•Theindicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
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
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 1,000 miles (1,600
km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles-3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
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 two 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.
2006 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
311
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
2006 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
313
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
2006 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
314
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If the
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
guidefor the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
2006 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
316
A
Accessory delay ..........................65
AdvanceTrac ..............................221
Air cleaner filter .......................319
Air conditioning ..........................43
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................151–152, 160, 162
and child safety seats ............153
description ..............152, 160, 162
disposal ....................................165
driver airbag ............154, 161, 163
indicator light .................160, 165
operation .................154, 161, 163
passenger airbag .....154, 161, 163
side airbag ...............................160
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................235
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................300
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................220
Anti-theft system ......................121
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................21, 26, 31
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................228, 231
fluid, adding ............................317
fluid, checking ........................317
fluid, refill capacities ..............321
fluid, specification ..................326
Auxiliary power point .................62
Axle
lubricant specifications ..323, 326
refill capacities ........................321
B
Battery .......................................298acid, treating emergencies .....298
jumping a disabled battery ....266
maintenance-free ....................298
replacement, specifications ...319
servicing ..................................298
BeltMinder .................................146
Brakes ........................................219
anti-lock ...................................220
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................220
fluid, checking and adding ....317
fluid, refill capacities ..............321
fluid, specifications .........323, 326
lubricant specifications ..323, 326
parking ....................................220
shift interlock ..........................227
C
Calculating load ........................209
Capacities for refilling fluids ....321
Cargo cover ...............................105
Cargo management system ......105
Cassette tape player .............21, 26
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................256
Child safety restraints ..............166
child safety belts ....................166
Child safety seats ......................170
attaching with tether straps ..174
in front seat ............................171
in rear seat ..............................171
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............283
instrument panel ....................285
interior .....................................286
interior trim ............................285
plastic parts ............................284
2006 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
332
service points ..................290–291
starting after a collision .........247
Engine block heater .................219
Engine oil ..................................293
checking and adding ..............293
dipstick ....................................293
filter, specifications ........296, 319
recommendations ...................296
refill capacities ........................321
specifications ..................323, 326
Exhaust fumes ..........................219
F
Fail safe cooling ........................305
Floor mats .................................104
Fluid capacities .........................321
Foglamps .....................................48
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................237
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................226
Fuel ............................................306
calculating fuel
economy ......................79, 90, 311
cap ...........................................308
capacity ...................................321
choosing the right fuel ...........309
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................314
detergent in fuel .....................310
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................306, 308, 311
filter, specifications ........306, 319
fuel pump shut-off switch .....247
improving fuel economy ........311
octane rating ...................310, 326
quality ......................................310
running out of fuel .................310safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................306
Fuses ..................................248, 250
G
Garage door opener ....................62
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............308
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................311
Gauges .........................................18
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................209
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................209
H
Hazard flashers .........................247
Head restraints .........................124
Headlamps
aiming ........................................50
bulb specifications ....................53
daytime running lights .............49
flash to pass ..............................49
high beam .................................49
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................41, 43
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................73
Hood ..........................................289
I
Ignition ...............................217, 326
2006 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
334
Illuminated visor mirror .............60
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................170
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................316
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................285
cluster ........................................12
J
Jack ....................................256, 260
positioning .......................256, 262
storage .....................256, 259–260
Jump-starting your vehicle ......266
K
Keyless entry system ...............116
autolock ...........................118–119
keypad .....................................116
locking and unlocking doors ..117
programming entry code .......116
Keys ...........................................122
positions of the ignition .........217
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ............52–53
daytime running light ...............49
fog lamps ...................................48
interior lamps ...........................52
replacing bulbs .........................56
Liftgate ......................................106
remote release ........................112
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........220
Load limits .................................202Loading instructions .................209
Locks
autolock ...........................118–119
childproof ................................110
doors ........................................108
Lubricant specifications ...323, 326
Lug nuts ....................................266
Luggage rack .............................107
Lumbar support, seats .....126, 129
M
Manual transmission
lubricant specifications ..........326
Message center ...............77, 88–89
english/metric button .........81, 94
system check button ..........80, 93
warning messages .............85, 100
Mirrors .........................................66
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................66
fold away ...................................67
heated ........................................67
side view mirrors (power) .......66
Moon roof ....................................72
Motorcraft parts ........287, 306, 319
N
Navigation system .......................40
O
Octane rating ............................310
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................293
P
Parking brake ............................220
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....319
2006 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
335
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................137
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................67
Power adjustable foot pedals .....67
Power deployable running
boards ........................................103
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................253
Power door locks ......................108
Power mirrors .............................66
Power point ...........................62–63
Power steering ..........................225
fluid, checking and adding ....316
fluid, refill capacity ................321
fluid, specifications .........323, 326
Power Windows ...........................64
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................226
R
Radio ................................21, 26, 31
Rear window defroster ...............47
Relays ........................................248
Remote entry system .......110–111
illuminated entry ....................115
locking/unlocking
doors ................................111–112
panic alarm .............................112
replacing the batteries ...........113
Reverse sensing system ...........234
Roadside assistance ..................245
Roof rack ...................................107
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........151Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................136, 139–144
Safety Canopy ...........160, 162–163
Safety defects, reporting ..........280
Safety restraints ........136, 139–144
belt minder .............................146
extension assembly ................145
for adults .........................140–143
for children .....................165–166
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................137
safety belt maintenance .........151
warning light and
chime ...............................145–146
Safety seats for children ..........170
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................328
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............136
Seats ..........................................124
child safety seats ....................170
front seats ...............................125
heated ......................................129
memory seat ...................112, 128
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................121
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................22
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................32
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................27
Snowplowing .................................8
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................319, 326
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................323, 326
2006 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
336