Mercury Mountaineer 1997 User manual

BEFORE DRIVING
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 9
Controls and features 13
Seating and safety restraints 59
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting your vehicle 89
Driving 96
Roadside emergencies 118
SERVICING
Maintenance and care 136
Capacities and specifications 185
Reporting safety defects 192
Index 193
Filling station information 200
Table of contents
1

The following icons appear in this
Owner’s Guide:
indicates a warning. Read the
following section on Warnings for
a full explanation of warnings.
indicates that vehicle
information related to recycling
and other environmental concerns
will follow.
Warnings
Warnings remind you to be
especially careful in those areas
where carelessness can cause
damage to your vehicle or personal
injury to yourself, your passengers
or other people. Please read all
Warnings carefully.
Notice to owners of utility-type
vehicles
As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle
correctly may result in loss of
control or an accident. Be sure to
read Special driving instructions
for AWD vehicles later in this
Owner’s Guide and the special
supplement included with AWD
and 4x4 vehicles entitled
Four-Wheeling.
Four-Wheeling presents safe
driving practices to owners of AWD
and 4x4 utility vehicles. Your AWD
vehicle handles differently than an
ordinary passenger car and has
some special safety considerations.
This is because your AWD vehicle
has several design and equipment
Introduction
2

differences for towing, hauling, and
off-road operation. For this reason,
Mercury urges you to read and
understand the contents of the
Four-Wheeling supplement.
Breaking in your vehicle
Your new vehicle goes through an
adjustment or breaking-in period
during the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km) of driving. During this period:
•Change your vehicle’s speed
often as you drive. Do not drive
at one speed for a long time.
•Use only the type of engine oil
Ford recommends. Do not use
special “break-in” oils.
•Avoid sudden stops. The
break-in period for brake linings
lasts for 1,600 km (1,000 miles)
of highway driving or 160 km
(100 miles) of city driving.
Information about this guide
This guide describes equipment
and gives specifications for
equipment that was in effect when
this guide was approved for
printing. Mercury may discontinue
models or change specifications or
design without any notice and
without incurring obligation.
Introduction
3

L
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACCEL
COAST
OFF
OFF
SRS
- +
H
H
L
L
ON
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/hMPH
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
O/D
ON/OFF
Engine coolant
temperature
gauge (pg. 7 ) Tachometer
(pg. 6)
Warning lights
(pg. 8)
Speed
control
(pg. 23)
Speedometer
(pg. 6)
Engine oil
pressure
gauge
(pg. 7) Gearshift
(includes
overdrive
button)
(pg. 26)
Charging
system gauge
(pg. 7)
Driver air bag
(pg. 78)
Turn signal and
wiper/washer
control (pg. 24)
Tilt steering
wheel lever
(pg. 27)
Instrument
panel dimmer
switch (pg. 14)
Headlamp
control
(pg. 13)
Hazard
flasher
control
(not
shown)
(pg. 27)
Fuel gauge
(pg. 7)
Instrumentation
4

REW
1FF
2SIDE 1-2
3
FM 1 ST
VOL – PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBY SYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
OFF HI
R. WIPE
Electronic sound
system; refer to Audio
Guide (premium stereo
cassette with CD DJ
shown) (pg. 16)
Vents
(pg. 17)
Rear
wiper/washer
control (pg. 15) Rear window
defroster
control (pg. 15)
Fog lamp
control (pg. 16)
Climate
controls
(pg. 17)
Instrumentation
5

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Instrument cluster gauges
Speedometer
Tachometer
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
- +
H
H
L
L
H
C
F
E
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
MPH km/h
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/hMPH
100

20
40
60 80 100 120
140
160
180
0
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
Instrumentation
6

