Page 189 of 312

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. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible 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(mrn)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
189
Page 192 of 312

Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are
using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment
provider.
Note:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
these instructions:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the transmission shift lever in (N) Neutral.
•Place the ignition to the accessory position (refer toStartingin the
Drivingchapter).
•Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h) with manual transmission vehicles
and 65 mph (105 km/h) for automatic transmission vehicles.
•Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning
of each day and at each fuel stop.
Four Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles:
Tow your Four Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or
with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer.Do
not tow your Four Wheel Drive vehicle with the front wheels off
the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the
ground.This will cause damage to your 4WD system. If you are using a
vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the
equipment provider.
Note:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
these instructions:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the transmission shift lever in (N) Neutral.
•Place the ignition to the accessory position (refer toStartingin the
Drivingchapter).
•Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h) with manual transmission vehicles
and 65 mph (105 km/h) for automatic transmission vehicles.
•Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning
of each day and at each fuel stop.
2009 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
192
Page 249 of 312

If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it
isrequiredthat the front wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a dolly to
prevent damage to the transmission.
On 4WD vehicles, it isrequiredthat your vehicle be towed with a wheel
lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground to
prevent damage to the automatic transmission, 4WD system or vehicle.
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(mrn)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
249
Page 307 of 312

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
2009 Mariner(mrn)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
307