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 AdvanceTracwith RSC
only)
AWD Disabled (vehicles
equipped with AdvanceTrac
with RSC only)
Low washer fluid level
Door ajar
Change oil soon
Oil change required
TEMPORARY AWD LOCK (vehicles equipped with AdvanceTrac
with RSC only).Displayed when the AWD system automatically locks
to prevent damage from overheating.
AWD LOCK OFF and AWD AUTO ON (vehicles equipped with
AdvanceTracwith RSC 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.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
84
A position can only be set or recalled when the transmission gearshift is
in P (Park) or N (Neutral). A memory seat position may be programmed
at any time.
The memory seat positions are also recalled when you press your remote
entry transmitter UNLOCK control.
The third position is recalled when both buttons are depressed.
To program the memory seat to remote entry transmitter, refer to
Memory seat/adjustable pedals/easy entry-exit feature (if equipped)
in theLocks and Securitychapter.
The easy entry/exit feature automatically moves the drivers seat
backwards slightly (if room is available) when the key is removed from
the ignition. It will automatically move the seat forward to the original
position when the key is inserted into the ignition.
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)
For more lumbar support, turn the
lumbar support control toward the
front of vehicle.
For less lumbar support, turn the
lumbar support control toward the
rear of vehicle.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
109
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmissionsection in the
Drivingchapter.)
•Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gaugein theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance
Informationfor more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
193
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Locate the access plug to the
brake-shift interlock override. It is
located on the underside of the
steering column.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
205
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
207
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through five.
D (Drive) without Overdrive
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
3 (Third)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
O/D
OFF
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
208
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
23 15A Not used
24 15A Cigar lighter, OBD II
25 5A Mode-Temperature actuator for
auxiliary climate control, Trailer
tow battery charge relay coil,
TPMS
26 7.5A Reverse park aid, Brake shift
interlock, IVD switch
27 7.5A Automatic dimming mirror, Digital
transmission range sensor, Backup
lamps
28 5A Radio (Start)
29 10A Digital transmission range sensor,
PWR feed to fuse #28 (Start feed)
30 5A Daytime Running Lamps (DRL),
DEATC climate controller, Manual
climate control, Manual climate
control temp blend actuator
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
225
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; doing so may
damage the catalytic converter.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
2005 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
232