2004 Mercury Mountaineer engine overheat

Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”). If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let the
engine cool.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Odometer:Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Refer to Message Center in the
Drivers Controls chapter on how to
switch the display from Metric to
English.
Trip odometer:Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys.
•Standard instrument cluster
Press and release the
SELECT/RESET button to toggle
between odometer and trip
odometer display.
•Optional instrument cluster
Press and release the TRIP/RESET
button to toggle between odometer
and trip odometer display.
TRIP
TRIP
2004 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
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Warning messages that have been reset are divided into three categories:
•They will reappear on the display every minute from the reset.
•They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
•They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-ON cycle has been
completed.
This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Warning display Status
Temporary AWD lock (vehicles
equipped with AdvanceTrac

only)Displays for 4 seconds
AWD lock OFF AWD auto ON
(vehicles equipped with
AdvanceTrac
only)
Check engine temperature Warning returns after 10 minutes
Transmission overheated
Check transmission
Low fuel level
Check fuel cap
Check charging system
Low brake fluid level
Low oil pressure
Warning-tire very low (if
equipped)
ETC-engine failsafe mode
AWD disabled lock (vehicles
equipped with AdvanceTrac

only)
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
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Warning display Status
Check tire pressure (if
equipped)Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from OFF to ON.
Tire pressure monitor fault (if
equipped)
Tire pressure sensor fault (if
equipped)
Check AdvanceTrac
(if
equipped)
Check AWD (vehicles equipped
with AdvanceTrac
only)
AWD Disabled (vehicles
equipped with AdvanceTrac

only)
Low washer fluid level
Door ajar
Change oil soon
Oil change required
TEMPORARY AWD LOCK (vehicles equipped with AdvanceTrac

only).Displayed when the AWD system automatically locks to prevent
damage from overheating.
AWD LOCK OFF and AWD AUTO ON (vehicles equipped with
AdvanceTrac
only).Displayed when the AWD system is completely
cooled down from being overheated.
CHECK ENGINE TEMPERATURE.Displayed when the engine
coolant is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn
off the engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and specificationschapter. If
the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer as
soon as possible.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Refer toTransmission fluidin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your dealer for transmission service as soon as possible.
2004 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
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CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
AWD DISABLED LOCK (vehicles equipped with AdvanceTrac

only).Displayed when the AWD system begins to overheat placing itself
in the autolock mode. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your dealer as soon as safely possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
CHECK FUEL CAP.Displayed when the fuel filler cap is not properly
installed. Check the fuel filler cap for proper installation. Refer toFuel
filler capin theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
ETC-ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE.Displayed when the engine has
defaulted to a “limp-home” operation. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on when the
engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical system checked
as soon as possible.
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toChecking
and adding brake fluidin theMaintenance and specifications
chapter.
LOW OIL PRESSURE.Displayed when the engine oil level is low. If
this warning message is displayed, check the level of the engine oil.
Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and specificationschapter for
information about adding engine oil.
WARNING-TIRE VERY LOW (if equipped).Displayed when one or
more tires have very low pressure. When this warning message is
displayed, a warning chime will sound reminding you to stop the vehicle
as soon as safely possible and check your tires for proper pressure, leaks
and damage. Refer toServicing your tiresin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE (if equipped).Displayed when any of the
tire pressures are low. Refer toChecking the tire pressurein the
Maintenance and specificationschapter.
2004 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
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Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting from 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 minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 5 km/h (3 mph). The system is not
effective at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse 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 RSS;
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 RSS.
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.
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sound. The warning displays and chime will continue until RESET is
pressed (which will clear the message from the display).
•AWD LOCKED can still be engaged by pressing SETUP (the message
center will display AWD LOCKED), then pressing
RESET. The AWD LOCK indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster and the message center will display AWD
DISABLED .
•To disable AWD, press RESET. The system will go back to AWD AUTO
mode momentarily, then the AWD LOCK indicator light will flash in
the instrument cluster eight times every two minutes. The display will
then show AWD LOCKED for four seconds and then
turn off.
•If a serious problem occurs with the AWD system, the AWD LOCK
indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash 10 times every two
minutes. The message center will also display CHECK AWD and a
warning chime will sound. You can press SETUP to check the status of
the AWD system (which will display AWD LOCKED),
but the AWD system will be disabled until the system is serviced.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
AWD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
When driving at slow speeds off-road under high outside temperatures,
use 1 (First) gear when possible. 1 (First) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
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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.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
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When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to
turnaround because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
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