2008 Mercury Milan ignition

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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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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The Traction Control™ switch is
located on the instrument panel.
The Traction Control™ system will
automatically turn on every time the
ignition is turned off and on. The
Traction Control™ system should
normally be left on.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction
Control™ system off by pressing the
switch on the instrument panel. Switching the Traction Control™ system
off may allow excess wheel spin to “dig” the vehicle out and enable a
successful “rocking” maneuver. When the Traction Control™ system is
off, an indicator light will illuminate and will remain on until the system
is turned back on or the ignition is turned off and on. Remember to
switch the Traction Control™ system back on once the vehicle is no
longer stuck.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will
illuminate, the Traction Control™ button will not turn the system on or
off and your vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low
power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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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.
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your authorized dealer.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed:
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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1. Apply the parking brake, turn
ignition key to LOCK, then remove
the key.
2. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), remove the protective cover
to the interlock release access hole
on the console.
3. Insert the screwdriver (or similar
tool) into the access hole and press
downward while pulling the
gearshift lever out of the P (Park)
position and into the N (Neutral)
position.
4. Remove the tool and reinstall the
protective cover.
5. Start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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 as soon as possible.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 5–speed automatic
transaxle (if equipped)
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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To put your vehicle in gear:
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transaxle
operates in gears one through six.
L (Low)
This position:
•Provides increased engine braking during downhill/mountain driving.
•
Provides extended shift scheduling, allowing both upshifts and
downshifts, at a higher overall RPM to provide optimum engine braking.
•Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions
and results in lower fuel economy.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
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.
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 minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
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Recommended shift speeds
Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage the clutch.
Upshift according to the following chart:
Recommended upshifts (for best fuel economy) when
accelerating
5-speed manual transaxle
Shift from:
1 - 2 14 mph (23 km/h)
2 - 3 24 mph (39 km/h)
3 - 4 32 mph (51 km/h)
4 - 5 44 mph (71 km/h)
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift
into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
Hold the clutch pedal down and move the gearshift lever into the neutral
position. Wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).
Note:The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving
it from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from accidentally
being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Fifth).
If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, press the clutch pedal down and
return the gearshift to the neutral position. Release the clutch pedal for
a moment, then press it down and shift to R (Reverse) again.
Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake
fully.
Removing the key
Turn the ignition to position 1 (LOCK) and remove the key.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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The RSS detects obstacles up to six
feet (two meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
While receiving a warning the radio volume will be reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio will return
to the previous value.
The RSS automatically turns on when the gear selector is placed in R
(Reverse) and the ignition is ON. A control in the message center allows
the driver to disable the system only when the ignition is ON and the
gear selector is in R (Reverse). Refer toMessage centerin theDriver
Controlschapter for more information.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
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