2011 Mercury Mariner brakes

Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to
turnaround because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels cannot turn and if
they are not turning, you will not be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Since your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Driving
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Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. Since your
vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakes
section of this chapter for additional information on the operation of the
anti-lock brake system.
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
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Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add MotorcraftGas Stabilizer or
equivalent meeting Ford material specification ESE-M99C112-A to the
vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed
30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle should
then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the
fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ..........................70
Active Park Assist .....................229
AdvanceTrac ..............................214
Air cleaner filter .......316, 318, 320
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................47
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................44
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................136, 145, 148
and child safety seats ............138
description ..............136, 145, 148
disposal ....................................151
driver airbag ............138, 146, 149
indicator light .........144, 147, 150
operation .................138, 146, 149
passenger airbag .....138, 146, 149
side airbag ...............................145
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................234
Ambient mood/lighting ...............57
Ambulance packages ....................6
AM/FM .........................................26
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................295
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................212–213
Anti-theft system ......................105
Audio system (see Radio) .........26
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............321
fluid, specification ..................321Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....34
Auxiliary power point .................69
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........321
refill capacities ........................321
B
Battery .......................................293
acid, treating emergencies .....293
jumping a disabled battery ....263
maintenance-free ....................293
replacement, specifications ...320
servicing ..................................293
Belt-Minder.............................131
Blind spot mirror ......................233
Booster seats .............................165
Brakes ........................................212
anti-lock ...........................212–213
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................213
fluid, checking and adding ....314
fluid, refill capacities ..............321
fluid, specifications .................321
lubricant specifications ..........321
parking ....................................213
shift interlock ..........................221
Bulbs ............................................57
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....321
Car2UHome Automation
System .........................................78
Cargo area shade ........................85
Cargo management system ........85
CD ................................................26
Cell phone use ..............................9
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Illuminated visor mirror .............65
Infant seats (see Safety
seats) .........................................156
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................313
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................280
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................53
J
Jack ............................................251
positioning ...............................251
storage .....................................251
Jump-starting your vehicle ......263
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...............................96–97
keypad .....................................103
locking and unlocking doors ..104
programming entry code .......103
Keys .....................................89, 106
positions of the ignition .........206
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................58
daytime running light ...............53
fog lamps ...................................52
headlamps .................................51
headlamps, flash to pass ..........53
instrument panel, dimming .....53interior lamps ...............55–56, 58
replacing bulbs .........................59
LATCH anchors .........................160
Liftgate ................................84, 101
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........213
Load limits .................................192
Loading instructions .................199
Locks
autolock ...............................96–97
childproof ..................................99
doors ..........................................95
Lubricant specifications ...........321
Lug nuts ....................................261
Luggage rack ...............................86
Lumbar support, seats .....112–113
M
Message center ...........................18
english/metric button ...............22
system check button ................22
warning messages .....................22
Mirrors ...................................71–72
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................71
fold away ...................................72
heated ........................................72
side view mirrors (power) .......72
Moon roof ....................................76
Motorcraftparts ..............283, 320
MyKey ..........................................90
N
Navigation system .......................43
Index
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