Mercury Mountaineer 2001 User manual

Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 6
Controls and features 21
Seating and safety restraints 113
Starting and driving
Starting 143
Driving 148
Roadside emergencies 176
Servicing
Maintenance and care 198
Capacities and specifications 246
Customer assistance 255
Reporting safety defects 267
Index 268
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including
photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation
in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company.
Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 2000 Ford Motor Company
Contents
1

The following warning may be required by California law:
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
ICONS
Indicates a safety alert. Read the
following section on Warnings.
Indicates vehicle information related
to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards
protecting the environment.
Indicates a message regarding child
safety restraints. Refer to Seating
and safety restraints for more
information.
Indicates that this Owner Guide
contains information on this subject.
Please refer to the Index to locate
the appropriate section which will
provide you more information.
WARNINGS
Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal
injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its
equipment.
Introduction
2

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
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.
SPECIAL NOTICES
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Guide carefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. 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 Driving off road in the Driving chapter as well as the
“Four Wheeling” supplement included with 4WD and utility type vehicles.
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.
Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package.
Introduction
3

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety Belt Air Bag-Front
Air Bag-Side Child Seat
Child Seat Installation
Warning
Child Seat Tether
Anchorage
Brake System Anti-Lock Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based Traction Control
Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment
Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/Demist
Rear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/Rear Power Window Lockout
Introduction
4

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Interior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic Alarm Engine Oil
Engine Coolant Engine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When Hot Battery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or Sparks Battery Acid
Explosive Gas Fan Warning
Power Steering Fluid Maintain Correct Fluid
Level
MAX
MIN
Emission System Engine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter Jack
Check fuel cap
Introduction
5

RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
OFF
ON
C
0
1
2
3
456
RPMx1000
ABS
!
CHECK
ENGINE
FUEL
RESET
E
F
HH
H
SPEED
CONT
4WD
HIGH
4WD
LOW
O/D
OFF
L
L
10 MPH
20
50
60 70
30
40
80
90
km/h
0 0 0
101
00
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0
40
60
80 100
120
140
160
180
20
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
CHECK
SUSP
OFF
OFF
Headlamp control
(pg. 21)
Instrument panel
dimmer switch
(pg. 22)
Tilt steering wheel lever
(pg. 82)
Turn signal and
wiper/washer control
(pg. 82)
Driver air bag
(pg. 127)
Instrument cluster
(pg. 8)
Speed control
(pg. 78)
Parking brake release
(pg. 150) Hood release
(pg. 199)
Reverse sensing
system*
(pg. 33)
Instrumentation
6

PUSH
OD
ON/OFF
OFF HI
R. WIPE
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
SCAN
BASS TREB BAL FADE
SIDE
EJ REW FF
1 - 2
TAPE
AMS
VOL - PUSH ON
SEEK
TUNE
AM
FM
CLK
123456
FM1
ST
HIGH
4x4 LOW
AUTO
Gearshift (includes
overdrive button)
(pg. 156)
Electronic
sound system
(pg. 36) Rear wiper/washer
control
(pg. 83)
Rear window defroster
control
(pg. 33)
Fog lamp control*
(pg. 21)
Climate control system
(pg. 22)
4wd control*
(pg. 159)
* if equipped
Instrumentation
7

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
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 System (OBD II). 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.
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.
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:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
C
0
1
2
3
456
RPMx1000
ABS
!
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
FUEL CAP
E
F
HH
H
PRN D 2 1 THEFT
SPEED
CONT
4WD
HIGH
4WD
LOW
O/D
OFF
L
L
10 MPH
20
50
60 70
30
40
80
90
km/h
0 0 0
101
00
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0
40
60
80 100
120
140
160
180
20
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
CHECK
SUSP
CHECK
ENGINE
Instrumentation
8

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving 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 occurring 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 components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to ensure your bulb is working.
When this light turns on, check the
fuel filler cap. Continuing to operate the vehicle with the check fuel cap
light on, can activate the Service Engine Soon/Check Engine warning
light. When the fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will
turn off after a period of normal driving. This period will vary depending
on driving conditions.
It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed fuel filler cap.
For more information, refer to Fuel filler cap in the Maintenance and
care chapter.
CHECK
FUEL CAP
Instrumentation
9

Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
the Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to ensure the circuit is functional.
Also illuminates if the parking brake
is engaged. If the brake warning
lamp does not illuminate at these times, seek service immediately.
Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid
level and the brake system should be inspected immediately.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to ensure the circuit is functional. If
the light remains on, continues to
flash or fails to illuminate, have the
system serviced immediately. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake
system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake
warning light also remains illuminated with the parking brake released.
!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrumentation
10

Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer to Bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer to SecuriLockypassive
anti-theft system in the Controls
and features chapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Check gage
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high, the engine oil
pressure is low or the fuel gauge is
at or near empty. The ignition must
be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also stay
illuminated after the ignition is turned to the ON position. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gauge, Engine oil pressure gauge or
Fuel gauge in this chapter for more information.
THEFT
CHECK
GAGE
Instrumentation
11

Four wheel drive low (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON/START
position. Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged. If
the light continues to flash have the system serviced.
Four wheel drive high (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the START
position. Illuminates when
four-wheel drive high is engaged. If
the light continues to flash have the system serviced.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON or START position and any
door is open.
O/D off
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive control in the Controls
and Features chapter, has been
pushed turning the transmission overdrive function OFF. When the light
is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode, refer to
the Driving chapter for transmission function and operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control
Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
Check air suspension (if equipped)
Illuminates momentarily when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is OFF. The light
also illuminates when the air
suspension system requires servicing.
For information, refer to Air suspension system in the Driving chapter.
4WD
LOW
4WD
HIGH
DOOR
AJAR
O/D
OFF
CHECK
SUSP
Instrumentation
12

Speed control
This light comes on when either the
SET/ACCEL or RESUME controls
are pressed. It turns off when the
speed control OFF control is
pressed, the brake or clutch (if equipped) is applied or the ignition is
turned to the OFF position.
Safety belt warning chime
Sounds to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to the Seating
and safety restraints chapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and
safety restraints chapter.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off
(and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.
SPEED
CONT
Instrumentation
13

GAUGES
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the “H” and “C”). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer to Engine
coolant in the Maintenance and
care chapter.
C
0
1
2
3
456
RPMx1000
ABS
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK FUEL
CAP
E
F
HH
H
PRN D 2 1 THEFT
SPEED
CONT
4WD
HIGH
4WD
LOW
O/D
OFF
L
L
10 MPH
20
50
60 70
30
40
80
90
km/h
0 0 0
101
00
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0
40
60
80 100
120
140
160
180
20
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
!
BRAKE
CHECK
SUSP
10 MPH
20
50
60 70
30
40
80
90
km/h
0 0 0
101
00
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0
40
60
80 100
120
140
160
180
20
C
H
Instrumentation
14

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
Odometer
Registers the total kilometers (miles)
of the vehicle.
Trip odometer
Registers the kilometers (miles) of
individual journeys. To reset,
depress the control.
Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.
10 MPH
20
50
60 70
30
40
80
90
km/h
0 0 0
101
00
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0
40
60
80 100
120
140
160
180
20
10 MPH
20
50
60 70
30
40
80
90
km/h
0 0 0
101
00
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0
40
60
80 100
120
140
160
180
20
0
1
2
3
456
RPMx1000
Instrumentation
15

Battery voltage gauge
This shows the battery voltage when
the ignition is in the ON position. If
the pointer moves and stays outside
the normal operating range (as
indicated by arrows), have the
vehicle’s electrical system checked
as soon as possible.
Engine oil pressure gauge
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle remains
in the normal range (the area
between the “L” and “H”).
If the gauge indicates low pressure,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level.
Add oil if needed (refer to Engine
oil in the Maintenance and care
chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your
dealership or by a qualified technician.
Fuel gauge
Displays approximately how much
fuel is in the fuel tank (when the
key is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion. The ignition
should be in the OFF position while
the vehicle is being refueled. When
the gauge first indicates empty,
there is a small amount of reserve
fuel in the tank. When refueling the
vehicle from empty indication, the
amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised
capacity due to the reserve fuel.
L
H
H
L
E
F
Instrumentation
16

