2008 Mercury Mariner driving

4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly tightening the fuel cap or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, theService engine soon
indicator should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway
driving. No additional vehicle service is required.
If theService engine soon
indicator remains on, have your vehicle
serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions
detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with theService engine soon
indicator on can
result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if theService engine soon
indicator is on or not working
properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.
If theService engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to the On board
diagnostics (OBD-II) description in this chapter.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the ON position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If theService engine
soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing; if theService engine soon
indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
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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.
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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.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the crosshatch
zone may result in transaxle failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
2008 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
282

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
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attaching with tether
straps .......................................141
in front seat ............................138
in rear seat ..............................138
Child safety seats -
booster seats .............................134
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............246
instrument panel ....................248
interior .....................................249
plastic parts ............................247
washing ....................................244
waxing .....................................245
wheels ......................................245
wiper blades ............................247
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......34, 37
Clock ............................................20
Compass, electronic ....................59
calibration .................................60
set zone adjustment .................59
Console ........................................54
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat .................................97
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............264
refill capacities ................268, 286
specifications ..........................286
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................208
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................240
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............241
Getting roadside assistance ...208Getting the service
you need .................................236
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................242
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............240
D
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................281
engine oil .................................258
Driving under special
conditions ..................199, 203, 205
sand .........................................204
snow and ice ...........................206
through water .................204, 207
E
Electronic message center .........66
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................229
Emergency Flashers .................210
Emission control system ..........278
Engine ........................................288
cleaning ...................................246
coolant .....................................264
fail-safe cooling .......................269
idle speed control ...................262
lubrication specifications .......286
refill capacities ........................286
service points ..................254–255
starting after a collision .........211
Engine block heater .................185
Engine oil ..................................258
checking and adding ..............258
dipstick ....................................258
filter, specifications ........261, 285
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Index
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recommendations ...................261
refill capacities ........................286
specifications ..........................286
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................184
F
Fail safe cooling ........................269
Fluid capacities .........................286
Foglamps .....................................42
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................201
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................194
Fuel ............................................270
calculating fuel
economy ............................67, 275
cap ...........................................272
capacity ...................................286
choosing the right fuel ...........273
comparisons with EPA
fuel economy estimates .........278
detergent in fuel .....................274
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................270, 272, 275
filter, specifications ........270, 285
fuel pump shut-off switch .....211
improving fuel economy ........275
octane rating ...................274, 288
quality ......................................274
running out of fuel .................274
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................270
Fuses ..................................211–212
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............272Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................275
Gauges .........................................17
H
Hazard flashers .........................210
Head restraints .....................95, 99
Headlamps ...................................41
aiming ........................................44
bulb specifications ....................47
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam .................................43
replacing bulbs .........................48
turning on and off ....................41
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................37
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................34
Hood ..........................................253
I
Ignition ...............................181, 288
Illuminated visor mirror .............54
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................137
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................280
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................248
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................43
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......229
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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changing ..........................221, 223
checking the pressure ............152
inflating ...................................150
label .........................................162
replacing ..................................154
rotating ....................................156
safety practices .......................155
sidewall information ...............158
snow tires and chains ............168
spare tire .........................219, 221
terminology .............................149
tire grades ...............................149
treadwear ........................148, 153
Towing .......................................175
recreational towing .................179
trailer towing ..........................175
wrecker ....................................234
Transmission .............................194
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....194
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................281
fluid, refill capacities ..............286
lubricant specifications ..........286
Turn signal ..................................45V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................289
Vehicle loading ..........................169
Ventilating your vehicle ...........184
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................256
Water, Driving through .............207
Windows
power .........................................57
rear wiper/washer .....................53
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................52
checking and adding fluid .....256
liftgate reservoir .....................256
replacing wiper blades ...257–258
Wrecker towing .........................234
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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