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Mercury 1996 Mystique Manual

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Summary of Contents for Mercury 1996 Mystique

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introductory Information Safety Restraints ....Starting Your Mystique ....41 Warning Lights and Gauges .

  • Page 4: Introductory Information

    Ford’s Commitment to You At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous commitment to achieve the best result possible. It is dedication to learning what you want, determination to develop the right concept, and execution of that concept with care, precision, and attention to detail.
  • Page 5 Things to Know About Using This Guide Congratulations on the purchase of your new vehicle. This guide has information about the equipment and the options for your new vehicle. You may not have bought all of the options available to you. If you do not know which information applies to your vehicle, talk to your dealer.
  • Page 6 If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you can get a new one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page of this owner guide.
  • Page 7 Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can buy a Ford Extended Service Plan for your vehicle. This optional contract provides service protection for a longer period of time than the basic warranty that comes with your vehicle. You do not have to buy this option when you buy your vehicle.

  • Page 8: Cleaning The Outside Of Your Vehicle

    Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean. Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical industrial fallout.
  • Page 9 Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel or strong detergents. Cleaning Plastic Parts Some of your vehicle’s exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning.

  • Page 10: Safety Restraints

    Important Safety Belt Information The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and your passengers in case of a collision. In most states and in Canada the law requires their use. Safety belts provide best restraint when: the seatback is upright the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched) the lap belt is snug and low on the hips the shoulder belt is snug against the chest...
  • Page 11 Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. Never swing it around the neck over the inside shoulder. Never use a single belt for more than one person or across more than one seating position. Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair.

  • Page 12: Combination Lap And Shoulder Belts

    Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision. Lock the doors of your vehicle before driving to lessen the risk of the door coming open in a collision.
  • Page 13 Fastening the front seat lap and shoulder belt NOTE: Be sure to read and understand Important Safety Belt Information at the beginning of this chapter. To adjust the lap part of the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt until the lap belt fits snugly and as low as possible around your hips.
  • Page 14 Dual Locking Mode Lap/Shoulder Belt Retractor The front passenger seat and the rear outer seat combination lap and shoulder belts are equipped with a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the lap/shoulder belt. This retractor can be switched from vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode to automatic locking mode by pulling the belt webbing all of the way out of the retractor.
  • Page 15 NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder belt is unbuckled and allowed to retract completely, the retractor will switch to the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode. See the detailed instructions under Safety Seats for Children in this chapter. Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment Driver and right front passenger You can adjust the shoulder belt height to one of four (4) positions.

  • Page 16: Lap Belts

    Figure 2 — Adjusting the shoulder belt height Make sure the adjuster is firmly in one of the four positions. The belt should be adjusted up or down until the belt rests on your shoulder near your neck. Position the shoulder belt height adjuster so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder.
  • Page 17 If you need to lengthen the belt, unfasten it and tip the belt tongue at a right angle to the belt. Pull the belt tongue over your lap until it reaches the buckle. If you need to shorten the belt, pull on the loose end of the webbing until the belt fits snugly.

  • Page 18: Safety Belt Maintenance

    Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury. Safety Belt Maintenance Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that they work properly and are not damaged. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision.
  • Page 19 The warning label on the front seat safety belt buckle Cleaning the Safety Belts Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belt webbing because this may weaken it.

  • Page 20: Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System

    Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) The driver and right front passenger air bags are Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), provided at these seating positions in addition to the lap/shoulder belt, and are designed to supplement the protection provided to properly belted occupants in moderate to severe frontal collisions.
  • Page 21 The Importance of Being Properly Seated If a passenger is not properly seated and restrained, an inflating air bag could cause serious injury. In a collision, the air bag must inflate extremely fast to help provide additional protection for you. In order to do this, the air bag must inflate with considerable force.
  • Page 22 Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag cover when the vehicle is moving.
  • Page 23 How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System Operates The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel. The front passenger seat air bag is located in the center of the instrument panel ledge above the glove compartment. Both air bags are designed to stay out of sight until they are activated.
  • Page 24 Safety Restraints RWARNING Air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation. Inflated driver-side air bag...
  • Page 25 Inflated passenger-side air bag If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.
  • Page 26 Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST be disposed of by qualified personnel. Safety Restraints...

  • Page 27: Safety Restraints For Children

    Safety Restraints for Children In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle — this generally includes children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less — you must put them in safety seats that are made specially for children.
  • Page 28 Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision. Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather;...
  • Page 29 Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag cover when the vehicle is moving.
  • Page 30 If you do not properly secure the safety seat, the child occupying the seat may be injured during a collision or sudden stop. An unsecured safety seat could also injure other passengers. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.
  • Page 31 RWARNING Always keep the buckle release button pointing upward and away from the child seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button as shown in the following illustration. Safety belt buckle placement for child seats...
  • Page 32 Installing Child Safety Seats in the Front Passenger Seat and Outer Rear Seating Positions Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the right front seat passenger and rear outer passengers. If you choose to install a child safety seat in the front seating position, move vehicle seat as far back as possible.
  • Page 33 While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. See Figure 2. Be sure that the belt webbing is not twisted.
  • Page 34 Safety Restraints...
  • Page 35 Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted from the reel and a click is heard. At this time the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child restraint mode). Figure 4.
  • Page 36 Safety Restraints Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Push down on the child seat while you pull up on the belt to remove any slack in the belt.
  • Page 38 Safety Restraints Before placing the child in the child seat, forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and tug it forward to make sure that the seat is securely held in place, Figure 7.
  • Page 39 Double check that the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Try to pull more belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the belt is in the automatic locking mode, Figure 8. Check to make sure that the child seat is properly secured prior to each use.
  • Page 40 Attachment holes (at each rear seating position) have been provided in your vehicle to attach the anchor hardware, if required. Additional kits can be obtained at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Safety Restraints RWARNING...
  • Page 41 If tether anchorage hardware is required for the child safety seat, use only the tether anchor kit available at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer (Base part number 613D74). Safety Belts for Children Children who are too large for child safety seats should always wear safety belts.
  • Page 42 should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion.

