2008 Mercury Milan heating

not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission:When
driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures,
use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs
(for trucks) (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets
wet, the vehicle may stall.
2008 Milan(mln)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
207

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.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transaxle damage.
AWD 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.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD 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, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
2008 Milan(mln)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
209

Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets or an
equivalent product meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
Note:When adding more than 1 quart (.95L) of coolant it is necessary
to use the coolant bleed valve. Failure to bleed the cooling system when
adding engine coolant may cause engine damage. Refer to the Cooling
section of theWorkshop Manual.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Ford
specification WSS-M97B44-D, or DEX-COOLbrand with the
factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine
Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product such as
DEX-COOLbrand with your factory filled coolant can result in
degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
2008 Milan(mln)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C ]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
2008 Milan(mln)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
264

High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
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.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 mL) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transaxle components.
Checking 6–speed automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
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.
2008 Milan(mln)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
280

Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level does not show at all on the
dipstick.
Driving the vehicle with less than
the recommended fluid level may result in transaxle failure. An under fill
condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and /or possible damage to the transaxle.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the normal
operating range may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage to
the transaxle.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Note:Only one ATF fluid specification has been tested and approved for
use with the automatic 6-speed: Premium Automatic Transmission fluid.
Mercon fluids cannot be used with the automatic 6-speed without
damage or voiding warranty.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transaxle components.
2008 Milan(mln)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
282

in front seat ............................154
in rear seat ..............................154
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................150
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............242
instrument panel ....................244
interior .....................................245
plastic parts ............................243
washing ....................................240
waxing .....................................241
wheels ......................................241
wiper blades ............................244
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......46, 48
Clock ............................................71
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................29
AM/FM/CD .................................22
Clutch
fluid ..........................................278
operation while driving ..........201
recommended shift speeds ....202
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................85
Console ........................................70
overhead ....................................70
Controls
power seat ...............................116
steering column ........................78
Coolant
checking and adding ..............260
refill capacities ................264, 287
specifications ..........................287
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................75
Cupholder(s) .............................120
Customer Assistance ................211Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................236
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................237
Getting roadside assistance ...211
Getting the service you
need .........................................232
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................238
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................236
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................53
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................278, 280
engine oil .................................253
Driving under special
conditions ..................200, 206, 208
sand .........................................207
snow and ice ...........................209
through water .................207, 210
E
Electronic message center .........82
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................226
Emission control system ..........274
Engine ........................................290
cleaning ...................................242
coolant .....................................260
fail-safe cooling .......................265
idle speed control ...................258
lubrication specifications .......287
refill capacities ........................287
service points ..................250–251
2008 Milan(mln)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
296

starting after a collision .........213
Engine block heater .................190
Engine oil ..................................253
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................253
checking and adding ..............253
dipstick ....................................253
filter, specifications ........257, 285
recommendations ...................257
refill capacities ........................287
specifications ..........................287
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................190
F
Fail safe cooling ........................265
Fluid capacities .........................287
Foglamps .....................................53
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................205
Fuel ............................................266
calculating fuel
economy ............................83, 271
cap ...........................................268
capacity ...................................287
choosing the right fuel ...........269
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................274
detergent in fuel .....................270
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................266, 268, 271
filter, specifications ........266, 285
fuel pump shut-off switch .....213
improving fuel economy ........271
octane rating ...................270, 290
quality ......................................270
running out of fuel .................270
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................266Fuel pump shut-off switch .......213
Fuses ..........................................214
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............268
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................271
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................213
Head restraints .........................113
Headlamps ...................................52
aiming ........................................55
autolamp system .......................52
bulb specifications ....................57
daytime running lights .............53
flash to pass ..............................54
high beam .................................54
replacing bulbs .........................58
turning on and off ....................52
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................44, 46, 48
Hood ..........................................249
How to get going ........................16
I
Ignition ...............................187, 290
Illuminated visor mirror .............69
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................153
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................276
Instrument panel ........................71
2008 Milan(mln)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
297