2010 Mercury Mountaineer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 276

Driving WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover. BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the on position unless brake pedal is pressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the on position and the brake pedal pressed: 1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to off, then remove the key. 2. Remove the rubber pad at the bottom of the cup holder to locate the access cap of the floor shifter assembly. 3. Using a screwdriver (or equivalent), remove the access panel and depress the shifter lever on the shift mechanism. 4. Apply the brake and shift into N (Neutral). 5. Return the cover plug to the console access hole. Start the vehicle. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working. WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle. 276