2000 Mercury Mountaineer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 155

Driving Positions of the Control-Trac system The Control-Trac system functions in three modes: • The 4WD AUTO mode provides 4x4 four-wheel drive with full power AUTO HIGH LOW delivered to the rear axle, and to the front axle as required for increased traction. This is appropriate for normal on-road operating conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow and gravel. • The 4WD HIGH mode provides four-wheel drive with full power to both axles. It is only intended for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow and ice (where no dry or wet pavement remains uncovered), and shallow sand. 4x4 AUTO HIGH LOW • The 4WD LOW mode supplies four-wheel drive with full power to both axles and includes a lower gear ratio for low-speed. It is only intended for off-road applications that require extra power including deep sand, steep grades and pulling a boat and trailer out of the water. 4x4 AUTO HIGH LOW The vehicle should not be operated in 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW on dry or merely wet pavement. Doing so will produce excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage driveline components. These modes are intended for use only on consistently slippery or loose surfaces. 155