2010 Mercury Mariner Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 318

Maintenance and Specifications Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking. 1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating temperature. 2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. 3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage. 4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running. 5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag. If necessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine compartment in this chapter for the location of the dipstick. 6. Install the dipstick, making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube. 7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in the operating range for normal operating temperature. Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following dipsticks. Low fluid level Type A Type B DO NOT ADD ADD (CHECK HOT) Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid level is at the bottom of the dipstick and the outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). Correct fluid level The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperatures 185°F-200°F (85°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving. 318 2010 Mariner (mrn) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)