The FUEL DOOR icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the
fuel filler door is located.
MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
With the ignition in the ON position,
the message center displays
important vehicle information through
a constant monitor of vehicle systems.
You may select display features on
the message center for a display of
status preceded by a brief indicator
chime. The system will also notify you
of potential vehicle problems with a
display of system warnings.
Selectable features
English/metric display
Press to toggle the message center
display between metric or English
units.
Fuel range
Press once to display the approximate
kilometers (miles) left to drive before
the fuel tank is empty.
Press again to display the distance
driven since this function was last
manually reset.
For maximum accuracy of this display
feature, the ignition should be in the
OFF position during fueling. The
display FUEL LEVEL ERROR
indicates a problem with the fuel indication system. See your dealer or
qualified service technician for system maintenance.
ENGLISH
METRIC
RANGE
STATUSECONRESET SYSTEM
CHECKOIL CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
ENGLISH/
METRIC
RANGE
STATUS ECON RESET SYSTEM
CHECK
OIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
ENGLISH/
METRIC
RANGE
STATUS ECON RESET SYSTEM
CHECK
OIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
Instrumentation
17

Fuel status
Press once to display the
approximate amount of fuel
remaining in the fuel tank.
Press again to display the
approximate amount of fuel used
since the system was last reset.
Fuel economy
Press to display your vehicle’s
average fuel economy in liters/100
km or (miles/gallons).
Reset
Press the reset control to reset the
current feature being displayed.
Warnings, distance driven, average
fuel economy, fuel used and
personalized oil reset percentage are
the only features that respond to
reset.
ENGLISH/
METRIC
RANGE
STATUS ECON RESET SYSTEM
CHECK
OIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
ENGLISH/
METRIC
RANGE
STATUS ECON RESET SYSTEM
CHECK
OIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
ENGLISH/
METRIC
RANGE
STATUS ECON RESET SYSTEM
CHECK
OIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
Instrumentation
18

System check
Press the system check control to
display the status of the following
systems:
•engine oil life left
•engine oil level
•voltage level
•engine coolant temperature
•washer fluid level
•fuel level
The engine oil life left has two phases. The first display will indicate the
oil change status (OK, SOON, REQUIRED). The second display will
indicate the percentage of oil life remaining. The display OIL TEMP
SIGNAL ERROR indicates a problem with the system. Following this
display, contact your dealer or qualified service technician for system
maintenance.
Operating the message center during system check
The message center controls can be operated as follows during the
system check sequence:
1. Press the system check controls to advance to the next display.
2. Press the reset control to immediately conclude the system check.
3. Press the range, fuel status or fuel economy control to conclude the
system check and display the requested feature.
4. Press the metric/English control to conclude the system check and
change the previous display to the new mode.
5. Press the oil change reset control to conclude the system check and
begin the oil change reset procedure.
An oil change is recommended whenever indicated by the message
center. Use only recommended engine oils.
The message center will tell you the percent of oil life left during system
check. This percentage is based on your driving history and the time
since your last oil change. In order to ensure accurate oil life left
indications, you should only perform the following procedure after you
have the oil changed.
ENGLISH/
METRIC
RANGE
STATUS ECON RESET SYSTEM
CHECK
OIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
Instrumentation
19

Oil change reset
Press the OIL CHANGE RESET
control to reset the oil life feature to
100% (or your personalized oil reset
percentage) (at optimal driving
conditions, 100% oil life is equivalent
to a maximum of 12 000 kilometers
[7 500 miles]). After you have the oil
changed, you must press and hold
the OIL CHANGE RESET control for
five seconds. The message center will
count down for five seconds. After a
successful reset, the message center will display OIL LIFE RESET TO
100%. (If you have established a personalized oil reset percentage, the
display will show that percentage instead of 100%.) This reset procedure
should be performed only after an oil change to ensure accurate oil life
indications.
Your personalized oil reset percentage allows you to establish a smaller
oil change interval than the manufacturer’s recommended interval. To
establish your personalized oil reset percentage:
1. Press and hold the OIL CHANGE RESET control and press the RESET
control while the display is still counting down the five seconds to reset.
The display will change to START OIL LIFE AT XXX%.
2. Press the OIL CHANGE RESET control until the displayed percentage
is the personalized oil reset percentage you desire. Your choices are
100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40% and 30%.
3. Press the RESET control to
complete the procedure. Pressing
any control other than RESET or
OIL CHANGE RESET will abort this
procedure and will not establish
your new personalized oil reset
percentage.
When your personalized oil reset
percentage has been established, it
will be used beginning with the
completion of your next OIL CHANGE RESET procedure.
ENGLISH/
METRIC
RANGE
STATUS ECON RESET SYSTEM
CHECK
OIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
ENGLISH/
METRIC
RANGE
STATUS ECON RESET SYSTEM
CHECK
OIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
Instrumentation
20