Mercury 1999 Mystique User manual

1
Contents
Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 20
Seating and safety restraints 72
Starting and driving
Starting 104
Driving 112
Roadside emergencies 137
Servicing
Maintenance and care 158
Capacities and specifications 217
Customer assistance 223
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 235
Index 236
11MCoen 4/13/99 2:29 PM Page 2

Introduction
2
ICONS
Indicates a warning. Read the
following section on Warnings for
a full explanation.
Indicates that vehicle information
related to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials
are significant steps toward this
aim.
BREAKING IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in
rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid
driving too fast during the first
1 600 km (1 000 miles). Vary
speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts
a chance to break in.
WARNINGS
How can you reduce the risk of
personal injury and prevent
possible damage to others, your
vehicle and its equipment?
In this owner’s guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by the
warning triangle symbol.
11MIten 4/13/99 2:08 PM Page 2

Introduction
3
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS
GUIDE
The information found in this guide
was in effect at the time of
printing. Ford may change the
contents without notice and
without incurring obligation.
If possible, you should avoid hard
braking for the first 1 600 km
(1 000 miles).
From 1 600 km (1 000 miles)
onwards, you can gradually
increase the performance of your
vehicle up to the permitted
maximum speeds.
11MIten 4/13/99 2:08 PM Page 3

Page 22
Rear window
defroster control*
4
Instrumentation
Page 55
Turn signal/high beam
Page 6
Instrument cluster
Page 54
Hazard flasher
control
Page 56
Windshield
wiper/washer
control
Page 162
Hood release
Page 20, 21
Headlamp control/
Foglamp control*
Page 54
Horn
Page 53
Tilt steering
wheel lever
Page 52
Ignition switch
Page 57
Speed control*
Page 22
Traction control*
Page 23
Power mirrors*
TRACTION
CONTROL CHECK ENGINE
O/D
OFF
Res
Set
Acc
CoastOff
On
EF
000123
0000
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
100
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
1
2
0
3
x 1000
456
7
8
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
BRAKE
CH
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 4

5
Instrumentation
On various models the
appearance and location of
some items may differ from
those shown here. However,
the page references given
still apply.
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI /
POWER AUDIO AM/FM SCAN
SEEK
31 2
45
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME CLOCK
Page 24
Climate control system
Page 70
Anti-theft system status
indicator*
Page 32
Electronic sound system
* if equipped
Page 23
Instrument panel
dimmer switch
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 5

Instrumentation
6
Turn signal
Flashes when the left or right turn
signal or hazard lights are
activated.
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
456
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
EF
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
There are two different instrument
cluster designs. The individual
warning and indicator lights are
described on the following pages.
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 6

Instrumentation
7
High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on.
Charging system
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. The light also illuminates
when the battery is not charging
properly and the vehicle may
require electrical system service.
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
Air bag secondary warning
Flashes periodically when there is a
malfunction with the air bag
system.
For more information, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Safety belt
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to fasten
the safety belts. For more
information, refer to Safety belt
indicator light and warning
chime in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.
Alternative design
Alternative design
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 7

000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
456
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
Instrumentation
8
Traction control system light
(if equipped)
This light comes on when the
traction control system has been
disengaged. It may flash on and off
while driving to indicate the system
is operating.
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
12MInen 4/13/99 2:10 PM Page 8

Instrumentation
9
O/D Off indicator
(Automatic transaxle only)
Illuminates and remains
illuminated when the transaxle
control switch (TCS) on the side of
the gearshift lever is pressed and
overdrive is turned off. For details,
refer to the Driving chapter.
Indicates the status of the
transaxle and will flash steadily if a
malfunction is detected. If the
flashing persists, have your
transaxle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified service technician as
soon as possible.
If the condition persists, your
transaxle may be damaged.
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
Low coolant (if equipped)
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. Illuminates when the engine
coolant level is low. Refer to the
Maintenance and care chapter to
check the engine coolant level.
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
If the light stays on for more than
three (3) seconds after the ignition
is turned to the ON position or
stays on continuously while you are
driving, have the traction control
system checked by a qualified
technician as soon as possible.
For more information, refer to
Traction Control in the Driving
chapter.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 9

Instrumentation
10
Check engine
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the
engine’s emission control system.
This system is commonly known
as the On Board Diagnostics (OBD
II) system. This OBD II system
protects the environment by
ensuring that your vehicle
continues to meet government
emission standards. The OBD II
system also assists the service
technician in properly servicing
your vehicle.
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
456
7
8
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 10