  • Page 43: Starting Your Mystique

    Ignition Understanding the Positions of the Ignition The positions of the key in the ignition LOCK and ACCESSORY lock the gearshift for all vehicles with an automatic transaxle. LOCK position does not lock the gearshift on floor-mounted manual transaxle gearshifts. If the parking brake is not set and the gearshift is moved out of gear, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
  • Page 44 ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle’s electrical accessories to operate while the engine is not running. For example, you can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio without starting the engine. ON allows you to test your vehicle’s warning lights (except the brake system warning light) to make sure they work before you start the engine.
  • Page 45 The steering wheel locks when the key is removed. If the driver’s door is open while the key is still in the ignition, a warning chime sounds. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).

  • Page 46: Starting Your Vehicle

    Starting Your Vehicle Preparing to Start Your Vehicle Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running. Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for more instructions.
  • Page 47 If you have a manual transaxle, make sure that the parking brake is fully set, push the clutch pedal to the floor, and put the gearshift into Neutral before you turn the key. (Remember, the starter will operate only if the clutch pedal is pushed all the way to the floor.) If you have an automatic transaxle, make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking brake is set before...
  • Page 48 For a cold engine: 2.0L engine: At temperatures below -10˚F (-23˚C): Turn the key to ON, crank the engine and depress the accelerator about 1/4 of the way down and hold that position for five (5) seconds. If the engine fails to start, continue to crank with the accelerator depressed about 1/4 of the way down and hold that position until the engine starts.
  • Page 49 2.5L engine: At temperatures 10˚F (-12˚C) and below: If the engine does not start in fifteen (15) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try again. At temperatures above 10˚F (-12˚C): If the engine does not start in five (5) seconds on the first try, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try...
  • Page 50 If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch later in this chapter. A computer system controls the engine’s idle speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine’s idle speed normally runs high.
  • Page 51 Engine Block Heater (If equipped) Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -10˚F (-23˚C) or below. An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
  • Page 52 If the Engine Cranks but Does Not Start or Does Not Start After a Collision Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered.
  • Page 53 If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing service. If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or substantial jolt: Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
  • Page 54 Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects. Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running.

  • Page 55: Warning Lights And Gauges

    Warning Lights and Gauges In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has a sport cluster.
  • Page 57 Sport Cluster The following warning lights and gauges are on the sport cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to possible problems with your vehicle. The following sections detail what each of these indicators means. Indicator Lights and Chimes Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety belt.
  • Page 58 Brake System Warning Light The warning light for the brakes can show two things — that the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is low, the brake system should be checked by a qualified service technician.
  • Page 59 Warning Lights and Gauges Charging System Light This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and that you need to have the electrical system checked. This light comes on every time you turn the ignition to the ON or START position (engine off).
  • Page 60 If you lose engine oil pressure: Pull off the road as soon as safely possible. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage could result. Check the engine’s oil level, following the instructions on checking and adding engine oil in this Owner Guide.
  • Page 61 If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Warning Lights and Gauges RWARNING...
  • Page 62 Check Engine Warning Light The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the operation of the powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to check the function of the vehicle’s powertrain control system during normal operation.
  • Page 63 Warning Lights and Gauges If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition corrected itself. An example of a condition which corrects itself occurs when an engine running out of fuel begins to misfire.
  • Page 64 Overdrive Off Indicator (Automatic Transaxle Only) This light tells you that the Transaxle Control Switch (TCS) on the gearshift lever has been pushed. When the light is on, the transaxle will not shift into overdrive. Depressing the TCS button located below the gearshift release button on the shifter will return the vehicle to “overdrive on”...
  • Page 65 Warning Lights and Gauges Fuel Gauge The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel you have in the fuel tank. For proper fuel gauge operation, the ignition must be in the OFF position before you add fuel to the fuel tank. The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Page 66 If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the NORMAL band, the engine coolant is overheating and continued operation may cause engine damage. If your engine coolant overheats: Pull off the road as soon as safely possible. Turn off the engine. Let the engine cool.
  • Page 67 Warning Lights and Gauges Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light (If equipped) Your vehicle may have an Anti-lock Brake System feature. If it does, check the Anti-lock Brake System light each time you start the engine. If it stays on longer than three (3) seconds, shut off the engine and restart.
  • Page 68 Low Coolant Light (If equipped) This light indicates that the level of the engine coolant is low inside the coolant recovery bottle and that you should add more coolant. See Engine Coolant in the Index. This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is turned to the START position, but should turn off when the engine starts.

  • Page 69: Instrument Panel Controls

    The instrument panel (dashboard) on your vehicle is divided into several different sections. The illustrations on the following pages show the major parts of the instrument panel that are described in this chapter. Some items shown may not be on all vehicles.
  • Page 71 The Climate Control Systems Your vehicle has one of the following: Heating Only System (Without Air Conditioning) Heating and Air Conditioning System If you are not sure which system your vehicle has, see the diagrams on the following pages. Heating Only System The control for your heater system is located at the center of the instrument panel below the radio.
  • Page 72 To turn your heater system on, select any position except OFF. This will turn the fan on and allow air flow into the vehicle. To turn your heater off, select OFF. This will turn the fan off and stop air flow from coming into the vehicle. Your vehicle also has small demister openings on each front door near the window.
  • Page 73 Instrument Panel Controls PNL/FLR Select PNL/FLR to get air flow to the floor and through the instrument panel registers at the same time. This selection can be used to either heat or ventilate your vehicle. FLOOR Air flow will be to the floor when FLOOR is selected. The air cannot be cooled in the FLOOR position but can be heated by rotating the temperature control knob into the RED area.
  • Page 74 Heating and Air Conditioning System Heating, ventilation, defrosting and defogging are accomplished in the same way as with the heating only system. See “Heating Only System.” With the heating and air conditioning system, if the outside temperature is about 50˚F (10˚C) or warmer, the air will be dehumidified to remove moisture if you select FLR/DEF or V DEF.
  • Page 75 MAX A/C The MAX A/C position produces cool air more rapidly to provide faster cooling of your vehicle. Thhis is possible because cooler air is drawn from inside the passenger area and refrigerated again instead of using warmer outside air. Using inside air will also make the fan sound louder, which is normal when using MAX A/C.
  • Page 76 Rear Window Defroster and Heated Side View Mirrors (If equipped) The defroster for the rear window clears frost, fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside of the rear window and activates the heated side view mirrors. The button for the rear window defroster and heated side view mirrors is on the instrument panel, to the right of the steering wheel.

