Mercury Monterey (2007 year). Manual — part 14

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.

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door

before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in
this chapter for more instructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating
and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

3. Make sure the gearshift is in
P (Park).

4. Make sure the parking brake is
set.

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• Turn the key to 4 (ON) without

turning the key to 5 (START).

Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.

Starting the engine

Note: Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (ON).

2. When the engine starts, release
the key.

Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 3 (OFF), wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still
fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

1

2

3

4

5

3

1

2

5

4

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Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10°F (-23°C) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the night
before starting the vehicle.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)

adapters.

BRAKES

Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

Refer to Brake system warning
light in the Instrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.

P

!

BRAKE

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ABS warning lamp

The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.)

Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated if wheelslip or skidding is detected,
optimizing your stopping distance and allowing you to retain steering
control.

Brake Assist (if equipped as part of the AdvanceTrac

姞 system)

The Brake Assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and
maximizes the amount of brake booster assist, helping the driver to
achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake application is
detected, the system will remain activated as long as the brake pedal is
depressed. The system is deactivated by releasing the brake pedal.

When the system activates, the brake pedal will travel with very little
effort; this is normal.

ABS

P

!

BRAKE

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Parking brake

To set the parking brake, pull the
handle up as far as possible. The
BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate
and will remain illuminated until the
parking brake is released.

To release, press and hold the
button, pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.

Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure

that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).

ADVANCETRAC

姞 STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM

(IF EQUIPPED)

The AdvanceTrac

威 system helps the driver maintain the stability and

steer-ability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking
system (ABS) and Traction Control

娂 and a more advanced function to

further enhance the stability of the vehicle.

AdvanceTrac

威 constantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to the

driver’s intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
the vehicle. AdvanceTrac

威 determines whether an engine torque

reduction or brake application is needed to help control the vehicle. If
the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or right, spin out, or slide
sideways, the system will attempt to correct the excessive motion. If the
vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the system will attempt to
increase the turning response of the vehicle.

AdvanceTrac

威 enhances your vehicle’s stability during maneuvers that

require all available tire traction, like in wet/snowy/icy road conditions
and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an emergency
lane-change, the driver will experience better overall vehicle traction,
and have better control of the vehicle.

Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTrac

威 include:

• Accelerating on a slippery surface
• Taking a turn too fast

P

!

BRAKE

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• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Hitting a patch of ice
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice

versa

• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
• Hitting a curb while turning
• Cornering at excessive speeds while towing a heavily loaded trailer

(refer to Trailer Towing in this chapter)

The AdvanceTrac

威 system automatically turns on when the engine is

started. However, the system does not function when the vehicle is
traveling in R (Reverse).

If you are operating the speed control system and road conditions
change causing the AdvanceTrac

威 to activate, the AdvanceTrac威 will

disengage the speed control. When driving conditions permit, you can
return to speed control by pressing RESUME. Refer to Speed control in
the Driver controls chapter.

The AdvanceTrac

威 button allows the

driver to control the availability of
the AdvanceTrac

威 system.

AdvanceTrac

威 system status is

indicated by the AdvanceTrac

威

indicator light in the instrument
cluster when the system is
deactivated.

If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac

威 system, the AdvanceTrac威

indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. Have the vehicle
system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.

If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand,
switching off the AdvanceTrac

威 system may be beneficial so the wheels

are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac

威

stability enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will
enhance momentum through the obstacle.

Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTrac

威 performs a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac威

operation you may experience the following:
• A rumble or grinding noise

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• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The AdvanceTrac威 indicator light will illuminate
• If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the

pedal.

• If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the

brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.

All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac

威 operation.

If the AdvaceTrac system is activated for an extended period of time, the
brake portion of the system will shut down to allow the brakes to cool
down. A limited AdvanceTrac

威 function using only engine power

reduction will still help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the
brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool-down period.

Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac

威 system. Also, do not install a stereo

loudspeaker near the front center console or under either front
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac

威 sensors located in this area.

Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal

injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTrac

威 event

is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.

STEERING

To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it

stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump reservoir

fluid level (below the MIN mark on the reservoir).

• Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check

for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.

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• Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering

pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.

• Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on

the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION

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 4 (ON) position unless the brake pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition
in the 4 (ON) position and the brake pedal depressed:

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Insert the key and turn it to the
3 (OFF) position. Apply the brake
pedal and shift to N (Neutral).

