2004 Mercury Mountaineer tires

temperature. Contained air temperature is dependent upon several
factors such as rate of tire rotation, tire deflection, amount of braking,
etc. In similar manner, the tire pressure will decrease if the contained air
temperature decreases. For example, if the vehicle is stationary over
night with the outside temperature significantly lower than the daytime
temperature, the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi (20.7
kPa) for a drop of 30° F (16.6° C) in ambient temperature. This lower
pressure value may be detected by the TPMS as being significantly lower
than the cold pressure indicated on your vehicles tire label, and activate
the TPMS warning for low tire pressure. If the low warning light is on,
visually check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. If one or more tires
are flat, repair of fix as necessary. If all tires appear to be inflated,
carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest location where air can be added
to the tires. Turn the ignition to the “off” position. Inflate all the tires to
the recommended cold pressure.
The system uses radio-frequency to monitor the tire pressure on all tires
excluding the spare tire. The sensors transmit the tire pressure readings
to the receiver module located in the vehicle. The receiver module then
electronically transmits the status to the message center. For more tire
warning information, refer to theMessage Centerin theDriver controls
chapter.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a substitute for
manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure should be
checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge, seeTire
inflation pressurein this chapter. Failure to properly maintain your
tire pressure could increase the risk of tire failure, loss of control,
vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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Maintenance and Specifications
260

Changing tires with TPMS
It is recommended that you always
have your tires serviced by a dealer
or qualified technician.Each road
tire is equipped with a tire
pressure sensor mounted on the
wheel inside the tire connected
to the valve stem. The tire
pressure sensor must be
unbolted from the wheel prior to
tire removal. The sensor can be
removed by loosening the nut at the valve stem. Failure to
remove the sensor may damage it.The rubber grommet (washer)
between the wheel and the tire pressure sensor needs to be replaced
when any tire is changed to minimize air leaks.
The tire pressure should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using
a tire gauge, refer toTire inflation pressurein this chapter.
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires or traction
devices may be necessary. Ford offers tire cables as a Ford approved
accessory and recommends use of these or SAE class “S” tire cables. See
your dealer or qualified service technician for more information on tire
cables for your vehicle.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
•Cables or chains should only be used on the rear wheels.
•Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against
the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
•Avoid overloading your vehicle.
•Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.
•Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................156
Maintenance and
Specifications ..........................259
Roadside Emergencies ...........186
Warning Displays ................15, 69
Tires ...........................186, 246–248
alignment ................................255
care ..........................................253
changing ..................186, 191, 194
checking the pressure ............253
label .........................................253
replacing ..........................191, 258
rotating ....................................255
safety practices .......................258
sidewall information ...............248
snow tires and chains ............261
spare tire .................186, 188, 190
terminology .............................248
tire grades ...............................247
treadwear ........................247, 257
Towing .......................................167
recreational towing .................172
trailer towing ..........................167
wrecker ....................................200
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................245
Transmission .............................145
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....145fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................245
fluid, refill capacities ..............263
lubricant specifications ..265, 267
Trunk ...........................................82
Turn signal ..................................36
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................267
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................269
Vehicle loading ..........................161
Ventilating your vehicle ...........138
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................219
Water, Driving through .............161
Windows
power .........................................48
rear wiper/washer .....................44
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................43
checking and adding fluid .....219
liftgate reservoir .....................219
replacing wiper blades .............44
Wrecker towing .........................200
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Index
279