2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid steering

Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
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.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
202

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
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or 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.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
203

HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your low voltage
(underhood) battery.
FUEL PUMP/HIGH VOLTAGE SHUT-OFF SWITCHES
The fuel pump shut-off switch stops the electric fuel pump from sending
fuel to the engine and the high voltage shut-off switch shuts off power
from the high voltage battery when your vehicle receives a substantial
physical jolt.
After an accident, if the engine does not start, one or both of the
switches may have been activated.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
207

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
28 5A Radio
29 5A Instrument panel cluster
30 5A Not used (spare)
31 10A Compass module
32 10A Restraints control module
33 10A Speed control switch
34 5A Speed control deactivate switch
35 10A Four wheel drive, EPAS (steering)
36 5A PATS transceiver
37 10A Climate control
38 20A Subwoofer/Amp (Audiophile
radio)
39 20A Radio
40 20A Front power point
41 15A Driver/passenger door lock
switches
42 10A Not used (spare)
43 10A Rear wiper logic, Heated seats
relay, Auto dimming mirror
44 10A Not used (spare)
45 5A Front wiper logic, Blower motor
relay
46 7.5A OCS (restraints), PADI
(restraints)
47 30A Circuit
BreakerPower windows, Moon roof
48 — Not used
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
212

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
31B — Injector relay
31C — Heater pump relay
31D — Coolant pump relay
31E — Not used
31F — Not used
32 — A/C clutch diode
33 — PCM diode
34 — Not used
35 5A* RUN/START
36 — Not used
37 — Not used
* Mini fuse ** Cartridge fuse
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire that is
different in one or more of the following: type, brand, size, speed rating
and tread design. If this is the case, this dissimilar spare tire is still rated
for your vehicle loads (GAWR and GVWR). This temporary spare tire is
not equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensor.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare is in use. To restore the full functionality of
the TPMS system, all road wheels equipped with the tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat tire serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent
damage to the TPMS sensor, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels, and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare
tire with a road tire as soon as possible. During repairing or replacing of
the flat tire, have the authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for
damage.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
215

INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean and damp white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry white
cotton cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner
(ZC-38-A) on the instrument panel and interior trim areas.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion
of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the airbag system.
If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean white cotton cloth.
2. Apply Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-11-A) [In
Canada use Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101)] to the wiped
area and spread around evenly.
3. Apply more Motorcraft cleaner to a clean white cotton cloth and press
the cloth onto the soiled area–allow this to set at room temperature for
30 minutes.
4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to
clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.
5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean white cotton cloth.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
247

Get the most from your service and maintenance visits
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your Ford or Lincoln Mercury
Dealership for all your service needs is a great way to help keep your
vehicle running great.
Convenience
Many Dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained Technicians
Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians participate in extensive
factory-sponsored certification training to help them become experts on
the operation of your vehicle. Ask your Dealership about the training and
certification their technicians have received.
Factory Authorized Systems Checks
In the event your vehicle experiences a component related concern,
please contact your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealership. The Ford Motor
Company Trained Technicians who work at Ford, Lincoln or Mercury
dealerships are specifically trained to understand your vehicle.
A proper repair begins with a thorough system check. Factory
Authorized Systems Checks 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 participating Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealerships:
•Climate Control
•Check Engine Light
•All Wheel Drive/Four-Wheel Drive
•Automatic Transmission
•Engine Cooling/Cabin Heating
•Suspension/Steering
•Charge/Start/Battery
•Wheel Alignment
•Brakes
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
294

U.S. AND CANADIAN 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/electronics 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:
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
298