2008 Mercury Mountaineer check transmission fluid

electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED.Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph (5
km/h). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped).Displayed when the transmission is
in R (Reverse) and the Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) is disabled.
Refer toReverse Sensing System (Park Aid)in this section to enable.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE.Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE MONITOR FAULT.Displayed when the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or continues to come
on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
TIRE SENSOR FAULT.Displayed when a tire pressure sensor is
malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more information on how
the system operates under these conditions, refer toUnderstanding
your Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake fluid
reservoirin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK HEADLAMP.Displayed when the headlamps are activated and
at least one bulb is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as possible and
have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing headlamp bulbs
in theLightschapter.
CHECK HIGHBEAM LAMP.Displayed when the highbeam lamps are
activated and at least one bulb is burned out. Check the lamps as soon
as possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing
headlamp bulbsin theLightschapter.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
128

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.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), the system indicator light may illuminate depending on
how much air is released from your tires and/or how long you drive the
vehicle under these conditions.
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 hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
2008 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
274

POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance product specifications
and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper fluid type.
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
The automatic transmission does not have an underhood transmission
fluid dipstick.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
354

Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.
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 transmission components.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Turn off the power running
boards, if equipped, before
working under the vehicle, jacking
or placing any object under the
vehicle. Never place your hand
between the extended running
board and the vehicle. A moving
running board may cause injury.
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
2008 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
355

Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Windshield washer fluid 4.2 quarts (4.0L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank22.5 gallons
(85.2L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only have the API
Certification mark and meet the requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C929-A (4.0L) or
WSS-M2C930-A (4.6L).3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be
checked by a qualified technician.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
V should only use MERCON
V fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON
/MERCON
V. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto
determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause transmission damage.5Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
SP should only use MERCON
SP fluid. Use of a
dual usage fluid in an automatic transmission requiring MERCON
SP may cause transmission
damage. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval.
Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2008 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
362

A
Accessory delay ........................102
AdvanceTrac ..............................255
Air cleaner filter ...............356–358
Air conditioning ..........................79
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................181–182, 190, 192
and child safety seats ............183
description ..............182, 190, 192
disposal ....................................195
driver airbag ............184, 191, 193
indicator light .................190, 195
operation .................184, 191, 193
passenger airbag .....184, 191, 193
side airbag ...............................190
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................270
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................336
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................253
Anti-theft system ......................148
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................20, 24, 32
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................262, 265
fluid, adding ............................354
fluid, checking ........................354
fluid, refill capacities ..............359
fluid, specification ..................359
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....40
Auxiliary power point ...............100
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........359refill capacities ........................359
B
Battery .......................................334
acid, treating emergencies .....334
jumping a disabled battery ....300
maintenance-free ....................334
replacement, specifications ...358
servicing ..................................334
Belt-Minder
.............................176
Booster seats .............................197
Brakes ........................................252
anti-lock ...................................253
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................253
fluid, checking and adding ....354
fluid, refill capacities ..............359
fluid, specifications .................359
lubricant specifications ..........359
parking ....................................254
shift interlock ..........................260
C
Calculating load ........................239
Capacities for refilling fluids ....359
Cargo cover ...............................132
Cargo management system ......132
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................290
Child safety restraints ..............196
child safety belts ....................196
Child safety seats ......................201
attaching with tether straps ..205
in front seat ............................202
in rear seat ..............................202
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Index
368

Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................197
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............317
instrument panel ....................319
interior .....................................320
plastic parts ............................318
washing ....................................315
waxing .....................................316
wheels ......................................316
wiper blades ............................318
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............79
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................34
AM/FM/CD .................................26
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............124
Console ................................99–100
overhead ....................................98
rear ..........................................100
Controls
power seat ...............................154
steering column ......................107
Coolant
checking and adding ..............336
refill capacities ................340, 359
specifications ..........................359
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................105
Customer Assistance ................278
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................311
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............312
Getting roadside assistance ...278
Getting the service you
need .........................................307Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................313
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program................311
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................86
Defrost
rear window ..............................83
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................354
engine oil .................................329
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................356
Driving under special
conditions ..................268, 272, 275
sand .........................................274
snow and ice ...........................276
through water .................274, 277
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................79
DVD system .................................49
E
Electronic message center .......115
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................300
Emergency Flashers .................280
Emission control system ..........351
Engine ........................................363
cleaning ...................................317
coolant .....................................336
fail-safe cooling .......................341
idle speed control ...................334
lubrication specifications .......359
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Index
369

Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................359
Speed control ............................105
Starting your vehicle .......247–248,
250
jump starting ..........................300
Steering wheel
controls ....................................107
tilting .........................................97
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................97
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Roadside Emergencies ...........290
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....228
Warning Displays ..............12, 126
Tires ...........................213–215, 290
alignment ................................221
care ..........................................218
changing ..........................290, 295
checking the pressure ............218
inflating ...................................216
label .........................................227
replacing ..........................219, 295
rotating ....................................222
safety practices .......................221
sidewall information ...............223
snow tires and chains ............233
spare tire .................290, 293–294
terminology .............................215
tire grades ...............................214
treadwear ........................214, 218
Towing .......................................240
recreational towing .................245
trailer towing ..........................240wrecker ....................................305
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................355
Transmission .............................260
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....260
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................354
fluid, refill capacities ..............359
lubricant specifications ..........359
Turn signal ..................................89
U
USB port ......................................42
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................364
Vehicle loading ..........................233
Ventilating your vehicle ...........250
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................327
Water, Driving through .............277
Windows ....................................142
power .......................................101
rear wiper/washer .....................97
Windshield
defrosting ..................................83
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................96
checking and adding fluid .....327
liftgate reservoir .....................327
replacing wiper blades ...........328
Wrecker towing .........................305
2008 Mountaineer(mnt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
373