User manual FORD MONDEO

[. . . ] Contents Before driving Introduction Instrumentation Controls and features Seating and safety restraints Starting and driving Starting Driving Roadside emergencies Servicing Maintenance and care Capacities and specifications Customer assistance Reporting safety defects (U. S. only) Index 162 223 223 241 242 1 2 6 22 74 108 116 141 Introduction ICONS Indicates a warning. Read the following section on Warnings for a full explanation. Indicates that vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow. [. . . ] Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. Driving with a heavy load The total weight of the vehicle plus the total weight of passengers and cargo should never exceed the GVWR. The weight that the vehicle carries over the front and rear axles should never exceed the GAWR for the respective axle. The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Using tires with higher weight limits than the original tires will not increase the GVWR or GAWR of your vehicle; using tires with lower weight limits may lower the GVWR or GAWR of your vehicle. 133 Driving TRAILER TOWING For vehicles equipped with 2. 0 L engines and automatic transaxles, an auxiliary cooler must be installed prior to trailer towing to protect the power steering and transaxle system. Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer of up to a maximum of 454 kg (1 000 lbs) gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lbs). Do not drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) while towing a 454 kg (1 000 lb) trailer. Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealers. Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing. 134 Driving Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure: · Stay within your vehicle's load limits. · Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to tow in this chapter. · Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving while towing a trailer in this chapter. · Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the severe duty schedule in the "Scheduled Maintenance Guide". · Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500 miles). · Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications. 135 Driving Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer to Loading your vehicle in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight. Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury. [. . . ] . 241 Safety restraints adjusting the safety belts . . 81 automatic locking mode (retractors) . . 86, 222 vehicle sensitive locking mode . 79 warning light and chime . . 9, 19 Safety seats for children and air bags . [. . . ]