  • Page 77: The Interior And Exterior Lights

    Instrument Panel Controls The Interior and Exterior Lights Turning On the Exterior Lights To turn on your headlamps, parking lamps, and tail lamps, use the knob that is on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel. The knob for the exterior lights To turn on the parking lamps and tail lamps, turn the knob clockwise to the first position.
  • Page 78 Cleaning the Exterior Lamps Turning on the high beams To change the headlamps from low to high beam, push the lever away from you until it latches, and release. The high beam indicator in the instrument cluster glows when the headlamps are on high beam.
  • Page 79 Daytime Running Light System (Canadian vehicles only) The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system is designed to turn the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced light output and without illuminating the high beam indicator lamp in the instrument panel. The DRL system operates when all of the following conditions are met: The vehicle is “running.”...
  • Page 80 Dimming the instrument panel lights Dome Lamp Your vehicle has two dome lamps, one above the front seat and one above the back seat. The switch on the dome lamp turns that dome lamp on and off. The switches on the dome lamp (front lamp shown, rear lamp similar) Dome lamp delay Your vehicle may have a dome lamp delay.
  • Page 81 Instrument Panel Controls Turning On the Map Lamps (If equipped) Your vehicle may have a map lamp for the passenger and one for the driver. Turning on the map lamps Traction Control System (If equipped) This button turns the traction control system off and on. See Driving Your Vehicle for more information.
  • Page 82 Clock The digital clock To set the hour, press and hold the hour button. When the desired hour appears, release the button. To set the minutes, press and hold the minute button. When the desired minute appears, release the button. To switch between a 12-hour clock and a 24-hour clock, press both the hour and minute buttons at the same time.

  • Page 83: Steering Column Controls

    The controls on the steering column and wheel are designed to give you easy access to the controls while you are driving. The Turn Signal Lever You can use the turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column to: operate the turn signals and cornering lamps turn the high beams on/off...

  • Page 84: Windshield Wipers And Washer

    High Beams and Flashing the Lamps To turn on the high beams, turn the headlamp control knob to the headlamp ON position and push the turn signal lever away from you until it latches. When the high beams are on, the high beam indicator light on the instrument cluster comes on.
  • Page 85 Windshield Washer When the lever is pulled to activate the windshield washer, the wipers operate for about three cycles after the spray stops. Washing the windshield Do not try to clean the windshield when the washer fluid container is empty or activate the washers at any time for more than 15 seconds continuously.
  • Page 86 Hazard Flasher The hazard flasher serves as a warning to other drivers to be careful when approaching or passing your vehicle. Using the hazard flasher switch The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is fully charged and in good condition without draining the battery excessively.
  • Page 87 Speed Control (If equipped) If your vehicle has speed control, you can automatically maintain a constant speed at or above 30 mph (50 km/h). Use of radio transmitting equipment that is not Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or in Canada the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved may cause the speed control to malfunction.
  • Page 88 Setting the speed control Press and release the ON switch. Accelerate to the desired speed above 30 mph (50 km/h) using the accelerator pedal. Press the SET ACC switch and release it immediately to set your speed. If you keep this switch depressed, your speed will continue to increase.
  • Page 89 NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, and if your speed increases above your set speed while driving in Overdrive on a downhill grade, you may want to turn the Overdrive off and use Drive. You may turn the Overdrive off by pressing the Transaxle Control Switch on the left side of the gearshift lever.
  • Page 90 Accelerating With the Speed Control Operating You can use the accelerator pedal to speed up momentarily. When you take your foot off the accelerator, the vehicle will return to the set speed. Resetting the Speed Control To reset the speed control to a lower speed, use one of the following procedures: COAST —...
  • Page 91 Steering Column Controls To Cancel Speed Control Speed control can be cancelled at any time by pressing the brake pedal slightly. After cancelling, you can return to the speed you set by pressing the RES switch, or set a new speed by pressing the SET ACC or COAST switch.

  • Page 92: Features

    Features Your vehicle has a variety of features designed for your comfort, convenience and safety. Read this chapter to find out about standard and optional features. Doors Childproof Locks for the Rear Doors In addition to standard or power locks, your vehicle has childproof locks for the rear doors.
  • Page 93 Find the lever at the black label with word LOCKED in white letters. Move the lever toward the inside of the door. To release the childproof lock, open the rear door from the outside. Move the lever toward the outside of the door. Power Door Locks (If equipped) If your vehicle has power door locks, the controls to lock the doors are on the trim panel of the front door.
  • Page 94 Features turn off if you have turned them on with the switch in the dome lamp or if the front door is open. Remote Entry System (If equipped) If your vehicle has the remote entry system, you can lock and unlock the vehicle doors and open the trunk without using a key.
  • Page 95 2016 batteries (included) that should last for several years of normal use. If you notice a significant decrease in operating range, the batteries should be replaced. Replacement batteries can be purchased at most pharmacies, watch stores or at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
  • Page 96 NOTE: The operating range of the remote entry system can also be affected by weather conditions (such as very cold temperatures) or structures around the vehicle (buildings, other vehicles, radio towers, etc.). Typical operating range will allow you to be up to 33 feet (10 meters) away from your vehicle.
  • Page 97 THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
  • Page 98 Do not let children play with the power windows. They may seriously hurt themselves. Make sure occupants are clear of the window(s) before closing. One-touch-down window The one-touch-down feature allows you to completely open the driver’s window by briefly pressing and releasing the bottom of the window switch.
  • Page 99 The map lamps and the switch for the moon roof To open the moon roof, press and hold the rear portion of the switch. The glass panel will move to the open position and stop. To close the moon roof, press and hold the front portion of the switch.
  • Page 100 The moon roof Do not let children play with the moon roof. They may seriously hurt themselves. Sliding Shade The moon roof has a sliding shade that you can manually open or close to block the sun when the glass panel is shut. To close the sliding shade, pull the shade toward the front of the vehicle.

