2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid cooling

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
HYBRID OPERATION
The Hybrid is a whole new kind of SUV that combines electric and
gasoline propulsion without compromise, to provide breakthrough
performance and efficiency. It requires no special fuels and never has to
be plugged in. Familiarizing yourself with these unique characteristics
will help ensure optimal performance from your new vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation
Starting:Turn the ignition key to the START position while your vehicle
is in Park (P). The gas engine will turn on,accompanied by the green
“ready indicator” light. Your engine may shut off shortly after starting,
depending on temperature and battery charge level. This is a natural
part of your Hybrid’s fuel-saving features. The “ready indicator” light will
stay on, and you do not need to restart the vehicle.
Note:You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This
temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin for
occupant comfort.
Driving:The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power
when it’s needed and to save fuel when it’s not. While coasting at low
speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that
may cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
•Driving request for moderate to rapid acceleration
•Vehicle speed above 40 mph (65 kph)
•Ascending a hill
•ECON mode not selected (while Climate Control is ON)
•Selection of climate control defrost mode or defrost/floor mode
•Charge level of high voltage battery is low
•Very high or low outside temperature (to provide system
cooling/heating)
Stopping:The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come to
a stop. Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
6

Transmission Operation:Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT) you will
not feel shift changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle. Your Hybrid’s
transmission is designed to do its work seamlessly.
Since your engine speed is controlled by the transmission, it may
seem elevated at times. This is normal hybrid operation and helps
deliver fuel efficiency and performance.
Neutral:It is not recommended to idle the vehicle in (N) Neutral for
extended periods of time because this will discharge your high voltage
battery and decrease fuel economy. Also, the engine cannot provide
power to the hybrid system in (N) Neutral.
Low Gear:Low gear (L) is designed to mimic the enhanced engine
braking available in non-hybrid vehicles. On long downhill grades, (L)
Low gear may produce high engine speeds to provide necessary engine
braking. This is normal and will not damage your vehicle. Response
during acceleration should be the same as in the (D) Drive position.
Reverse:(R) Reverse Gear vehicle speed is limited to 22 mph
(35 km/h).
Unique Hybrid operating characteristics
Your Hybrid, with its new technology, behaves differently compared to a
non-hybrid. Here is a description of the major differences:
Battery:Your Hybrid is equipped with a high voltage battery cooling
system in the rear of the vehicle. A cool battery ensures battery life and
provides the best possible performance. Your hybrid high voltage battery
may periodically re-condition itself to ensure maximum efficiency. You
may notice slight changes in drivability during this process, but it’s an
important part of your Hybrid’s high voltage battery optimization
features.
You may hear a series of clicks from the cargo area when you first turn
the key in the ignition. This sound is the high voltage contactors closing
to allow you to start your hybrid.
In addition, you may hear fan noise and a slight tapping sound from the
rear as the vent door operates. This fan may continue to operate for
short durations after the vehicle has been turned off. These noises are a
customary part of hybrid operation and do not require service.
If the vehicle is left inoperative for over 31 days, it may be necessary to
jumpstart the vehicle. For more information, refer toJump starting
your (Low voltage [underhood] battery only)in theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
7

Engine:The engine speed in your hybrid is not directly tied to your
vehicle speed. Your vehicle’s engine and transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach high engine speeds (up to
6000 RPM). This is characteristic of the Atkinson cycle engine
technology helping to maximize your hybrid’s fuel economy.
In prolonged mountainous driving, you may see the engine tachometer
changing without your input. This is intentional and maintains the
battery charge level. You may also notice during extended downhill
driving that your engine continues to run instead of shutting off.
During this “engine braking”, the engine stays on, but it’s not using any
fuel. You may also hear a slight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicle servicing) your low voltage
(underhood) battery may become disconnected or disabled. When this
occurs, and after reconnecting the low voltage (underhood) battery and
driving the vehicle, the engine may continue to operate for 3-5 seconds
after the key is turned to the 1 (LOCK) position. This is a normal
condition, as the vehicle’s computers are relearning the operating
characteristics of your particular engine in order to operate it at
maximum efficiency.
Braking:Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy and stores it in your high
voltage battery.
Driving to optimize fuel economy
Your fuel economy should improve throughout your hybrid’s break-in
period. As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be significantly impacted
by your driving habits and accessory usage. For best results, keep in
mind these tips:
Tire Inflation:Keep tires properly inflated and only use recommended
size.
Climate Control:Your hybrid is equipped with an “ECON” button that
offers a more fuel efficient operation of your automatic temperature
control system.
When activated, the “ECON” feature may allow the engine to shut down
at low speeds or when your vehicle is stopped.
If cooler temperature is desired, the “ECON” button can be turned off,
for better interior cooling but lower fuel economy.
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
8