3

1

2

5

4

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When the key is in the ignition and in the 3 (OFF) position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)

position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.

3. 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.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your authorized dealer.

Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle with column
gearshift
Your transaxle is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transaxle may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
normal and will not affect function or durability of the transaxle. Over
time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transaxle operation.
Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery
installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in
either D (Drive) or 3. Driving with the gearshift lever in D (Drive) gives
the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions. For manual control
start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park). Once you place the gearshift
lever securely into position, gradually release the brake pedal and use
the accelerator as necessary.

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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle

P (Park)

This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:
• Start the engine
• Depress the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

D (Drive) with Overdrive

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.

3 (Third)
• This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
• Provides more engine braking than D (Overdrive).
• Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from

D (Overdrive) to other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain,
heavy loads, trailer towing and when engine braking is required.

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1 (First)
• Transaxle operates in first gear only.
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
• Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)

when vehicle reaches slower speeds.

When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the

gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

If necessary, try turning the Traction Control

娂 or AdvanceTrac威 system

off. This will allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck
vehicle. For more information, refer to Traction Control

娂 (if equipped)

or AdvanceTrac

威 stability enhancement system (if equipped) in this

chapter.

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

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FORWARD AND REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM

The forward and reverse sensing
system will warn the driver of
obstacles within a certain range of
the front and rear bumpers. The
front sensors will be active when the
gearshift is in any position other
than P (Park) and the vehicle speed
is below 8 mph (13 km/h). The rear
sensors will only be active when the
gearshift is in R (Reverse). The
front sensors cover an area up to
31.5 inches (80 cm) from the front
of the vehicle and about 10–20
inches (25–50 cm) to the side of the
front end of the vehicle. See the
illustration for approximate sensor
area coverage.

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The reverse sensing portion of the
system detects obstacles up to 6 ft.
(2 meters) from the rear bumper
with a decreased coverage area at
the outer corners of the bumper,
(refer to the illustration for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the system detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.

To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the forward and reverse sensing system as

contained in this section. Sensing is only an aid for some (generally
large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at
“parking speeds”. Traffic control systems, inclement weather, air
brakes, and external motors and fans may also affect the function of
the sensing system; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.

To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in
R (Reverse) and when using the sensing system.

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This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to

assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.

Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal

detection zone of the forward and reverse sensing system may create
false beeps.

The system will sound a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near either
bumper in the following manner:
• The front sensors will sound a high pitched tone which will appear to

come from the dashboard

• The rear sensors will sound a lower pitched tone which will appear to

come from the rear interior of the vehicle

• The sensing system will report the obstacle which is closest to the

front or rear of the vehicle. For example, if an obstacle is 12 inches
(30 cm) from the front of the vehicle and, at the same time, an
obstacle is only 6 inches (15 cm) from the rear of the vehicle, the
lower pitched tone will sound.

The reverse sensing portion of the system will assist the driver in
detecting certain objects while:
• the vehicle is in R (Reverse) and moving toward a stationary object at

a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.

• the vehicle is in R (Reverse) but not moving, and a moving object is

approaching the front or rear of the vehicle at a speed of 3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.

• the vehicle is in R (Reverse) and moving at a speed of less than

3 mph (5 km/h) and a moving object is approaching the rear of the
vehicle at a speed of less than 3 mph (5 km/h).

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The system is automatically enabled
when the gear selector is placed in
D (Drive) or R (Reverse) and the
ignition is ON. The park aid disable
switch allows the driver to disable
the system only when the ignition is
ON, and the gear selector is in D
(Drive) or R (Reverse). The OFF
indicator remains illuminated when
the system is disabled. If the indicator light illuminates when the system
is enabled, it may indicate a failure in the RSS.

The system defaults to enabled every time the ignition is turned on.
Press the control to disable or enable the system

Keep the sensors (located on the front and rear bumper/fascia)
free from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean
the sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the sensing system.

If your vehicle sustains damage to the front or rear
bumper/fascia, leaving it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may
be altered causing inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false
alarms.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).

When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall. Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.

Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.

OFF

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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Getting roadside assistance

To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
• 24–hours, seven days a week
• for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or

36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.

Roadside assistance will cover:
• a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire

inflation kit)

• battery jump start
• lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s

responsibility)

• fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by

state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.

• winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or

county maintained road, no recoveries.

• towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized

dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).

Trailers shall be covered up to $100 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.

Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
• coverage period

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