warning Mercury Villager 1996 s Manual PDF

229
Driving Your Villager
%*[DR01000(ALL)01/93]Automatic Transaxle Operation
*[DR01100(ALL)01/95]Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*[DR01200(ALL)04/95]Your vehicle's gearshift lever is on the steering column. The
OVERDRIVE OFF/ON button is located on the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift lever in any one of
several positions.
[DR01300(ALL)06/95]
10-1/2 pica art:0040163-F
The steering column gearshift lever positions
*[DR01400(ALL)05/95]RWARNING
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.
*[DR01500(ALL)01/93]Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position,
gradually release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
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230
[DR01600(ALL)09/93]Shift-lock Safety Feature
[DR01700(ALL)04/95]Your vehicle has a special shift-lock safety feature which
prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) without the brake
pedal depressed. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position, the ignition must be in the ON position and your foot
must be pressing on the brake pedal.
*[DR01800(ALL)04/95]If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position
with the brake pedal depressed:
*[DR01900(ALL)01/93]1.Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
*[DR02000(ALL)01/93]2.Apply the parking brake.
*[DR02100(ALL)01/93]3.Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clockwise to the first
position (OFF).
*[DR02200(ALL)04/95]4.Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
*[DR02290(ALL)06/95]If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate
procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown
and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledServicing Your Villagerin this Owner
Guide for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
*[DR02300(ALL)05/95]R WARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
%*[DR02500(ALL)06/92]Backing Up
*[DR02600(ALL)06/95]Before shifting into or out of R (Reverse), you should always
come to a complete stop.
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Driving Your Villager
233
[DR04320(ALL)06/95]
N (Neutral)
*
[DR04340(ALL)06/95]
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.
*
[DR04400(ALL)06/92]
Parking
*
[DR04500(ALL)06/95]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels
from turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park)
position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push it toward the
instrument panel.
[DR04600(ALL)01/93]
The gearshift is securely latched in Park (P) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
*
[DR04700(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[DR04800(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[DR05000(ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
[DR05100(ALL)01/93]
To gain extra acceleration in Drive (D) (when passing another
vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear - third, second
or first.
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Driving Your Villager
235
*
[DR06800(ALL)01/93]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes
*
[DR06900(ALL)01/94]
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from
completely locking up by automatically releasing and
re-applying the brakes. During ABS braking, slight brake pedal
pulsations may be felt on the driver's foot. These pulsations
represent the rapid cycling of the ABS valves. The pedal
pulsations are considered normal ABS operation, and will stop
when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
%*
[DR07000(ALL)12/93]
During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS system cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
*
[DR07100(ALL)12/93]
The ABS system has self-check capabilities. The system turns on
the ABS warning light each time you start the engine. After the
engine is started and the ABS warning light turns off, the
system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches
4 mph (6 km/h). A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS
system performs a self test. This is a normal part of the self test
feature. If a malfunction is found during this check, the ABS
warning light will come on.
*
[DR07200(ALL)12/93]
You should always be careful when braking, even if your
vehicle has the ABS system. Heavy braking on roads with loose
surfaces such as snow or gravel, or roads with severe pavement
irregularities could also cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
*
[DR07300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
*
[DR07310(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is
disabled but normal brake function remains
operational.
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236
[DR07350(ALL)04/94]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
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 installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other than
during maximum braking, have your mobile radio installation
checked.
*
[DR07400(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
*
[DR07500(ALL)01/93]
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking
brake several times. If the condition has not improved, you
should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
%*
[DR07600(ALL)01/93]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more frequent,
return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
*
[DR07700(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
%*
[DR07800(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR07900(ALL)01/93]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
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Driving Your Villager
237
%*
[DR08000(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR08100(ALL)06/94]
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique.
Push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly. In the event of a sudden
stop, do not pump the brakes. Pumping the brakes during an
anti-lock stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
*
[DR08200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
This will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and
may also cause brake damage.
*
[DR08300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
*
[DR08400(ALL)03/95]
Using the Parking Brake
[DR08500(ALL)02/94]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of the brake pedal. To set the
parking brake, press the brake pedal with your right foot and
hold it while you push the parking brake pedal down firmly
with your left foot.
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238
[DR08600(ALL)06/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040281-A
The parking brake
*
[DR08700(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
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.
[DR08800(ALL)02/94]
To release the parking brake, press the brake pedal with your
right foot and hold it while you lift up on the parking brake
release handle.
*
[DR08900(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
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240
%*
[DR09900(ALL)01/93]
Driving at High Speeds
*
[DR09990(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[DR10000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
*
[DR10100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
%*
[DR10200(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR10300(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
[DR10400(ALL)02/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads.
*
[DR10500(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
*
[DR10600(ALL)01/93]
n
Drive more slowly than you would normally.
*
[DR10700(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR10800(ALL)01/93]
n
Use the ªsqueezeº technique for braking as described in
previous braking sections.
*
[DR10900(ALL)02/93]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR11000(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) when you are moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h).
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Driving Your Villager
241
*
[DR11100(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
The Anti-Lock Brake System may not prevent brake
lock-up on extremely slippery surfaces.
%*
[DR11200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR11300(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
*
[DR11400(ALL)01/93]
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.
*
[DR11500(ALL)01/93]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly to help dry
the brakes.
*
[DR11600(ALL)01/93]
Rocking the Vehicle
*
[DR11700(ALL)01/93]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out. Shift in a steady rhythm between forward and
reverse gears. At the same time, press lightly on the accelerator.
If you are still stuck after a few minutes of rocking, call for a
tow truck.
*
[DR11800(ALL)01/93]
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may
overheat the engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires.
*
[DR11900(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR12000(ALL)01/93]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
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242
*
[DR12100(ALL)01/93]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
*
[DR12200(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR12300(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[DR12400(ALL)07/93]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg)
provided the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the
GVWR shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
With the optional trailer tow package, your vehicle can tow a
trailer up to 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg).
*
[DR12500(ALL)02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[DR12600(ALL)01/93]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR12700(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR12800(ALL)01/93]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[DR12900(ALL)01/93]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[DR13000(ALL)01/93]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
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