Page 195 of 333

WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to hook retainers on the
vehicle. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric, manual, automatic or surge-type brakes, if compatible with the
vehicle, are safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
195
Page 254 of 333

Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Emergency towing
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle (regardless of transmission powertrain configuration) can be flat
towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•Vehicle is facing forward so that it is being towed in a forward
direction.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral). Refer toBrake shift interlock
in theDrivingchapter for specific instructions if you cannot move the
gear shift lever into N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is not to exceed 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
254
Page 331 of 333

L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................55
daytime running light ...............50
fog lamps ...................................49
headlamps .................................48
headlamps, flash to pass ..........50
instrument panel, dimming .....51
interior lamps ...............52–53, 55
replacing bulbs .........................56
LATCH anchors .........................155
Liftgate ..................................85, 98
Lights, warning and indicator ....18
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........204
Load limits .................................186
Loading instructions .................192
Locks
autolock ...............................92, 94
childproof ..................................96
doors ..........................................92
Lubricant specifications ...........304
Lug nuts ....................................246
Luggage rack ...............................87
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................304
lubricant specifications ..........304
Message center ...........................77
english/metric button ...............81
system check button ................80
warning messages .....................82
Mirrors ...................................68–69
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................68fold away ...................................70
heated ........................................70
side view mirrors (power) .......69
Moon roof ....................................75
Motorcraft parts ........269, 286, 303
N
Navigation system .......................42
O
Octane rating ............................289
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................275
P
Parking brake ............................205
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....303
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................119
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................232
Power door locks ........................92
Power mirrors .............................69
Power point .................................65
Power steering ..........................210
Power Windows ...........................67
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................211
R
Radio ............................................25
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................149
Relays ........................................228
2009 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
331