2004 Mercury Monterey warning

When the key is in position between OFF/LOCK and RUN, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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 an automatic overdrive transaxle with column gearshift
Your transaxle is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transaxle may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
normal and will not affect function or durability of the transaxle. Over
time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transaxle operation.
Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery
installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in
either D (Drive) or 3. Driving with the gearshift lever in D (Drive) gives
the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions. For manual control
start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park). Once you place the gearshift
lever securely into position, gradually release the brake pedal and use
the accelerator as necessary.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
163

The reverse sensing portion of the
system detects obstacles up to 2
meters (6 feet) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the illustration for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 25.0 cm (10
in.) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the system detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 25.0 cm (10 in.) from the side
of the vehicle, the tone will sound
for only three seconds. Once the
system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the forward and reverse sensing system as
contained in this section. Sensing is only an aid for some (generally
large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at
“parking speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of
the sensing system; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R
(Reverse) and when using the sensing system.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
167

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
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.
•If your low tire warning light is on, refer toLow tire warningin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may damage
your tires. The use of tire sealants may also damage your tire
pressure monitoring system (if equipped).
Temporary spare tire information
Your vehicle may have a temporary spare tire. The temporary spare tire
for your vehicle is labeled as such. It is smaller than a regular tire and is
designed for emergency use only. Replace this tire with a full-size tire as
soon as possible.
Note:The Low Tire Warning system
will detect the temporary spare tire
and illuminate the low tire warning
light until the spare tire is replaced
with a proper full-size tire. To reset
the system, refer toServicing your tiresin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow
these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control
of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.
When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
•use more than one temporary spare tire at a time
•exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) or drive further than 3,200 km (2,000
miles) total under any circumstances
•load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
•tow a Class III trailer
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
187

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.
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.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
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 theInstrument clusterchapter. 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.
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.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
238

12.Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
•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.
•Traction: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.
•Temperature: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.
13.Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure:Tire manufactures
maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at which the
maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally
higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure
which can be found on either the tire label or certification label which is
located on the structure by the trailing edge of the driver’s door or the
edge of the driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set
lower than the recommended pressure on the label.
Note:You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
246

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)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
265

waxing .....................................210
wheels ......................................211
wiper blades ............................212
Clock ............................................57
Compass, electronic ....................49
calibration .................................51
set zone adjustment .................50
Console ........................................65
overhead ....................................49
Controls
power seat .................................98
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............224
refill capacities ................228, 255
specifications ..................256, 258
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Cupholder(s) .............................102
Customer Assistance ................177
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................214
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................203
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............207
Getting roadside assistance ...177
Getting the service you
need .........................................201
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................208
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................203
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................206D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................38
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................239
engine oil .................................219
Doors ...........................................52
lubricant specifications ..........256
power sliding ............................53
Driving under special
conditions ..................................165
through water .........................169
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................194
Emission control system ..........236
Engine ........................................258
cleaning ...................................211
coolant .....................................224
idle speed control ...................222
lubrication
specifications ..................256, 258
refill capacities ........................255
service points ..........................218
starting after a collision .........178
Engine block heater .................157
Engine oil ..................................219
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................219
checking and adding ..............219
dipstick ....................................219
filter, specifications ........221, 254
recommendations ...................221
refill capacities ........................255
specifications ..................256, 258
Exhaust fumes ..........................157
2004 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
266