Question Answer
Why does my engine stay ON
when it’s extremely cold outside?In order to ensure that the climate
control system can begin heating
the cabin and/or defrosting the
windshield as soon as a driver
requests it, the engine coolant
temperature has to be kept
sufficiently hot. Keeping the
engine on is required to maintain
the correct minimum temperature.
Why does my engine rev up so
high sometimes when I accelerate?Your vehicle’s engine and
transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the
most efficient engine speed. This
may be higher than expected
during heavy accelerations, and
may fluctuate during steady state
driving. These are characteristics
of the Atkinson engine cycle and
the eCVT transaxle technology
that help maximize your hybrid’s
fuel economy.
What does it mean when my
power assist gauge moves to the
right? To the left?Electricity is coming out of the
battery when the gauge moves to
the right. Electricity is going into
the battery when the gauge moves
to the left.
What is the fan noise and slight
tapping sound I hear from the rear
of my hybrid?The fan noise comes from two fans
located inside the high voltage
battery. These fans turn on when
the battery requires cooling air.
The fan speed, and associated
noise level, will change according
to the amount of cooling required
to maintain good performance.
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
11

12.ECON:Press to activate/deactivate economy air conditioning
operation. ECON mode may provide improved fuel economy by allowing
the gasoline engine to shut down even if air conditioning is requested.
When the gas engine turns off, the A/C compressor does not operate to
cool the cabin and comfort may be reduced. In ECON mode, when the
gasoline engine is running, A/C operates as normal . To prioritize cooling
comfort over fuel economy, deactivate ECON. ECON can not be selected
in
(defrost) or(floor/defrost).
13.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in AUTO,
(defrost) and(floor/defrost). Selecting
ECON mode affects A/C operation. Refer to ECON information previously
in this section.
14.
Driver heated seat control (if equipped):Press to
activate/adjective the driver heated seat. SeeHeated seatsin the
Seating and Safety Restraintschapter.
Outside temperature:The outside temperature will appear in the
display and is labeled EXT TEMP.
Temperature conversion:To switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius,
refer toSetup menuin theMessage centersection of theDriver
Controlschapter.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather,
select
(defrost) or(floor/defrost).
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system OFF or with
(recirculated air) engaged and A/C off.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats by blocking the air from the rear seat floor
vents.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
•If you find the comfort degradation too much during the gasoline
engine off cycles when using A/C in ECON mode, try leaving the
system in ECON mode and reducing the temperature setting 1 or 2
degrees at a time.
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
45

For maximum cooling performance:
•Automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO for full automatic operation.
2. Do not override A/C or
(recirculated air).
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
Make sure ECON mode is deactivated.
•Manual operation:
1. Select A/C.
2. Select
or.
3. Select
(recirculated air) to provide colder airflow.
4. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
5. Set highest fan setting initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
Make sure ECON mode is deactivated.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
R
The rear defroster control is located on the climate control panel and
works to clear the rear window of fog and thin ice.
The vehicle must be on to operate the rear window defroster.
Press
Rto turn the rear window defroster on. An indicator light on the
button will illuminate when active. The rear window defroster turns off
automatically after approximately 15 minutes. If a low battery condition
is detected or the ignition is turned off or to the accessory position, the
rear window defroster will not function. To manually turn off the rear
window defroster at any time, press
Ragain.
If your vehicle is equipped with both rear defroster and heated mirrors,
the same button will activate both. Refer toHeated outside mirrorsin
theDriver Controlschapter.
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
46

HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE— Displayed when the engine
coolant is overheating. Engine coolant temperature warning lamp will
illuminate indicating coolant temperature is high. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it cool. Check the
coolant level. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding
coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Do not remove the cooling system cap when the engine
and radiator are hot.
HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURE— Displayed when the motor
electronics are overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine and let it cool. Refer toEngine coolant and
motor/electronics coolantin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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.
XXX MILES TO E FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early
reminder of a low fuel condition.
LIFTGATE / GLASS AJAR— Displayed when the liftgate or liftgate
glass is not completely closed. Press RESET to reset display.
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 FUEL FILL INLET— Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may
not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel systemin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
REGEN BRAKE DISABLED— Indicates the regenerative braking
system is disabled at this moment. Please see your authorized dealer if
this warning remains present over several days.
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
84

•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
An example of “recreational towing” is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
Your vehicle may beflat-towed(all wheels on the ground) by shifting
the transmission into Neutral. This is permitted for Front Wheel Drive
(FWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles. Your vehicle may be towed
up to a speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) but you should always obey local
speed limits.
Note: The Hybrid brake system is capable of providing full brake assist
with the ignition off. This may cause the vehicle’s 12-volt battery to
become discharged when a portable braking system is used to activate
the vehicle’s brakes.
You also have the option of trailering the vehicle with its front wheels on
a dolly (FWD only), or trailering with all four wheels off the ground.
For other towing requirements, refer toWrecker towingin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
197