Engine coolant
Fuel gauge
Voltage gauge
Oil pressure
Odometer
Trip odometer and reset
button
H
C
F
E
- +
H
L
H
L
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
100

km/hMPH
20
40
60 80 100 120
140
160
180
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
100

km/hMPH
20
40
60 80 100 120
140
160
180
Instrumentation
7

Instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights
DOOR
AJAR illuminates when the ignition
key is turned to the ON or START
position and a door or liftgate is
opened.
CHECK
GAGE illuminates when the ignition is
turned to ON and the engine
temperature is high, the oil
pressure is low, or the fuel level is
near empty.
illuminates when there is a
problem with the generator or
charging system.
FUEL
RESET illuminates when the ignition
key is turned to ON and the fuel
pump shutoff switch has been
triggered. Refer to Fuel pump
shutoff switch in Roadside
emergencies for more information.
illuminates when the air bag
system requires servicing.
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
200
000000
oooo
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
0
ABS
- +
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
- +
H
H
L
L
4WD
LOW
4X4
H
C
F
E! P
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
FUEL
RESET
BRAKE
MPH km/h
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
FUEL
RESET
Instrumentation
8

illuminates when the parking
brake is activated, brake fluid level
is low, or break system requires
service.
illuminates when the
headlamp high beams are on.
ABS illuminates when the anti-lock
brake system requires service.
illuminates when the ignition
key is turned to ON and the safety
belt is not buckled. The light will
remain illuminated for one to two
minutes or until the safety belt is
buckled.
SPEED
CONT illuminates when the engine
is running and speed control is
turned on.
!P
BRAKE
ABS
0
ABS
- +
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
- +
H
H
L
L
ANTI-
THEFT CHECK
ENGINE O/D
OFF
SPEED
CONT
H
C
FE
! P
DOOR
AJAR
BRAKE
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
MPH km/h
SPEED
CONT
Instrumentation
9

O/D
OFF the transmission control
indicator light (TCIL) illuminates
when the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever is pushed and the
D
(Overdrive) mode is turned
off.
O/D
OFF indicates the status of the
transmission and may flash steadily
if a malfunction is detected. If
flashing persists, have your
transmission serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible.
If this condition persists, your
transmission may be damaged.
CHECK
ENGINE illuminates when the
emission control system requires
service.
THEFT (if equipped) illuminates
when the anti-theft system is
arming and flashes when the
anti-theft system is armed. Refer
to Interior features for additional
information regarding the
anti-theft system.
illuminates when the left-
hand or right-hand turn signal or
the hazard lamps are illuminated.
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
THEFT
Instrumentation
10

How to test the instrument
cluster lights
Turn the ignition key to ON
without starting the engine. The
warning and indicator lights shown
above will illuminate for a brief
time. If any of these lights do not
illuminate, have your vehicle
serviced.
Warning chimes
Safety belt warning chime
Refer to the Seating and safety
restraints chapter for information
on the safety belt warning chime.
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) warning chime
Refer to the Seating and safety
restraints chapter for information
on the SRS warning chime.
Key–in–ignition warning chime
A warning chime sounds when the
key is left in the ignition in the
OFF, LOCK, or ACCESSORY
position and the driver’s door is
opened.
0
ABS
- +
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
- +
H
H
L
L
CHECK
ENGINE
H
C
F
E! P
BRAKE
CHECK
GAGE
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
MPH km/h
Instrumentation
11

Headlamps on warning chime
A warning chime sounds when the
headlamps are on (and key is not
in the ignition), the ignition is off,
and a door is opened.
Instrumentation
12

INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTROLS
Headlamp switch
This switch operates the parking
lamps and headlamps.
OFF Exterior lamps off
Parking lamps ON
Headlamps ON
Autolamp delay system (if
equipped)
The autolamp sets the headlamps
to turn on and off automatically.
Refer to Overhead controls for
instructions on using the autolamp.
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx 1000
1
2
3456
H
C
E
F
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE 1-2
3
FM 1 ST
VOL – PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx 1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
OFF
DIM
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
Controls and features
13

Daytime running light (DRL)
system (if equipped)
The daytime running light (DRL)
system turns the high beam lamps
on, with a reduced light output,
when:
•The headlamp knob is in the
OFF position.
•The engine is running.
•The parking brake is released.
The daytime running light
(DRL) system will not
illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your
headlamps at dusk. Failure to do
so may result in a collision.
Panel dimmer dial
Instrument panel illumination,
interior lamps and cargo lamp
brightness can be adjusted with
this dial.
Move thumbwheel up to brighten
lamps. Move thumbwheel down to
dim lamps.
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx 1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
OFF
DIM
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
Controls and features
14

