Page 218 of 304

Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may
stall.Driving through deep water where the transmission vent
tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and
cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
218
Page 284 of 304

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp 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
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by a qualified technician.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
284
Page 298 of 304

A
Accessory delay ..........................62
AdvanceTrac ..............................201
Air cleaner filter ...............284–286
Air conditioning ..........................39
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........130–131, 135
and child safety seats ............132
description ......................131, 135
disposal ....................................138
driver airbag ....................133, 136
indicator light .................135, 137
operation .........................133, 136
passenger airbag .............133, 136
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................211
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................265
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................199
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 21, 25, 30
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................207
fluid, adding ............................284
fluid, checking ........................284
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specification ..................292
Auxiliary power point .................60
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................290, 292
refill capacities ........................287
B
Battery .......................................263acid, treating emergencies .....263
jumping a disabled battery ....231
maintenance-free ....................263
replacement, specifications ...286
servicing ..................................263
BeltMinder .................................126
Brakes ........................................198
anti-lock ...................................199
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............199
fluid, checking and adding ....284
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specifications .........290, 292
lubricant specifications ..290, 292
parking ....................................200
shift interlock ..........................205
C
Calculating load ........................189
Capacities for refilling fluids ....287
Cargo cover .................................89
Cell phone use ............................57
Changing a tire .........................159
Child safety restraints ..............139
child safety belts ....................139
Child safety seats ......................141
attaching with tether straps ..145
in front seat ............................143
in rear seat ..............................143
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............248
instrument panel ....................250
interior .....................................251
interior trim ............................251
plastic parts ............................250
safety belts ..............................251
washing ....................................247
waxing .....................................247
Index
298
Page 301 of 304

I
Ignition ...............................195, 292
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................141
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................282
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................250
cluster ........................................10
J
Jack ....................................159, 162
positioning .......................159, 164
storage .............................159, 162
Jump-starting your vehicle ......231
K
Keyless entry system .................98
autolock ...................................100
Keys
positions of the ignition .........195
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................48
daytime running light ...............44
fog lamps ...................................44
instrument panel, dimming .....45
interior lamps ...........................47
replacing bulbs .........................52
Liftgate ..................................88, 95
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........199
Limited-slip axle .......................211
Load limits .................................182Loading instructions .................189
Locks
autolock ...................................100
childproof ..................................93
doors ..........................................92
Lubricant specifications ...290, 292
Lug nuts ....................................167
Luggage rack ...............................90
Lumbar support,
seats ...........................107, 109–110
M
Manual transmission
lubricant specifications ..........292
Message center .....................75–76
english/metric button ...............81
system check button ................80
warning messages .....................82
Mirrors ...................................60, 63
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................63
fold away ...................................63
heated ........................................62
side view mirrors (power) .......62
Moon roof ....................................68
Motorcraft parts ................276, 286
O
Octane rating ............................274
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................258
P
Parking brake ............................200
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....286
Index
301
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