1998 Mercury Mountaineer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 173

Maintenance and care lubrication. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will be necessary. BATTERY Your vehicle may be equipped with a Motorcraft maintenance-free battery. If the original equipment battery needs replacing, it may be replaced with a low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery normally does not require additional water during its life of service. However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check your battery electrolyte level, at least every 24 months or 40,000 km (24,000 miles). Keep the electrolyte in each cell up to the "level" indicator. Do not overfill the battery cells. If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging system checked. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to the battery terminals. 173