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.
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.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
207
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second 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. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
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.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
281
A
Accessory delay ..........................58
AdvanceTrac ..............................189
Air cleaner filter ...............283, 285
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................37
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................34
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........118, 127, 130
and child safety seats ............120
description ..............118, 127, 130
disposal ....................................133
driver airbag ............120, 128, 131
indicator light .........127, 129, 132
operation .................120, 128, 131
passenger airbag .....120, 128, 131
side airbag ...............................127
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................201
Ambulance packages ....................8
AM/FM .........................................19
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................264
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................187
Anti-theft system ........................91
Audio system (see Radio) .........19
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................281
fluid, checking ........................281
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................196
fluid, refill capacities ..............286
fluid, specification ..................286Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....27
Auxiliary power point .................56
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........286
refill capacities ........................286
B
Battery .......................................262
acid, treating emergencies .....262
jumping a disabled battery ....229
maintenance-free ....................262
replacement, specifications ...285
servicing ..................................262
Belt-Minder.............................113
Booster seats .............................134
Brakes ................................186–187
anti-lock ...................................187
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............187
fluid, checking and adding ....281
fluid, refill capacities ..............286
fluid, specifications .................286
lubricant specifications ..........286
parking ....................................188
shift interlock ..........................194
Bulbs ............................................47
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....286
Cargo area shade ........................74
Cargo management system ........75
CD ................................................19
Cell phone use ..............................8
Child safety restraints ..............134
child safety belts ....................134
Child safety seats ......................137
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
293
K
Keyless entry system .................89
autolock ...............................80, 82
keypad .......................................90
locking and unlocking doors ....91
programming entry code .........90
Keys .......................................78, 92
positions of the ignition .........181
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................47
fog lamps ...................................42
headlamps .................................41
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....43
interior lamps .....................45–47
replacing bulbs .........................48
Liftgate ..................................73, 86
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........187
Load limits .................................169
Loading instructions .................175
Locks
autolock ...............................80, 82
childproof ..................................84
doors ..........................................80
Lubricant specifications ...........286
Lug nuts ....................................228
Luggage rack ...............................75
Lumbar support, seats ...............97
M
Message center ...........................66
english/metric button ...............70system check button ................69
warning messages .....................71
Mirrors ...................................58, 60
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................58
fold away ...................................61
heated ........................................61
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts ........250, 270, 285
N
Navigation system .......................33
O
Octane rating ............................274
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................258
Overdrive ...................................196
P
Parking brake ............................188
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....285
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................106
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................215
Power door locks ........................80
Power mirrors .............................60
Power point .................................56
Power steering ..........................193
fluid, refill capacity ................286
fluid, specifications .................286
Power Windows ...........................57
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
296