2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid suspension

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size
code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After
2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
Tire Replacement Requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and
handling capability.
Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the same size
and type (such as P-metric versus LT-metric or all-season versus
all-terrain) as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If
you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an authorized
dealer.
It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
Important:Remember to replace the valve stems when the road tires
are replaced on your vehicle.
Note:The use of a different tire can effect the fuel economy of your
vehicle.
The tire pressure monitoring sensors mounted in the wheels (originally
installed on your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket
wheels.
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Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles and those with an independent rear
suspension (if equipped) may require alignment of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
scheduled maintenance informationthat comes with your vehicle) will
help your tires wear more evenly, providing better tire performance and
longer tire life. Unless otherwise specified, rotate the tires approximately
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
•Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
vehicles/Four Wheel Drive
(4WD)/ All Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask an authorized dealer to check
for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical
problem involved before tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A
dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is
different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If
you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel it is intended for temporary use
only and should not be used in a tire rotation.
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transport the cement to your home? If you and your friend each weigh
220 lb. (99 kg), the calculation would be: 1400 – (2 x 220) – (12 x
100) = 1400 – 440 – 1200 = – 240 lb. No, you do not have enough
cargo capacity to carry that much weight. In metric units, the
calculation would be: 635 kg — (2 x 99 kg) — (12 x 45 kg) = 635 —
198 — 540 = —103 kg. You will need to reduce the load weight by at
least 240 lb. (104 kg). If you remove 3-100 lb. (45 kg) cement bags,
then the load calculation would be:
1400 – (2 x 220) – (9 x 100) = 1400 – 440 – 900 = 60 lb. Now you
have the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home.
In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg — (2 x 99 kg) — (9
x 45 kg) = 635 — 198 — 405 = 32 kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
theDrivingchapter of thisOwner’s Guide.
Loaded vehicles 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.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
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more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
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.
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Do not descend a hill in N (Neutral)
and avoid sudden hard braking as
you could lose control.
Since your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping; drive slower than usual. Since your vehicle is equipped with
a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily.
Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
4WD vehicles should be driven with traction devices as referred to in
Using snow tires and traction devicesin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide durable load carrying capability and predictable
performance whether loaded or empty. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
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Convenience
To make your service visit even more convenient, in many cases, you’ll
find extended evening hours and Saturday hours. How’s that for quality
service?
Factory-trained Technicians
Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians participate in extensive
factory-sponsored training to help them become the experts on the
operation of your vehicle. Many participate in Ford-sponsored training to
become certified. Ask your dealer about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Factory Authorized Systems Checks
In the event that your vehicle experiences a component related concern,
please contact your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership. The Ford Motor
Company Trained Technicians who work at Ford or Lincoln Mercury
dealerships are specifically trained to understand your vehicle.
A proper repair begins with a thorough system check. A Factory
Authorized Systems Check can ONLY be found at a Ford or Lincoln
Mercury dealership. In some circumstances, the technician may need to
request your authorization to perform additional operations to determine
the final diagnosis. The technician’s goal is to ensure that your vehicle is
fixed right the first time, at the best value to you.
The following list represents several of the Factory Authorized Systems
Checks available at a participating Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealers:
•Air Conditioning
•Check Engine Light
•All Wheel Drive and4X4
•Automatic Transmission
•Engine Cooling and Cabin Heating
•Steering and Suspension
•Charge/Start/Battery
•Wheel Alignment
•Anti-Lock Brake System
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft Replacement Parts
Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraft
branded replacement parts. These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor
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Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important that you have
the systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify any
potential issue before there are any problems. Ford Motor Company
suggests the following multi-point inspection to be performed at every
scheduled maintenance as the way to ensure your vehicle keeps running
right.
NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
The following section contains the “Normal Schedule”. This schedule is
presented at specific mileage (kilometer) intervals with exceptions
noted.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE WEB
To learn more about the importance of routine and dealer-performed
maintenance on your vehicle, please visit the Ford Customer Service Web
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check that externally mounted spare tire is properly stowed (tight)
❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check low voltage (underhood) battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
Multi-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
❑Check and top up fluid levels: brake, engine coolant recovery reservoir, motor/electronics reservoir and window washer.❑Inspect tires for wear and correct air pressure.
❑Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign materials.
❑Check low voltage (underhood) battery performance.
❑Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
❑Check radiator, coolers and heater and air conditioning hoses.
❑Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
❑Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
❑Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
❑Inspect engine air cleaner filter and elements.
❑Inspect half-shaft dust boots.
❑Check shocks, struts and other suspension components for leaks and damage.
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site. You’ll also find important warranty information, customer assistance,
technical expertise, frequently asked questions and much more. The Web
site location is: www.ford.com.
Then go to the vehicles and services pick at the Web site.
U.S. SCHEDULE
5,000 miles (8,000 km)
❑Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth❑Rotate tiresDEALERVALIDATION:
RO#: P&A C
ODE:
D
ATE:MILEAGE:
10,000 miles (16,000 km)
❑Change engine oil and replace oil filter❑Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth❑Rotate tires❑Inspect high voltage battery A/C filter, replace if necessary
DEALERVALIDATION:
RO#: P&A C
ODE:
D
ATE:MILEAGE:
20,000 miles (32,000 km)
❑Change engine oil and replace oil filter❑Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth❑Rotate tires❑Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines and
hoses and parking brake
❑Inspect engine and motor/electrical cooling system and hoses❑Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, half-
shafts, driveshaft and ball joints
❑Inspect exhaust system and heat shields❑Replace high voltage battery A/C filter
DEALERVALIDATION:
RO#: P&A C
ODE:
D
ATE:MILEAGE:
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