Mercury 2003, Owner'S Manual

Page: 232 / 265

Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in the
Refill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•
Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•
Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•
Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•
Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•
Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•
Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•
Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Filling the tank for FFV equipped vehicles
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of these two. For best results it is
recommended that you do not add less than 5 gallons of fuel when
refueling. Observing this precaution will avoid possible hard starting
and/or deterioration in drivability during warm up.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
Maintenance and Specifications
231