towing Mercury Villager 1996 Owner's Manuals

4
[IN02900(ALL)01/93]
Warranties
*
[IN03000(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is covered by three types of warranties:Basic
Vehicle Warranty,Extended Warrantieson certain parts, and
Emissions Warranties.
%*
[IN03400(ALL)03/95]
Read yourWarranty Information Bookletcarefully to find out
about your vehicle's warranties and your basic rights and
responsibilities.
*
[IN03600(ALL)03/95]
If you lose yourWarranty Information Booklet,you can get a new
one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer,
or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page
of this owner guide.
[IN04300(ALL)01/93]
Ford's Extended Service Plan (ESPH)
[IN04400(ALL)05/96]
More Protection for Your Vehicle
[IN04425(ALL)05/96]
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing a Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP). Ford ESP
is the only extended service program with the Ford name on it
and the only service contract backed by Ford Motor Company.
[IN04450(ALL)05/96]
Ford ESP is an optional service contract, backed and
administered by Ford. It provides:
[IN04475(ALL)05/96]
n
protection against repair costs after your Bumper to Bumper
Warranty expires;
[IN04500(ALL)05/96]
and
[IN04525(ALL)05/96]
n
other benefits during the warranty period (such as:
reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain maintenance
and wear items).
[IN04550(ALL)05/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford Motor
Company dealer. There are several Ford ESP plans available in
various time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental. (In Hawaii, rules vary. See your
dealer for details.)
File:02vxinn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 08:15:32 1996

64
*
[ST09035(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
*
[ST09040(ALL)02/95]
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
*
[ST09045(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[ST09050(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST09055(ALL)02/95]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the fuel pump shut-off
reset button down. If the red button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical or electrical problem.
*
[ST09060(ALL)02/95]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ST09065(ALL)02/95]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If there is no fuel,
you can try to start your vehicle again.
*
[ST09070(ALL)02/95]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
%*
[ST09100(ALL)05/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST09200(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST09300(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Never let your vehicle idle in an enclosed area, and do
not sit in a parked vehicle, (with the engine running) for
more than a short period of time. Exhaust fumes,
particularly carbon monoxide, might build up. These
fumes are harmful and could kill you.
File:04vxstn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 08:20:06 1996

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.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

246
*
[DR16700(ALL)01/93]
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[DR16800(ALL)01/93]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
*
[DR16900(ALL)05/93]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[DR17000(ALL)01/93]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

248
[DR17830(ALL)07/93]
Load Calculation Ð (Trailers)
[DR17840(ALL)07/93]
The trailer towing table shows the maximum allowable trailer
weight and maximum GCWR for vehicles with and without the
trailer towing package.
[DR17850(ALL)07/93]
For a particular vehicle, the allowable trailer weight may be
lower depending upon the vehicle's actual gross vehicle weight.
(GVW is the weight of the vehicle including passengers,
equipment, cargo.)
[DR17860(ALL)07/93]
You must determine the appropriate trailer weight for your
vehicle at its particular GVW while adhering to GVWR, GAWR,
GCWR and maximum trailer weight ratings.
[DR17870(ALL)07/95]
n
Fill the fuel tank.
[DR17875(ALL)07/93]
n
Load the vehicle as it would be loaded when towing a
trailer (including cargo, trailer hitch, etc.).
[DR17880(ALL)07/93]
n
Weigh the vehicle to determine its GVW. Do not exceed
GVWR and GAWR.
[DR17885(ALL)07/93]
n
Obtain the appropriate GCWR from the trailer towing table.
[DR17890(ALL)07/93]
n
Subtract the loaded vehicle weight (GVW) from the GCWR.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can pull
given its particular GVW.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
249
%*
[DR18000(ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing table
[DR18050(ALL)11/93]
eight pica
chart:0040244-B*
[DR18080(ALL)07/93]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
[DR18090(ALL)07/93]
To determine actual GCW, weigh the total vehicle and trailer
and also weigh the trailer separately to verify its weight.
*
[DR18200(ALL)01/93]
Trailers
*
[DR18300(ALL)01/93]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
*
[DR18500(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.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

250
*
[DR18600(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR18800(ALL)05/93]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[DR18900(ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR19000(ALL)01/93]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
[DR19100(ALL)02/94]
An optional trailer towing package is available for towing
trailers up to 3,500 lbs. (1587 kg). Use a frame-mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).
*
[DR19200(ALL)01/93]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
*
[DR19300(ALL)01/93]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
*
[DR19400(ALL)04/94]
Safety chains
*
[DR19500(ALL)01/93]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

252
[DR20250(ALL)04/94]
n
one SAE J1239 specified connector
[DR20260(ALL)04/94]
n
one extension harness within the rear bumper
[DR20270(ALL)04/94]
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your vehicle,
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR20300(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR20400(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
*
[DR20500(ALL)01/93]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
*
[DR20600(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
*
[DR20700(ALL)05/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
[DR20800(ALL)09/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet in the Owner's portfolio.
*
[DR20900(ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR21000(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR21100(ALL)01/93]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR21200(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Roadside Emergencies
263
*
[RE06300(ALL)01/93]
Stowing the spare tire
[RE06400(ALL)04/95]1.
To raise the tire to the stowed position, lay the tire on the
ground with the inboard side facing up. Install the retainer
through the wheel center and slide the tire under the vehicle.
Fit the hex-shaped end of the wheel lug wrench over the hex
nut in the floor of the cargo area. Turn the wheel lug
wrench clockwise until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle.
[RE06500(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: The lug wrench ratchets when the tire is raised to the
stowed position. It will not allow you to over-tighten.
*
[RE06600(ALL)01/93]2.
Check for proper seating against the underbody supports
and retighten if necessary.
*
[RE06700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Make sure spare tires and jacking equipment are stowed
and secured in the proper storage location.
*
[RE06800(ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE06900(ALL)05/94]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack properly placed
at the front or rear jacking points.
*
[RE07000(ALL)06/95]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll. Put the
gearshift lever in P (Park). Set the parking brake and block
the wheel Ð in both directions Ð that is diagonally opposite
the tire that you are changing.
*
[RE07100(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving
or slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
File:12vxren.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:14 1996

Roadside Emergencies
271
%*
[RE09800(ALL)09/93]
7-1/2 pica art:0040176-A
Lug nut tightening sequence
[RE09900(ALL)04/95]
The lug nuts should be tightened to 72Ð87 ft-lb (98Ð118 N%m).
[RE10000(ALL)12/93]
RWARNING
Using wheels or lug nuts different than the original
equipment could damage the wheel or mounting system.
This damage could allow the wheels to come off while
the vehicle is being driven. If a wheel comes off while
the vehicle is in motion, it could cause loss of vehicle
control and may result in collision.
*
[RE10100(ALL)01/93]13.
Replace the wheel cover by pressing it into place. If you
have the standard wheel covers, you must align the notch in
the wheel cover with the tire's valve stem and align the
recess in the back of the wheel cover with one of the lug
nuts. If you have the optional aluminum wheel, press the
center wheel cap into place after matching up the design of
the wheel cap to the wheel.
[RE10200(ALL)01/93]14.
Make sure the jack is securely fastened. When you replace
the jack in the jack storage compartment, place the base
against the square-shaped fastening bracket and open the
jack slightly so that the jack is snug against the fastening
brackets.
*
[RE10300(ALL)01/93]15.
Store the flat tire under the vehicle just as you would store
the spare tire. Refer to the section onStowing the Spare Tire
in this chapter.
File:12vxren.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:14 1996