2004 Mercury Monterey brakes

and a kit (in a cardboard box) that includes an adapter wiring harness
that contains the standard 4-pin trailer plug.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits. If exceeded, cargo should be
removed from the trailer and/or the vehicle until all weights are within
specified limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special Operating Conditionsin the scheduled maintenance guide.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Vehicle towing capability/Trailer
hitch requirementTrailer
Model/
EngineGCWR -
kg (lbs)Hitch type
requiredTrailer
Weight range
- kg (lbs)Tongue load
Wagon,
4.2L3266
(7200)Class I
Non-Equalizing
Weight
Carrying0 - 907
(0 - 2000)10 - 15% of TW
(91 kg [200 lbs.]
maximum)
Wagon,
4.2L with
trailer tow
option3946
(8700)Class II
Non-Equalizing
Weight
Carrying0 - 1588
(0 - 3500)10 - 15% of TW
(159 kg [350 lbs.]
maximum)
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight.
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Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of control
and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch that does not exceed your vehicle’s capability. See the
Tongue Loadsection in the trailer towing chart earlier in this section for
range details on a specific trailer load.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the hook retainers on the
hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Be sure your trailer conforms to all applicable local and Federal
Regulations regarding trailer braking. If your trailer is equipped with
electronically controlled brakes you will need to have an electronic brake
controller with associated wiring installed to your vehicle by a qualified
technician.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
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Driving
174

Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Do not splice into the vehicle lamp wiring for trailer lamps. Your
vehicle uses an advanced electronic module to control and
monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the wiring or attaching
wiring to the vehicle bulbs may DISABLE the rear vehicle lamps
or cause them not to function properly. Your lamp outage feature
may also be disabled or provide incorrect information.
See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Understanding the positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
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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.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from
your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239

A
Accessory delay ..........................59
AdvanceTrac ..............................159
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................129, 135, 137
and child safety seats ............131
description ..............129, 135, 137
disposal ....................................140
driver air bag ..........132, 136, 138
indicator light .................131, 140
operation .................132, 136, 138
passenger air bag ...132, 136, 138
side air bag ..............................135
Air cleaner filter .......................254
Air filter, cabin ............................36
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................224
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................158
Anti-theft system ........................96
arming the system ....................96
disarming a triggered system ..96
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 20
Automatic transaxle .................162
fluid, adding ............................239
fluid, checking ........................239
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
fluid, specification ..................258
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................164
Auxiliary power point .................57
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........256
B
Battery .......................................222acid, treating emergencies .....222
jumping a disabled battery ....194
maintenance-free ....................222
replacement, specifications ...254
servicing ..................................222
BeltMinder .................................123
Brakes ........................................157
anti-lock ...................................158
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................158
fluid, checking and adding ....239
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
fluid, specifications .........256, 258
lubricant specifications ..256, 258
parking ....................................159
shift interlock ..........................162
Bulbs ............................................43
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....255
Cargo net .....................................79
Cassette tape player .............17, 20
Cell phone use ............................65
Certification Label ....................259
Child safety restraints ..............141
child safety belts ....................141
Child safety seats ......................144
in front seat ............................145
in rear seat ..............................145
tether anchorage hardware ...148
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............211
instrument panel ....................213
interior .....................................213
interior trim ............................213
plastic parts ............................212
washing ....................................210
2004 Monterey(mty)
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USA English(fus)
Index
Index
265

Keys .............................................94
positions of the ignition .........154
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................38
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................43
daytime running light ...............38
fog lamps ...................................37
headlamps .................................37
headlamps, flash to pass ..........39
instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps .....................41–43
replacing bulbs ...................43–46
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................41
Liftgate ..................................79–80
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........158
Load limits .................................169
Locks
autolock .....................................89
childproof ..................................83
doors ..........................................82
Low tire warning .........................15
Lubricant specifications ...256, 258
Luggage rack ...............................80
Lumbar support, seats .............100
M
Message center ...........................70
english/metric button ...............73
system check button ................73
warning messages .....................74
Mirrors ...................................49, 59automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................59
fold away ...................................61
heated ........................................60
programmable memory ............90
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Motorcraft parts ................233, 254
O
Octane rating ............................232
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................219
Overdrive ...................................163
P
Park Assist ................................166
Parking brake ............................159
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....254
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................117
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................61
Power adjustable foot pedals .....61
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................182
Power door locks ..................82, 89
Power mirrors .............................60
Power point .................................57
Power steering ..........................162
fluid, checking and adding ....238
fluid, refill capacity ................255
fluid, specifications .........256, 258
Power Windows ...........................58
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
268