2004 Mercury Mountaineer fuel cap

rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Unleaded Gasoline engines
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
FFV engine (if equipped)
Your FFV will operate well on ordinary “Regular” unleaded gasoline, but
only the highest quality fuel ethanol will provide the same level of
protection and performance. To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, check
your VIN or the label on the inside of your fuel filler door. When
checking the VIN, look for the engine type identifier (8th character). If
your vehicle is an FFV, then the character will be labeled as a “K.”
If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you
should follow a different maintenance schedule. See theScheduled
Maintenance Guidefor more information.
If you are experiencing a rough or rolling idle after start-up with the
outside temperature above 27° C (80° F), the idle should improve within
10 to 30 seconds. If the problems persist below this temperature, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/4 turn on/off
feature.
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
236

When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/4 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it stops.
If the “Check Fuel Cap” indicator comes on and stays on after you start
the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn off the
engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
237

possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Filling the tank for FFV equipped vehicles
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of these two. For best results it is
recommended that you do not add less than 5 gallons of fuel when
refueling. Observing this precaution will avoid possible hard starting
and/or deterioration in drivability during warm up.
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
238

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.
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.
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
242

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to the MAX
line on reservoir
Engine oil
(including filter
change)
5
Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
Oil4.0L 4.7L
(5.0 quarts)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)4.6L 5.7L
(6.0 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A All 85.2L
(22.5 gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill between
MIN and MAX
lines on
reservoir
Transmission
fluid
1Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FAll 12.0L
(12.7 quarts)2
Transfer case Motorcraft
MERCONAT FAWD 1.25L
(1.3 quarts)
4WD 1.4L
(1.5 quarts)
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
263

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine coolant
3Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)4.0L SOHC V6
enginewithout
auxiliary climate
control15.4L
(16.3 quarts)
4.0L SOHC V6
enginewith
auxiliary climate
control17.2L
(18.2 quarts)
4.6L V8 engine
without
auxiliary climate
control17.6L
(18.6 quarts)
4.6L V8 engine
withauxiliary
climate control19.0L
(20.1 quarts)
Front axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4x4/AWD
vehicles1.3L
(1.4 quarts)
Rear axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantConventional
Axle1.7L (3.5 pints)
Limited Slip
Axle
41.5L (3.25 pints)
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll vehicles 4.0L
(4.2 quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenace Guideto determine
the correct service interval.
2Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be checked by a qualified
technician.
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
264

refill capacities ........................263
service points ..................217–218
starting after a collision .........175
Engine block heater .................138
Engine oil ..................................220
checking and adding ..............220
dipstick ....................................220
filter, specifications ........223, 262
recommendations ...................223
refill capacities ........................263
specifications ..................265, 267
Exhaust fumes ..........................138
F
Fail safe cooling ........................230
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....232
Floor mats ...................................75
Fluid capacities .........................263
Foglamps .....................................33
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................153
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................144
Fuel ............................................232
calculating fuel
economy ............................65, 237
cap ...........................................236
capacity ...................................263
choosing the right fuel ...........234
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................241
detergent in fuel .....................236
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................232, 236, 238
filter, specifications ........237, 262
fuel pump shut-off switch .....175
improving fuel economy ........237
octane rating ...................235, 267quality ......................................235
running out of fuel .................236
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................232
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................232, 234–235
Fuses ..................................176–177
G
Garage door opener ....................47
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless
control system) ...........................57
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............236
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................237
Gauges .........................................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................166
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................166
H
Hazard flashers .........................174
Head restraints ...........................92
Headlamps
aiming ........................................35
bulb specifications ....................37
daytime running lights .............33
flash to pass ..............................34
high beam .................................34
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................27–28
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Index
276

P
Parking brake ............................140
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....262
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................51
Power adjustable foot pedals .....51
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................181
Power door locks ........................79
Power point .................................48
Power Point
Cigar lighter ..............................48
Power steering ..........................143
fluid, checking and adding ....243
fluid, refill capacity ................263
fluid, specifications .........265, 267
Power Windows ...........................48
Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................144
R
Radio ......................................18, 21
Rear window defroster ...............32
Relays ................................176, 184
Remote entry system .................81
illuminated entry ......................85
opening the trunk .....................82
Reverse sensing system ...........149
Roadside assistance ..................173
Roof rack .....................................77
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........114
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........102, 105–108, 110Safety Canopy ...................120–121
Safety defects, reporting ..........208
Safety restraints ........102, 105–110
belt minder .............................111
extension assembly ................110
for adults .........................106–108
for children .............................123
safety belt maintenance .........114
warning light and
chime ...............................110–111
Safety seats for children ..........126
Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ......................102
Seats ............................................92
child safety seats ....................126
front seats .................................93
heated ........................................96
memory seat .......................82, 95
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................18
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................23
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................262, 267
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................265, 267
Speed control ..............................51
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......137
Starting your vehicle ........135, 137
jump starting ..........................195
Steering wheel
controls ......................................54
tilting .........................................44
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................44
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Index
278