2008 Mercury Milan warning light

•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of energy per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately 3 hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than 3
hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use
additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking. The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake application and compensates for this
tendency. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation
may be observed during ABS braking; any pulsation or mechanical noise
you may feel or hear is normal. In addition, the ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal.
P!
BRAKE
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ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled and
the ABS light is on, normal braking
is still effective. If your BRAKE
warning lamp illuminates with the
parking brake released, have your
brake system serviced immediately.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance and does not
decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
12
P!
BRAKE
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Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)
The Traction Control™ system helps you maintain the stability and
steerability of your vehicle, especially on slippery road surfaces such as
snow- or ice-covered roads and gravel roads. The system will allow your
vehicle to make better use of available traction in these conditions.
During Traction Control™ operation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment, and the
engine may not “rev-up” when you
push further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior and
should be no reason for concern.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control™
event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
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•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control™, it may be beneficial
to disengage the Traction Control™ system while attempting to rock the
vehicle.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
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If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than 1
gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•TheService engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend taking
fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
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Illumination of theService engine soonindicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When theService
engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected
a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause theService engine
soon
indicator to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................73
Air cleaner filter ...............283–285
Air conditioning ....................46, 48
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................134, 143, 146
and child safety seats ............136
description ..............134, 143, 146
disposal ....................................149
driver airbag ............136, 144, 147
indicator light .........143, 145, 148
operation .................136, 144, 147
passenger airbag .....136, 144, 147
side airbag ...............................143
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................205
Ambient mood/lighting ...............57
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................260
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................192–193
Anti-theft system ..............108, 111
arming the system ..................111
disarming a triggered
system .....................................112
triggering .................................112
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................16, 20, 27
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................278
fluid, checking ........................278
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................198–199
fluid, adding ....................280, 283
fluid, checking ................280, 283
fluid, refill capacities ..............287fluid, specification ..................287
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....35
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........287
B
Battery .......................................258
acid, treating emergencies .....258
jumping a disabled battery ....226
maintenance-free ....................258
replacement, specifications ...285
servicing ..................................258
Belt-Minder.............................129
Booster seats .............................150
Brakes ........................................192
anti-lock ...........................192–193
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................193
fluid, checking and adding ....278
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specifications .................287
lubricant specifications ..........287
parking ....................................193
shift interlock ..........................196
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................57
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....287
Cassette tape player ...................20
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................220
Child safety restraints ..............150
child safety belts ....................150
Child safety seats ......................153
attaching with tether straps ..157
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Index
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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
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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