2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid suspension

Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric versus
LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally provided
by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found on either
the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire Label which is
located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this information
is not found on these labels then you should consult your Ford dealer.
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.
When mounting replacement tires and wheels, you should not
exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the sidewall of the
tire to set the beads without additional precautions listed below. If the
beads do not seat at the maximum pressure indicated, re-lubricate and
try again.
When inflating the tire for mounting pressures up to 20 psi greater
than the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall, the following
precautions must be taken to protect the person mounting the tire:
1. Make sure that you have the correct tire and wheel size.
2. Lubricate the tire bead and wheel bead seat area again.
3. Stand at a minimum of 12 feet away from the tire wheel assembly.
4. Use both eye and ear protection.
For a mounting pressure more than 20 psi greater than the maximum
pressure, a Ford Dealer or other tire service professional should do the
mounting.
Always inflate steel carcass tires with a remote air fill with the person
inflating standing at a minimum of 12 ft. away from the tire wheel
assembly.
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.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
159

Tire and wheel alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side when you’re driving, the wheels may be
out of alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel alignment
periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by an authorized dealer.
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.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
161

•A final example for your vehicle with 1400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and
luggage capacity. You and one of your friends decide to pick up cement
from the local home improvement store to finish that patio you have
been planning for the past 2 years. Measuring the inside of the vehicle
with the rear seat folded down, you have room for 12-100 lb. (45 kg)
bags of cement. Do you have enough load capacity to 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:
635kg-(2x99kg)-(12x45kg)=635-198-540=-103kg.Youwill
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) -
(9x45kg)=635-198-405=32kg.
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.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
178

Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power-Assisted Steering
(EPAS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
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.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
191

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

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

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
site. You’ll also find important warranty information, customer assistance,
technical expertise, frequently asked questions and much more. The Web
site location is: www.genuineservice.com.
Then go to the vehicles and services pick at the Web site.
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.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
297

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