  • Page 101: Manual Seats

    The four-way head restraint Manual Seats Manual seat adjustment Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving. RWARNING...
  • Page 102 To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision, always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips. Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to avoid injuring people in a collision or sudden stop. Manual lumbar support (If equipped) The handwheel on the side of the seatback inflates and deflates the lumbar support pads.
  • Page 103 Power Seats (If equipped) If your vehicle has power seats, you can raise or lower the whole front seat, move the seat forward or backward and tilt the front or back of the seat up or down. The seat base controls on the driver’s seat To move the seat forward or back, slide the seat base control button forward or back.
  • Page 104 Power seatback The seatback controls on the driver’s seat To tilt the seatback forward or back, slide the top part of the top button forward or back. To inflate or deflate the lumbar support pads, slide the bottom of the button forward or back. Folding Rear Seats (If equipped) The release knobs for the split rear folding seatbacks are in the trunk.
  • Page 105 Folding rear seatback release knob Cleaning the Seats Leather For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a leather and vinyl cleaner or a mild soap. Fabric Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
  • Page 106 Features Mirrors Side View Mirrors The standard side view mirrors are manually adjusted by using the remote knobs. The knob on each door adjusts the mirror on that side of the vehicle. Move the control knob in the direction you want to move the mirror. The left side mirror control (right side similar) Dual electric remote control mirrors (if equipped) The control for adjusting the electric side view mirrors is on the...
  • Page 107 Electric remote control mirror knob Turn the knob back to the middle position to keep the mirror in place. The side view mirror on the right is a convex mirror. This mirror gives you a wider view of the lanes on your right and behind you.

  • Page 108: Sun Visors

    Features Sun Visors Illuminated Visor Mirror (If equipped) Your vehicle may have lighted mirrors on the sun visors. The mirror is lit by sliding open the mirror cover. The visor mirror...
  • Page 109 Console Your vehicle may have a full console. The full console has the following features: The features on the full console Cupholder with Full Console To raise the pop-up cup holder, push and release the cupholder door, then unfold the holder.

  • Page 110: Storage Compartments

    Storage Compartments Your vehicle may have several storage compartments: two map pockets on the panels of the front doors. The back of the front seats may also have map pockets. a coin holder on the instrument panel a stowage compartment on the lower left side of the instrument panel a small storage pocket on the outside of the front seat base Trunk...
  • Page 111 Disabling the remote trunk release Remote Fuel Filler Door Release (If equipped) Your vehicle has a remote control fuel filler door which cannot be opened from the outside. To unlatch the fuel filler door, firmly push down the front of the release handle, which is on the floor to the left of the driver’s seat.

  • Page 112: Floor Mats

    Features Floor Mats Positive retention floor mat (If equipped) (Standard in Canada) Position the floor mat in the footwell. Place the mat eyelet over the pointed end of the retention post from the rear and rotate forward to install. Adjust the floor mat position to allow proper operation of accelerator pedal, brake pedal and clutch pedal.
  • Page 114 Compact Disc Radio The Compact Disc Radio combines the Electronic Stereo Radio with the Ford Compact Disc Player. Using the Controls on Your New Radio/CD Player Most of the features of this unit work for both radio and CD operation. Also, some of the knobs and buttons control several different functions, so be sure to read all of the operating instructions carefully.

