2007 Mercury Mariner brakes

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 and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. 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 theBrakes
section 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 predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
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.
2007 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
185

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 wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
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.
2007 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
186

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines 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 the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick, making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
2007 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
259

A
Accessory delay ..........................48
Air cleaner filter ...............261–262
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................104–105, 113, 116
and child safety seats ............106
description ..............105, 113, 116
disposal ....................................119
driver airbag ............107, 114, 117
indicator light .........113, 115, 118
operation .................107, 114, 117
passenger airbag .....107, 114, 117
side airbag ...............................113
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................179
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................241
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................169
Anti-theft system ..................77, 80
arming the system ....................80
disarming a triggered system ..81
triggering ...................................81
Audio system (see Radio) ...19, 23
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................259
fluid, checking ........................259
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................174
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specification ..................264
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........264
refill capacities ........................264B
Battery .......................................239
acid, treating emergencies .....239
battery saver .............................39
jumping a disabled battery ....207
maintenance-free ....................239
replacement, specifications ...262
servicing ..................................239
BeltMinder...............................100
Brakes ................................168–169
anti-lock ...................................169
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................169
fluid, checking and adding ....259
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specifications .................264
lubricant specifications ..........264
parking ....................................170
shift interlock ..........................171
Bulbs ............................................39
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....264
Cargo area shade ........................65
Cargo management system ........65
Cell phone use ..............................8
Child safety restraints ..............119
child safety belts ....................119
Child safety seats ......................123
attaching with tether straps ..127
in front seat ............................124
in rear seat ..............................124
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............224
instrument panel ....................227
interior .....................................227
interior trim ............................227
2007 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
272

L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................33
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................39
fog lamps ...................................35
headlamps .................................33
headlamps, flash to pass ..........35
instrument panel, dimming .....35
interior lamps .....................38–40
replacing bulbs .........................40
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................37
Liftgate ........................................64
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........169
Load limits .................................153
Loading instructions .................159
Locks
childproof ..................................71
Lubricant specifications ...........264
Lug nuts ....................................207
Luggage rack ...............................66
Lumbar support, seats ...............84
M
Message center .....................56–57
system check button ................58
warning messages .....................59
Mirrors .........................................51
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................49
fold away ...................................52
heated ........................................52
side view mirrors (power) .......51
Moon roof ....................................55Motorcraft parts ........228, 247, 262
O
Octane rating ............................250
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................235
Overdrive ...................................173
P
Parking brake ............................170
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....262
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................92
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................193
Power door locks ........................68
Power mirrors .............................51
Power point .................................47
Power steering ..........................170
fluid, checking and adding ....258
fluid, refill capacity ................264
fluid, specifications .................264
Power Windows ...........................47
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................171
R
Radio ......................................19, 23
Rear window defroster ...............32
Relays ........................................189
Remote entry system .................71
illuminated entry ................75–76
locking/unlocking doors .....72–73
panic alarm ...............................73
2007 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
275