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 4WD 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.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
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Driving
217
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
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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
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Maintenance and Specifications
295
6. Install the dipstick, making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 185°F-200°F (85°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (185°F-200°F
[85°C-93°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the crosshatch
zone may result in transmission
failure. An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift
and/or engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by
an overheating condition.
2009 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
296
Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Rear axle fluid (4X4)
5
2.4 pints (1.15L)
6
Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
fluid
(4X4)
7
12 ounces (0.35L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield washer fluid 4.7 quarts (4.5L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank16.5 gallons
(62.5L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level
should be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.54X4 vehicles exposed for prolonged periods to temperatures less than -40°F (-40°C) should
change out the rear axle fluid to Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, Ford part
number XY-75W140-QL meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.6Fill to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.7The Power Transfer Unit is lubricated for life with synthetic lube. Lubricant levels are not to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. Replace Power Transfer Unit
lubricant with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in water. Never engage
the 4X4 feature while on dry pavement.
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Maintenance and Specifications
301
A
Accessory delay ..........................62
AdvanceTrac ..............................201
Air cleaner filter ...............297, 299
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................39
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................36
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................125–126, 134, 137
and child safety seats ............127
description ..............126, 134, 137
disposal ....................................140
driver airbag ............128, 135, 138
indicator light .........134, 136, 139
operation .................128, 135, 138
passenger airbag .....128, 135, 138
side airbag ...............................134
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................214
Ambient mood/lighting ...............48
Ambulance packages ....................8
AM/FM .........................................18
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................277
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................199
Anti-theft system ........................97
Audio system (see Radio) .........18
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................210
fluid, refill capacities ..............300
fluid, specification ..................300Auxiliary input jack
(Line in) ......................................26
Auxiliary power point .................60
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........300
refill capacities ........................300
B
Battery .......................................275
acid, treating emergencies .....275
jumping a disabled battery ....242
maintenance-free ....................275
replacement, specifications ...299
servicing ..................................275
Belt-Minder.............................121
Booster seats .............................153
Brakes ................................198–199
anti-lock ...................................199
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................199
fluid, checking and adding ....295
fluid, refill capacities ..............300
fluid, specifications .................300
lubricant specifications ..........300
parking ....................................200
shift interlock ..........................208
Bulbs ............................................49
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....300
Cargo area shade ........................79
Cargo management system ........80
CD ................................................18
Cell phone use ..............................8
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Index
307
Child safety seats ......................144
attaching with tether
straps .......................................150
in front seat ............................145
in rear seat ..............................145
LATCH .....................................148
recommendations ...................142
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................153
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............259
instrument panel ....................261
interior .....................................262
plastic parts ............................260
washing ....................................257
waxing .....................................258
wheels ......................................258
wiper blades ............................260
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......36, 39
Clock ............................................18
Compass, electronic ....................57
calibration .................................59
set zone adjustment .................58
Console ........................................59
overhead ....................................57
Controls
power seat ...............................105
steering column ........................67
Coolant
checking and adding ..............277
refill capacities ................281, 300
specifications ..........................300
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................64
Customer Assistance ................221
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................254Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................254
Getting roadside assistance ...221
Getting the service you
need .........................................250
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................255
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................253
D
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................295
engine oil .................................271
Driving under special
conditions ..................212, 215, 218
sand .........................................216
snow and ice ...........................219
through water .................217, 220
E
Electronic message center .........70
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................242
running out of fuel .........242, 287
Emergency Flashers .................222
Emission control system ..........292
Engine ........................................302
cleaning ...................................259
coolant .....................................277
fail-safe cooling .......................281
idle speed control ...................275
lubrication specifications .......300
refill capacities ........................300
service points ..................267–268
starting after a collision .........223
Engine block heater .................196
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Index
308
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................56
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....175
Tires ...................................159–160
alignment ................................167
care ..........................................163
changing ..........................233, 236
checking the pressure ............163
inflating ...................................161
label .........................................174
replacing ..................................165
rotating ....................................168
safety practices .......................167
sidewall information ...............169
snow tires and chains ............179
spare tire .........................231, 233
terminology .............................160
tire grades ...............................160
treadwear ........................159, 164
Towing .......................................187
recreational towing .................191
trailer towing ..........................187
wrecker ....................................248
Transmission .............................208
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....208
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................295
fluid, refill capacities ..............300lubricant specifications ..........300
Trunk ...........................................81
Turn signal ..................................47
U
USB port ......................................28
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................303
Vehicle loading ..........................180
Ventilating your vehicle ...........196
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................269
Water, Driving through .............220
Windows
power .........................................61
rear wiper/washer .....................56
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................55
checking and adding fluid .....269
liftgate reservoir .....................270
replacing wiper blades ...270–271
Wrecker towing .........................248
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Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
312