  • Page 115: Electronic Sound Systems

    How to tune radio stations There are four ways for you to tune in a particular station. You can manually locate the station using the “SCAN/TUNE” button, “SEEK” the station, “SCAN” to the station or select the station by using the memory buttons, which you can set to any desired frequency.
  • Page 116 Using the “SCAN/TUNE” button to scan radio stations Pressing the “SCAN/TUNE” button once enters the scan mode (display will indicate “SCN”). Pushing the top a half of the “SEEK” button will begin the scan mode up the frequency band, stopping on each listenable station for approximately five seconds.
  • Page 117 Activate Auto Memory Store by pushing the “AUTO PRESET” button once. Your radio will set the first five strong stations of the band you are in (AM, FM1 or FM2) into the memory buttons. The display will show “AUTO”, then run through the frequencies, stopping momentarily on the stations being set into the memory buttons.
  • Page 118 Adjusting speaker balance Balance control allows you to adjust the sound distribution between the right and left speakers. Push the “AUDIO” button repeatedly until the display button reads “BAL”. Push the top (+) of the “VOLUME” button to shift the sound to the right speakers, and push the bottom ( ) to shift the sound to the left speakers.
  • Page 120 Ford Compact Disc Player The Ford Compact Disc Player operates when the Audio System is on and a disc is inserted (label side up). Handle the disc by its edge only. (Be sure to read and follow all of the care and cleaning instructions under How To Take Care of and Clean Your CD Player and Discs in this section.) The digital display on your CD player shows the track...
  • Page 121 How to stop and restart the CD player When a disc is loaded, the unit automatically enters the play mode and the play indicator a illuminates. To stop temporarily, press the “PLAY/STOP” button or the “AM/FM” button. The stop indicator X in the display illuminates and operation returns to the radio mode.
  • Page 122 A “1” and “0:00” will appear in the display when the beginning of the disc is reached by pressing the rewind f side of the button. Using the “SCAN” function Press the “SCAN” button to enter the scan mode. The CD player will begin scanning the disc, stopping on each listenable track for approximately eight seconds.
  • Page 123 Shuffle and Scan Both the shuffle and scan features can be activated simultaneously. In this mode, the player will randomly pick a selection and play the first eight seconds. This process is continued until either the “SCAN” button or “SHUFFLE” button is pressed a second time.
  • Page 124 Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight or heat sources such as defroster and floor heating ducts. Do not leave any discs in a parked car in direct sunlight where there may be a considerable rise in temperature or damage may result. After playing, store the disc in its case.
  • Page 125 If play does not begin after the CD button is pushed: The radio is not on. The unit is in the stop mode. Moisture may have condensed on the lenses within the unit. If this occurs, remove the disc and wait approximately an hour until the moisture evaporates.
  • Page 128 Electronic Stereo and Stereo Cassette Radios Both the Electronic Stereo Radio and Cassette Radio offer full electronic tuning with new soft touch controls. Using the Controls on Your New Radio How to turn the radio on and adjust the volume Press the “POWER”...
  • Page 129 How to tune radio stations (Stereo Radio) Using the “TUNE” function You can change the frequency up or down one increment at a time by pressing and releasing either the right (+) or left ( ) side of the “TUNE” button. To change frequencies quickly, press and hold down either the right or left side of the “TUNE”...
  • Page 130 Using the “SEEK” function This feature on your radio allows you to automatically select listenable stations up or down the frequency band. Press the right a side of the “SEEK” button to select the next listenable station up the frequency band. Press the left b side of the button to select the next listenable station down the frequency band.
  • Page 131 Adjusting the tone balance and speaker output of your radio Increasing or decreasing bass response Push the “AUDIO” button repeatedly until the display reads “BASS.” Push the right (+) side of the “VOLUME” button to increase bass (more “lows”), and push the left ( ) side to decrease bass (less “lows”).
  • Page 132 Using the Controls of Your Cassette Tape Player NOTE: Radio power must be on to use the cassette tape player. How to insert a tape Insert a cassette (with the open edge to the right) firmly into the tape door opening, making sure the cassette is completely in and “seated.”...
  • Page 133 How to eject the tape To stop the tape and eject the cassette, press the “EJECT” button. The radio will resume playing. Using the Dolby B noise reduction feature NOTE: Noise reduction system manufactured under license from Dolby Labs Licensing Corporation. “Dolby” and double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
  • Page 134 Do not leave a tape in the cassette tape player when not in use. High heat in the vehicle can cause the cassette to warp. Common Radio Reception Conditions Several conditions prevent FM reception from being completely clear and noise-free, such as the following: Distance/Strength The strength of the FM signal is directly related to the distance the signal must travel.
  • Page 135 Important Warranty and Service Information Warranty Your sound system is warranted for three years or 36,000 miles (60,000 kilometers), whichever comes first. Consult your vehicle warranty booklet for further information. Ask your dealer for a copy of this limited warranty. Service At Ford Electronics, we stand behind our audio systems with a comprehensive service and repair program.

  • Page 136: Driving Your Mystique

    Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary depending on which type of transaxle your vehicle has. You may be familiar with the term “transmission.” We use transaxle because it is a more accurate term for vehicles that have front-wheel drive. Your vehicle will have one of the following types of transaxles: an automatic overdrive transaxle with transaxle control switch, or...
  • Page 137 Putting Your Vehicle in Gear You must push in the thumb button to move the gearshift to the position you choose. Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from position to position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
  • Page 138 Driving Your Mystique Overriding the brake shift interlock The console-mounted gearshift will lock when you turn the key to the LOCK position. When the gearshift is in any position except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be turned to LOCK or removed from the steering column.
  • Page 139 Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever R (Reverse) With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will move backward. You should always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the parking brake or brakes are on.
  • Page 140 Driving Your Mystique transaxle control indicator light will illuminate (OD OFF) on the instrument panel. When this OD OFF is illuminated the transaxle will upshift and downshift from first through third gears and provide coast braking in second and third gears. To return the transaxle to normal operation (first through fourth gears) depress the TCS again.
  • Page 141 gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle Control Switch activated) when going down hills. Do not go faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) in this gear. You can upshift from 2 (Second) into D (Overdrive) at any speed. When to use 1 (First) This position limits the transaxle to first gear.

  • Page 142: Driving With A Manual Transaxle

    Driving Your Mystique Driving with a Manual Transaxle Using the Clutch In order to start the vehicle, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor. Before starting the engine, make sure the vehicle is in Neutral and the parking brake is set. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few seconds.
  • Page 143 The positions of the floor-mounted gearshift Always push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor when you shift. You should upshift according to the speeds given in the shift speed chart. Backing up To shift into R (Reverse): Completely stop your vehicle.
  • Page 144 Driving Your Mystique Upshifting Most of the time, you should upshift at the following speeds:...
  • Page 145 Downshifting When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to increase speed again. When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes.

  • Page 146: Steering Your Vehicle

    Driving Your Mystique The traction control system can be turned off manually by pushing the T/C OFF button on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. The traction control system light will remain on as a reminder that the system is turned off. Each time the vehicle is started, the traction control system will automatically be on.
  • Page 147 If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, it may have four-wheel power disc brakes or power front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, which adjust automatically as the brake pads or linings wear down. If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, apply the brake pedal gradually.
  • Page 148 Driving Your Mystique hazardous driving situations, especially when driving on hazardous road surfaces. Even with your anti-lock brake system, you may not have total control of your vehicle when braking on roads with loose surfaces such as snow or gravel, holes in the pavement, or alternating patches of slippery and dry surfaces.
  • Page 149 to the radio manufacturer’s instructions. However, if you have had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect the radio installation.
  • Page 150 The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
  • Page 151 Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking your wheels. Consider using one of the lower gears. To avoid losing control on slippery roads, do not downshift into 1 (First) with the automatic transaxle when moving faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not downshift into 1 (First) with the manual transaxle when moving faster than 10 mph (16 km/h).
  • Page 152 High water Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the water is below the bottom of the wheel rims. If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
  • Page 153 Limiting Your Vehicle’s Load The load that you add to your vehicle must not exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety Compliance Certification Label attached to the left front door pillar or the left front door lock facing. To figure the weight of your vehicle’s load, add the weights of: the driver and passengers luggage and any other items that you put in your vehicle the tongue load of the loaded trailer...

