1999 Mercury Mountaineer Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing
1999 Mercury Mountaineer Manual
1999 Mercury Mountaineer manual content summary:
- 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 1
Table of contents Introduction Notice to 4X2 utility vehicle owners 4WD and AWD systems 4WD Or AWD operation on the road Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD Trailer towing Tires, replacement requirements Maintenance and modifications Hauling cargo and vehicle handling Index 2 3 3 6 9 14 15 17 18 20 - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 2
where roads don't. You'll be able to travel when weather conditions have made roads impassible for two-wheel drive vehicles. Most importantly, you'll be able to travel with the "Owner's Guide" and this supplement for specific information and instructions for safe driving under various conditions. 2 - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 3
two-wheel drive utility vehicles. Even though you did not select a 4WD or AWD option for your vehicle, many of its operating characteristics are similar to those of 4WD or AWD vehicles. For this reason, Ford urges you to read and understand the contents of this supplement. 4WD AND AWD SYSTEMS Your - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 4
systems drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle can't. Power is supplied to all four wheels wheel drive to 4x4 while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the automatic - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 5
4WD and AWD systems How your vehicle differs from other vehicles 4WD and AWD vehicles can and to accommodate 4WD components. • Shorter - to give it the capability to approach inclines and drive over the crest of a hill without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. A shorter wheelbase - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 6
surfaced roads (except models equipped with Auto 4WD or AWD). This may damage the drivelines and axles. • Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect speed. Do not turn the steering wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface. • It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 7
concern. Emergency maneuvers • In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn must be made, remember to avoid "over-driving" your vehicle, i.e., turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 8
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. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brake steadily. Do not "pump" the brakes. See your "Owner's Guide" for additional information on the 8 - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 9
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD operation of the anti-lock brake system. Parking Before leaving the driver's seat, you should make sure that the gearshift is engaged in P (Park) with an automatic transmission or either 1 (First) or R (Reverse) with a manual transmission. Set the parking brake fully - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 10
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning the wheels. If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible. Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 11
traction in slick mud. As when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle. After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 12
of the wheel hubs. Proceed slowly to avoid splashing, if the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall. Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. You can dry the brakes faster by driving the vehicle slowly while applying light - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 13
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 . 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 - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 14
be able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle and still maintain steering control. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not "pump" the brakes. TRAILER TOWING Your 4WD - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 15
designed to provide for safe ride and handling capability. Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that originally provided highway driving. If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause steering, suspension, - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 16
pressure even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire. Each day before you drive, check your tires. If one looks lower than the others, use a tire gauge to check pressure grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary repairs. 16 - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 17
to be repaired or replaced. MAINTENANCE AND MODIFICATIONS The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed and tested to 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 - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 18
and vehicle handling components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to heavy off-road usage. Refer to the "Owner's Guide" and "Service Guide" for proper maintenance instructions and schedules. HAULING CARGO AND VEHICLE HANDLING When using your vehicle to haul cargo, make sure it is properly - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 19
add more cargo, even if there is space available. Make sure you consult the safety compliance certification label attached to your vehicle and the "Owner's Guide" for information on maximum safe vehicle weight limits. 19 - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 20
and Vehicle Handling ...18 Differences in Four-Wheel Drive ...5 Driving Off-Road with 4WD ...9 Driving Off-Road with AWD ...9 Emergency Maneuvers ...7 Four-by-Four Operation ...6 Four-Wheel Drive System, The ...3 Hauling Cargo and Vehicle Handling ...18 Hills, Driving on ...12 If Your Vehicle Goes
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Introduction
2
Notice to 4X2 utility vehicle owners
3
4WD and AWD systems
3
4WD Or AWD operation on the road
6
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD
9
Trailer towing
14
Tires, replacement requirements
15
Maintenance and modifications
17
Hauling cargo and vehicle handling
18
Index
20
Table of contents
1