2003 Mercury Mountaineer Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing
2003 Mercury Mountaineer Manual
2003 Mercury Mountaineer manual content summary:
- 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 1
Towing Tires, Replacement Requirements Maintenance and Modifications Hauling Cargo and Vehicle Handling 2 3 4 6 9 12 13 15 16 All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 2
and challenging world of travel unlike what you have ever experienced with a conventional car. Now, you'll be able to travel places where roads don't. Most importantly . Study the "Owner's Guide" and this supplement for specific information and instructions for safe driving under various - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 3
Notice To 4X2 Utility Vehicle Owners NOTICE TO 4X2 UTILITY VEHICLE OWNERS Although this supplement is primarily directed to 4WD or AWD vehicle operators, these principles of safe driving also apply to operators of two-wheel drive utility vehicles. Even though you did not select a 4WD or AWD option - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 4
SYSTEMS found in your "Owner's Guide." You should become thoroughly cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 5
in tight spaces, particularly in off-road use. These differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car. 5 - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 6
the drivelines and axles. If your avoid severe brake application, cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 7
can slide on slippery roads just like any other vehicle. Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control. Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may accelerate better than a two - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 8
1 (First) or R (Reverse) with a manual transmission. Set the parking brake fully, shut off the ignition and remove the key engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the manual - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 9
out your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and tires as soon as possible. Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 10
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 pressure on the brake pedal. Deep snow 4WD - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 11
the ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility brake application and brake overheating. Do not descend in neutral. Disengage overdrive or manually shift to a lower gear. When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard braking as you could lose control. When you brake - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 12
trailers (or may require a trailer tow package). The combined total weight of the vehicle and trailer must be less than or equal to the recommended Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and be properly balanced. Refer to "RV & Trailer Towing Guide," the "Owner's Guide" or see an authorized Ford or - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 13
vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or serious personal injury. If you have questions regarding tire replacement, see suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. Do not use"aftermarket lift kits" or attached to the left front door lock facing or door latch post pillar. Failure - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 14
Tires, Replacement Requirements Each day before you drive, check your tires. If one looks or other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary repairs. Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and other - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 15
systems as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts not control. Ford recommends that caution be used with any vehicle equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box cover Guide" and "Service Guide" for proper maintenance instructions and schedules. 15 - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer | Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 16
heaviest cargo on the bottom and ahead of the rear axle. If you must haul cargo on the roof of possibility of vehicle roll over should you lose control of the vehicle. Loaded vehicles, with a higher contribute to loss of vehicle control. Once you have reached the weight capacity of the vehicle, do
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Introduction
2
Notice To 4X2 Utility Vehicle Owners
3
Vehicle Characteristics
4
Operation On The Road
6
Driving Off-Road
9
Trailer Towing
12
Tires, Replacement Requirements
13
Maintenance and Modifications
15
Hauling Cargo and Vehicle Handling
16
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 © 2002 Ford Motor Company
Table of contents
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