Liftgate wiper and washer
Turn the knob to adjust wiper
speed. Push the knob in to activate
the washer.
Rear window defroster
Push the button to activate the
defroster. The indicator light will
turn on and the defroster will turn
off automatically in ten minutes.
Push the button again to turn off.
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
OFF HI
R. WIPE
PUSH
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SBS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
F
E
Controls and features
15

Foglamps
Push the button to activate the
foglamps. The indicator light will
turn on. The foglamps can be
turned on only when the low beam
headlamps are on. Push the button
again to turn off.
Audio system
Refer to the Audio Guide for
instructions on how to operate the
audio system.
Fuel pump shutoff switch
Refer to the Roadside
emergencies chapter for
instructions on how to operate the
fuel pump shutoff switch.
0
P RND21
km/h
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120 140
160
180
Controls and features
16

Climate controls
Instrument panel vents
There are four vents on the
instrument panel. These vents are
equipped with dials to adjust the
amount and direction of air passing
through them.
00
20
4060 80 100120140
160
180
120
P RND21
000000
oooo
km/h
UNLEADED
FUELONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
E
F

RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUELONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120140
160
180
Controls and features
17

Operating climate controls
•Turn the temperature control to
the desired temperature.
•Turn the fan speed control to
the desired speed.
•Turn the mode control to the
desired airflow position.
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
Controls and features
18

Controlling airflow
Select for air to flow through
these vents:
The position allows outside air
to flow through the instrument
panel vents.
Select for air to flow through
these vents:
The position directs outside
air to flow between the panel and
floor vents. The air conditioning
will function provided the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
Select for air to flow through
these vents:
The position directs outside
air to flow through the floor vents.
Select for air to flow through
these vents:
The position directs outside
air to flow through the floor vents
and the windshield defroster vents.
The air conditioning will function
to dehumidify the windows
provided the outside temperature
is above 10°C (50°F).
Select for air to flow through
these vents:
The position directs outside
air to flow through the windshield
defroster vents. The air
conditioning will function to
dehumidify the windows provided
the outside temperature is above
10°C (50°F).
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUELONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
120
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120140
160
180
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUELONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
200
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120140
160
180
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUELONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
200
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120140
160
180
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUELONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
200
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120140
160
180
00
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUELONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
200
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120140
160
180
Controls and features
19

Select A/C for air to flow through
these vents:
The A/C mode directs outside air
conditioned air to flow through the
instrument panel vents. The A/C
mode can be used for heating,
ventilating or air conditioning. The
A/C mode only functions if the
outside temperature is above 10°C
(50°F).
Select MAX A/C for air to flow
through these vents:
The MAX A/C mode recirculates
the air and directs it to flow
through the instrument panel
vents. The MAX A/C mode can be
used for air conditioning or
heating. This mode is noisier but
more economical than A/C mode.
The MAX A/C mode only functions
if the outside temperature is above
10°C (50°F).
Select the OFF position for all
climate control functions to cease.
The outside inlet door will close
and the fan is shut off.
Drive with the climate control
system on (in either the heating or
air conditioning mode) to reduce
humidity in your vehicle.
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUELONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
200
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120140
160
180
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
❄
0
P RND21
UNLEADED
FUELONLY
RPMx1000
1
2
3456
H
C
F
E
0
20
10
3040 50 60 70 80
90
110
200
000000
oooo
km/h
100

20
40
60 80 100 120140
160
180
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
OFF
SRS
HI
LO OFF
*A/C
*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE1-2
3
FM1 ST
VOL– PUSH ON
AM
FM BASSTREB BAL FADE AUTO
SET
CLK
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS SCAN
4
DOLBYSYSTEM
EJ TAPE CD
COMP
5SHUFFLE 6
PUSH
❄
Controls and features
20