  • Page 154: Trailer Towing

    Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealers. Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on your vehicle, you must follow certain precautions for your safety and the good of your vehicle: Stay within the load limits when you tow.
  • Page 155 If you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle’s bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the load.
  • Page 156 To connect the trailer’s safety chains: Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and attach them to your vehicle’s frame or hook retainers. Never attach the safety chains to your vehicle’s bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the weight of a trailer. Make sure that you leave enough slack in the chains to allow you to turn corners.
  • Page 157 Driving While You Tow Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can brake gradually. If your vehicle has a manual transaxle and you are towing a trailer, you should select gear positions which will avoid jerking or excessive engine speed.

  • Page 158: Roadside Emergencies

    Jump-Starting Your Vehicle Your vehicle’s battery may die if you leave the lights on or any electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this happens, you may be able to jump-start from a booster battery to start your vehicle. The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes.
  • Page 159 If the acid touches someone’s skin, eyes, or clothing, immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable oil.
  • Page 160 Connecting the jumper cables Connect one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery. (You can connect either jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you use the same cable for both positive terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red cable and a black cable.
  • Page 161 Sequence for connecting jumper cables...
  • Page 162 Jump-Starting Make sure that the jumper cables are not in the way of moving engine parts, then start the booster vehicle. Run the engine at a moderate speed. Let the discharged battery charge for a few minutes and then start the disabled vehicle. It may take a couple of tries before the vehicle starts.

  • Page 163: Changing A Tire

    Changing a Tire If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
  • Page 164 drive through an automatic car wash with this tire. Because the temporary spare tire is smaller than a conventional tire, it reduces the ground clearance. Your vehicle may get caught in the rails and it could be damaged. Spare Tire Location The spare tire is stored under the carpet on the floor of the trunk.
  • Page 165 Preparing to Change the Tire Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll. If you have an automatic transaxle, put the gearshift in P (Park). If you have a manual transaxle, put the gearshift in 1 (First). Set the parking brake and block the wheel that is diagonally opposite the tire that you are changing.
  • Page 166 Removing and Replacing the Tire Place the scissors-type jack under the side of the vehicle and adjust the jack height with the jack handle. The jack should fit in the notch in the vertical rocker panel flange which is nearest to the wheel to be changed. The front and rear jacking notches on each side of the vehicle are marked by arrows in the rocker panel.
  • Page 167 Turn the jack handle clockwise until the wheel clears the ground. Remove the wheel lug nuts. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure that the air valve stem is facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts, tightening until the wheel is snug against the hub.
  • Page 168 (not to the dealer) to get a replacement key. NOTE: If you lose your lug wrench/lug nut key assembly, see your nearest Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer who has access to a master set of keys. DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT WRENCH ON THE LUG NUT KEY.
  • Page 169 The anti-theft lug nut and key Removing the anti-theft lug nut Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make sure that you hold the key square to the lug nut. If you hold the key on an angle, you may damage the key and the lug nut. Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and apply pressure on the key with the wrench.

  • Page 170: Towing Your Vehicle

    Roadside Emergencies If the Engine Cranks But Does Not Start or Does Not Start After a Collision The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered.
  • Page 171 When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
  • Page 172 Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, a car, or a truck. Before you have your vehicle towed: Release the parking brake. Move the gearshift to N (Neutral). Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

  • Page 173: Customer Assistance

    3 years or 36,000 miles (3 years or 60,000 km), whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages beyond this period, through Ford Auto Club, contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer (not available in Canada). Roadside Assistance will cover the following: Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
  • Page 174 You may, however, take your vehicle to any authorized Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your dealer will be able to resolve your concern. If you are not satisfied with the service you received from your dealership’s service department, talk to the service manager at...
  • Page 175 Please have the following information available when contacting Ford Customer Assistance: your telephone number (both business and home) the name of the dealer and the city where the dealership is located the year and make of your vehicle the date purchased the current mileage on your vehicle your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed on your owner card and/or your vehicle ownership license...
  • Page 176 What Kind of Cases Does the Board Review? The Board reviews all product performance and service complaints on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln Cars and Ford and Mercury Light Trucks under warranty that have not been resolved by a dealer or Ford Motor Company.
  • Page 177 How Does the Board Work? The Board has four members: three consumer representatives a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by an independent consulting firm. Dealers are chosen because of their business leadership qualities.
  • Page 178 After your case has been reviewed, the Board will mail you its decision in writing. It will also provide you with a form to indicate your acceptance or rejection of an award decision. The decisions of the Board are binding on the dealer and Ford, but customers may have other options available to them under state or federal law.

  • Page 179: Reporting Safety Defects

    To review your case properly, the Board needs the following information: legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair orders that relate to the case the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number the date you bought your vehicle the date of repair and the mileage at the time of repair the current mileage the name of the dealer who sold you the vehicle or who...
  • Page 180 To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, Washington D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline. Ford of Canada Customer Assistance If you live in Canada and have any questions or concerns that the dealership cannot answer, contact the Customer Assistance...
  • Page 181 Customer Assistance Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) If a specific item of concern arises, where a solution cannot be reached between a vehicle owner, Ford of Canada, and/or one of its dealers (that all parties can agree upon), the owner may wish to use the services offered by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
  • Page 182 Getting Help Outside the U.S. and Canada Before you export your vehicle to a foreign country, contact the appropriate foreign embassy or consulate to make sure local regulations do not prevent you from registering your vehicle. Officials at the embassy can also help you decide whether you should import your vehicle to that country.
  • Page 183 Customer Assistance If you are in other foreign countries, contact the nearest Ford dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, they can direct you to the appropriate Ford affiliate office. If you buy your vehicle in North America and then relocate outside of the U.S.

