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................56
Customer Assistance ................163
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................205
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................192
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............196
Getting roadside assistance ...163
Getting the service you
need .........................................190
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................197
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................193
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................196D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................37
Defrost
rear window ..............................36
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................237
engine oil .................................212
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........246
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................238
Driving under special
conditions ..................................152
through water .........................155
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................32
E
Electronic message center .........68
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................183
Emergency Flashers .................164
Emission control system ..........234
Engine ................................248–249
cleaning ...................................201
coolant .....................................219
fail-safe coolant ......................223
idle speed control ...................217
lubrication
specifications ..................246, 248
refill capacities ........................244
service points ..................209–210
starting after a collision .........165
Engine block heater .................145
Index
257

Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................56
Power adjustable foot pedals .....56
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................171
Power door locks ........................83
Power point .....................51, 53–54
Power steering ..........................147
fluid, checking and adding ....236
fluid, refill capacity ................244
fluid, specifications .........246, 248
Power Windows ...........................54
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................148
R
Radio ................................17, 21, 25
Rear window defroster ...............36
Relays ................................166, 174
Remote entry system .................85
illuminated entry ......................88
locking/unlocking doors ...........95
opening the trunk .....................85
Reverse sensing system ...........153
Roadside assistance ..................163
Roof rack .....................................81
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........119
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........108, 110–113, 115
Safety Canopy ...................124, 126
Safety defects, reporting ..........199
Safety restraints ........108, 110–115belt minder .............................116
extension assembly ................115
for adults .........................111–113
for children .....................128–129
safety belt maintenance .........119
warning light and
chime ...............................115–116
Safety seats for children ..........131
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............108
Seats ............................................97
child safety seats ....................131
heated ......................................101
memory seat .....................86, 100
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs,
specifications .............243, 248–249
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................246, 248
Speed control ..............................56
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......144
Starting your vehicle ........142, 144
jump starting ..........................183
Steering wheel
controls ......................................60
tilting .........................................49
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................49
Tire warning ..............................242
Tires ...........................176, 239, 242
changing ..........................176, 180
replacing ..................................180
snow tires and chains ............243
Index
260