Instrumentation
11
What you should do if the check
engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system
has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause
your check engine light to
illuminate. Examples are:
• The vehicle has run out of fuel
(The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
• Poor fuel quality or water in the
fuel
• The fuel cap may not have been
securely tightened.
The check engine indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to
check the bulb. If it comes on
after the engine is started, one of
the engine’s emission control
systems may be malfunctioning.
The light may illuminate without a
driveability concern being noted.
The vehicle will usually be drivable
and will not require towing.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 11

Instrumentation
12
These temporary malfunctions can
be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or
properly tightening the fuel cap.
After three drive cycles without
these or any other temporary
malfunctions present, the check
engine light should turn off. (A
driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.)
No additional vehicle service is
required.If the “check engine”
light remains on, have your vehicle
serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occuring which
could damage your catalytic
converter. You should drive in a
moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and
have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
Under engine misfire
conditions, excessive
exhaust temperatures could
damage the catalytic converter,
the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle com-
ponents, possibly causing a fire.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 12

Instrumentation
13
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
ENGINE
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel tank has
approximately eight liters (two
gallons) remaining. The lamp will
also illuminate when the ignition
key is turned to ON and the engine
is off.
CHECK
ENGINE
Air bag readiness
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to
flash, or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately.
Front foglamps (if equipped)
Illuminates when foglamps are
switched on.
Refer to Foglamp control in the
Controls and features chapter for
notes on use.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 13

Instrumentation
14
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
456
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
Brake system warning
Extinguishes when the parking
brake is released. Illuminates after
releasing the parking brake to
indicate low brake fluid level.
Illumination while driving may
indicate that one of the braking
circuits has failed. The second
braking circuit will remain intact.
However, you will need to brake
harder and allow for increased
stopping distances.
BRAKE
BRAKE
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 14

Instrumentation
15
Alternative design
BRAKE
BRAKE
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light stays on or
continues to flash, the ABS needs
to be serviced.
Brake system and ABS warning
lights
If both warning lights illuminate at
the same time while driving, stop
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Have the braking system
checked by your dealer or qualified
service technician before
continuing your journey.
When stopping the vehicle, slowly
reduce the speed. Use the brakes
with great care.
Have the system checked by your
dealer or qualified technician
before continuing your journey.
BRAKE
BRAKE
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 15

Instrumentation
16
EF
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
456
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned on and the engine is off.
The light also illuminates when
engine oil pressure has been lost.
Refer to the Maintenance and
care chapter to check the engine
oil level as soon as possible. If the
engine oil level is correct and the
light stays on, see your dealer or
qualified service technician.
BRAKE
BRAKE
Alternative design
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 16

Instrumentation
17
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps are
on, the ignition is off (and the key
is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is open.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the
off/lock or accessory position and
the driver’s door is open.
Safety belt warning chime
For information on the safety belt
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Testing the warning and
indicator lights and chimes
Turn the ignition key to the on
position without starting the
engine. The following warning and
indicator lights will illuminate
briefly: charging system, safety belt
(does not illuminate, if the driver’s
safety belt is fastened), traction
control, ABS, brake, low coolant,
low fuel, engine oil pressure, check
engine and air bag readiness.
If any of these lights do not
illuminate, see your dealer or
qualified service technician.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 17

Instrumentation
18
CH
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. If it enters the red
section, the engine is overheating.
Switch off the ignition and
determine the source of the
problem. Refer to Checking and
adding engine coolant in the
Maintenance and care chapter.
EF
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
456
7
8
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
GAUGES
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 18

Instrumentation
19
Trip odometer
The trip odometer can register the
mileage of individual journeys. To
reset, depress the button.
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
100
Speedometer Odometer
Trip odometer Reset button
EF
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge displays the
approximate level of usable fuel left
in the fuel reservoir.
Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
1
2
0
3
x 1000
456
7
8
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle
speed.
Odometer
Registers the total mileage of the
vehicle.
12MInen 4/13/99 2:11 PM Page 19

Controls and features
20
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI /
POWER AUDIO AM/FM SCAN
SEEK
31 2
45
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
4050 60 70 8090
100
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80 120
100 140
160
180
200
EF
1
2
0
3
x 1000
456
7
8
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
O/D
OFF
TRACTION
CONTROL
CLOCK
CH
INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTROLS
Headlamp control
Lamps off.
Turn one position clockwise:
Parking lamps, instrument panel
lamps, license plate lamps, and tail
lamps on
Turn two positions clockwise:
Headlamps on.
13MCten 4/13/99 3:35 PM Page 20