  • Page 184: Accessories

    Accessories Ford Accessories for Your Vehicle Ford has many fine products available from your dealer to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. For best results, use the following, or products of equivalent quality: A wide selection of accessories is available through your local authorized dealer.
  • Page 185 Safety, Comfort, and Convenience...
  • Page 186 NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment, passengers, and luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label). Consult your dealer for specific weight information.
  • Page 188 Accessories...
  • Page 190 Accessories...

  • Page 191: Servicing Your Mystique

    Service Made Easy Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle. When we can, we design parts that do not need to be serviced. We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible. To help you: We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine compartment so that you can find them easily.
  • Page 192 Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service parts conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to provide the best performance in your vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle. NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
  • Page 193 Working with the engine off: Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1 (First) gear (manual transaxle). Remove the key from the ignition after you turn the engine off.

  • Page 194: Opening The Hood

    Opening the Hood Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located under the bottom left corner of the instrument panel. The hood release under the instrument panel Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is located under the hood at the center of the vehicle.

  • Page 195: Engine Compartment

    Lift the hood and secure it in the open position with the prop rod. Make sure only the hole in the hood marked in yellow is used. When you close the hood, make sure the prop rod is in its retainer and that the hood latches securely.

  • Page 198: Filling The Fuel Tank

    Cleaning the Engine A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual. Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
  • Page 199 If the fuel filler door does not open when you push the release handle, open the trunk and find the override release on the right side. The override release is a handle which is marked with a fuel pump symbol. Open the fuel filler door by pulling on the handle.
  • Page 200 Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel filler pipe before pumping the fuel. NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle, clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften the paint if you do not wash it off. Replace the fuel cap completely when you are finished.
  • Page 201 Servicing Your Mystique and systems may be adversely affected. Repair of damage caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may not be covered by your warranty. Octane recommendation Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
  • Page 202 Cleaner air Ford recommends the use of gasolines to improve air quality, including reformulated gasolines, that contain oxygenates such as a maximum of 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no more than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives to protect the fuel system.
  • Page 203 Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory animals. If you are taking the medication “Antabuse” or other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage.
  • Page 204 To calculate fuel economy: Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer reading. Every time you buy fuel record the amount (in gallons or liters) purchased. After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the fuel tank and record the final odometer reading. Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy: English: MPG Metric: L/100k...
  • Page 205 Heavy loads Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc. Self-Service Pointers If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of your vehicle.
  • Page 206 The API Certification Mark Never use: “Non-Detergent” oils Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine treatments Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity are PREFERRED for your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel economy and engine protection for all climates down to -15˚F (-25˚C).
  • Page 207 Checking and Adding Engine Oil Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level ground.
  • Page 208 Engine oil dipstick (2.5L engine) 2.0L engine: Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below the lower notch, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is beyond the upper notch, engine damage and/or high oil comsumption may occur and some oil must be removed from the engine.
  • Page 209 Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever occurs first. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet for additional information. NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.

  • Page 210: Engine Coolant

    Engine Coolant Checking the Engine Coolant NOTE: Be sure to read and understand Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this chapter. The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before working near the fan.
  • Page 211 Check the engine coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir at least once a month using the following guidelines. When your vehicle’s engine is cool, the coolant level in the engine coolant recovery reservoir should be at or above the MIN mark.
  • Page 212 Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious personal injury from hot engine coolant or steam blowout and/or damage to the engine cooling system or engine. To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle’s coolant system can hold, see Refill capacities for fluids in the Index.
  • Page 213 NOTE: The use of an improper coolant may void your warranty for the engine cooling system. Use only a premium, nationally recognized brand name engine coolant. Do not use alcohol, methanol antifreeze or engine coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
  • Page 214 Battery Replacement If your original equipment battery requires replacement (under warranty), it may in some cases be replaced by a Motorcraft low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for adding water, if needed. Check your battery’s electrolyte level, at least every 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in temperatures above 90˚F (32˚C) and more often in temperatures above 90˚F (32˚C).
  • Page 215 Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners. Help Us Protect Our Environment Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for disposal.
  • Page 216 If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous procedure.
  • Page 217 Servicing Your Mystique Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below 32˚F [0˚C]).
  • Page 218 Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement In your climate control system, you may have a filter that cleans the air before it enters the interior of the vehicle. This filter should be replaced at the intervals in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet. To replace the passenger compartment air filter: Remove both windshield wiper arms.
  • Page 219 Removing the grille The filter is in a housing at the back of the engine compartment, on the left side. Pull off the two clips on the sides of the housing. Slide out the housing and filter. Removing the passenger compartment air filter Servicing Your Mystique...
  • Page 220 Slide the filter out of the housing, replace with the new filter, and slide the housing and passenger compartment air filter back into place. Reinstall the clips on the housing. Replace the grille and wiper arms. Tires Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
  • Page 221 Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control. Tire Rotation Because your vehicle’s front and rear tires perform different jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following diagram.
  • Page 222 Replacing the Tires Replace any tires that show wear bands. When your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16 inch (2 mm) of tread left. A worn-out tire Because your vehicle’s tires may wear unevenly, you may need to replace them before a wear band appears across the entire tread.
  • Page 223 Servicing Your Mystique Information About Tire Quality Grades New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded into the tire’s sidewall. These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United States Department of Transportation has set. Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger cars.
  • Page 224 Temperature A B C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
  • Page 225 Tire chains cannot be fitted with 205/60R tires. Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area before installing chains. Put the chains on the front tires tightly with the ends held down securely.

  • Page 226: Automatic Transaxle Fluid

    Automatic Transaxle Fluid Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet for replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle is not working properly —...
  • Page 227 NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, driven in city traffic during hot weather, or has been pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before checking. Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct type will be...

  • Page 228: Brake Fluid

    Manual Transaxle Fluid The lubricant level and quality should not deteriorate under normal driving conditions. However, you should have the fluid level checked occasionally. If lubricant is required, see Lubricant Specifications in this chapter. Brake Fluid Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up brake fluid rapidly.
  • Page 229 If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes. Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line. If you find that the fluid level is excessively low — below the seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir —...

  • Page 230: Power Steering Fluid

    Power Steering Fluid Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid With the power steering system at operating temperature, switch off the engine. The fluid level should be up to the MAX marking on the transparent reservoir. If it drops to or below the MIN mark, top off with the specified fluid.
  • Page 231 Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays Fuses, circuit breakers, and relays protect your vehicle’s electrical system from overloading. If electrical parts in your vehicle are not working, the system may have been overloaded and blown a fuse or relay, or tripped a circuit breaker. Before you replace or repair any electrical parts, check the appropriate circuit protector.
  • Page 232 The power distribution box fuses and relays Spare fuses are located in the power distribution box under the hood.
  • Page 233 Servicing Your Mystique...
  • Page 235 Servicing Your Mystique The Instrument Panel Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays The instrument panel fuse panel is underneath the instrument panel on the left side. To open it, reach under the instrument panel and push the release button to the right of the fuse panel. The instrument panel fuse panel location...
  • Page 236 The instrument panel fuses...
  • Page 237 Servicing Your Mystique...
  • Page 238 Relays Outside the Fuse Boxes Checking and Replacing Fuses Use the charts to decide which fuse you should check. On the fuse panel decal located on the cover of the power distribution box or on the end of the instrument panel fuse panel, find the number of the fuse you want to check.
  • Page 239 The side view of a typical fuse Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire. Circuit Breakers If you need to check a circuit breaker that is on the instrument panel fuse panel, see Checking and replacing fuses to find out how to locate the fuse panel and pull it down.
  • Page 240 Circuit breakers will reset themselves and allow the electrical parts to work again once the overload on the circuit is gone. If the circuit breakers continue to cut off electricity, have your vehicle’s electrical system checked. If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the same amperage rating.
  • Page 241 Headlamp Bulb The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable bulbs, one for high beam and one for low beam on each side. When the lamp burns out, simply replace the bulb, rather than the whole lamp. Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of children’s reach.
  • Page 242 Turn the headlamps on and make sure that they work properly. If the headlamp was correctly aligned before you changed the bulb, you should not need to align it again. High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs From the back seat, remove the back of the brakelamp assembly.
  • Page 243 Servicing Your Mystique Using the Right Bulbs...

  • Page 244: Emission Control System

    Emission Control System Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission requirements. Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering, or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
  • Page 245 Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire. Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the check engine light, or the temperature warning light.
  • Page 246 Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance Testing In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready for I/M testing condition.
  • Page 247 Drive the vehicle with a steady throttle at 45 mph (70 km/h) for 30 seconds. Idle the vehicle in Drive (Neutral for manual transmissions) for 40 seconds. Continue to drive the vehicle in city traffic at speeds between 25 and 40 mph (40-60 km/h) for 15 minutes. During the 15 minute drive cycle the following modes must be achieved: a.
  • Page 248 Refill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant Specifications Refill Capacities...
  • Page 249 Servicing Your Mystique Motorcraft Parts...
  • Page 250 Lubricant Specifications...

  • Page 251: Vehicle Storage

    Vehicle Storage Maintenance Tips If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition. General Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place. Protect from sunlight, if possible.
  • Page 252 Engine Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the engine is running. Fuel system Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
  • Page 253 Brakes Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released. Tires Maintain recommended air pressure. Miscellaneous Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust. Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15 days to lubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
  • Page 255 Warning label locations...

  • Page 265: Index

    INDEX ABS warning light (see Anti-lock brake system) ..65 Additives, engine oil ....Air bag supplemental restraint system and child safety seats .
  • Page 266 Axle lubricant specifications....refill capacities ....Backing up ....Basic vehicle warranty .
  • Page 267 Brights (high beams) ....Bulbs, replacing halogen ..... . headlamps .
  • Page 268 Cleaning your vehicle (continued) exterior lamps ....fabric ..... . . headlamps .
  • Page 269 Cooling fan ..... . Crankcase emission filter ....Cruise control (see Speed control) .
  • Page 270 Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic sound system) ..Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound system) . . . Emergencies, roadside assistance ..... battery acid spills .
  • Page 271 Engine oil “break-in” oils ....changing oil and oil filter ....checking and adding .
  • Page 272 Fuel (continued) safety information relating to automotive fuels..storing your vehicle ....treating emergencies....Fuel cap removing.
  • Page 273 Gearshift automatic operation ....column-mounted ....floor-mounted....locking the gearshift .
  • Page 274 Hood latch location ....lubrication specifications ....release lever .
  • Page 275 Lamps checking ..... . daytime running light system ... . . 77 dome lamps .
  • Page 276 Lug nuts anti-theft ..... . standard ..... . Maintenance (see Servicing) .
  • Page 277 Panic alarm feature, remote entry system ..94 Parking brake operation ..... . warning light .
  • Page 278 Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints) adult......child ......head .
  • Page 279 Seat belts (see Safety restraints) ....Seats adjusting the seat, manual ....adjusting the seats, power ....child safety seats .
  • Page 280 Starting your vehicle (continued) starting a cold engine ....starting after a collision ....starting a warm engine .
  • Page 281 Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) ..Towing your vehicle ....with a tow truck ....Trailer towing .
  • Page 282 Variable interval wipers ....VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information) decal ..Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ..Vehicle loading automatic transaxles .
  • Page 283 Windows ......96 power windows, operating ....96 Windshield washer fluid and wipers checking and adding fluid .

  • Page 284: Service Station Information

    Service Station Information...

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