check engine Mercury Villager 1997 s Owner's Guide

Maintenance and Care
289
%*
[MC18475(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC18500(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC18550(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
[MC18600(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter.
Check the level of the engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant
reservoir, located in the engine compartment. The coolant
should stay between the MIN and MAX marks. It will be closer
to MAX when the engine is warm and closer to MIN when the
engine is cold. To locate the coolant reservoir, see the diagram
of your vehicle's engine underEngine Compartmentin the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

290
*
[MC18700(ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
[MC18800(ALL)01/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0040197-C
Engine coolant recovery reservoir
*
[MC18900(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC19000(ALL)05/96]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and water to the engine coolant recovery reservoir Ð DO NOT
ADD DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only
in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50
mixture of coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
*
[MC19025(ALL)05/96]
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir the
next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough
of a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid
level to the fill line on the reservoir.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

292
*
[MC19500(ALL)05/96]
Recycled Engine Coolant
*
[MC19550(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced
by Ford-approved processes. Not all coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A,
and use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
*
[MC19600(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC19700(ALL)05/96]
Coolant Refill Capacity
*
[MC19750(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can
hold, seeRefill capacities for fluidsin the Index.
*
[MC19775(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add more than a quart (liter) of engine coolant per
month.
*
[MC19800(ALL)05/96]
Severe Winter Climate
*
[MC19850(ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than-34ÊF [-36ÊC]),
it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above
50%. Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that the coolant
will not freeze at the temperature level in which you drive
during winter months. Never increase the engine coolant
concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
[MC20550(ALL)01/96]
Checking hoses
*
[MC20600(ALL)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for deterioration,
leaks and loose clamps before adding or replacing engine
coolant. Make whatever repairs or replacements are necessary
using Motorcraft parts or their equivalents.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
293
%*
[MC20650(ALL)05/96
]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC20700(ALL)01/96]
To have your engine coolant drained, see your Ford dealer or
refer to the procedure in the Service Manual.
%*
[MC20800(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC20810(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC20820(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC20830(ALL)04/96]1.
Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid
reaches normal operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when the engine
coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is near
the center of the NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC20840(ALL)01/96]2.
While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and
forth several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is
installed at this time.
*
[MC20850(ALL)01/96]3.
Then turn the engine off.
*
[MC20860(ALL)01/96]4.
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
295
*
[MC20910(ALL)01/96]
If you must check the power steering fluid when it is cold,
make sure that the fluid reaches at least the minimum (MIN)
mark. The reading will only be accurate if the fluid temperature
is approximately 70Ê to100ÊF (21Ê to 38ÊC).
%*
[MC20920(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[MC20930(ALL)05/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle since your vehicle does not use up
transaxle fluid. However, if the transaxle is not working
properly (for example, slipping or shifting slowly), or you notice
some sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
*
[MC20940(ALL)01/96]
It is best to check the transaxle fluid level at normal operating
temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without
having to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[MC20950(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.
%*
[MC20960(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC20970(ALL)01/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking
brake and leave the engine running.
*
[MC20980(ALL)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

300
[MC21600(ALL)03/96]
The air filter should not be cleaned and reused. Replace it
according to the maintenance intervals shown in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. When replacing the filter, unclip the four
clamps and remove the filter. Wipe the inside of the air filter
housing with a damp cloth when replacing the filter.
*
[MC21700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start
the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
%*
[MC22300(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
*
[MC22400(ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper
blades.
*
[MC22500(ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
*
[MC22600(ALL)01/96]
To reach the wiper blades easily, turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY and turn your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to OFF. Moving the
wipers manually may damage them.
*
[MC22700(ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[MC22800(ALL)01/96]
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them,
you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When
replacing the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
317
*
[MC38555(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not remove the floor carpet in your vehicle. Emission
controls cause high exhaust temperatures under the floor.
*
[MC38560(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke and loss of oil
pressure. Also watch for the charge warning light, the check
engine light, or the temperature warning light. These sometimes
indicate that the emission system is not working properly.
*
[MC38565(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
%*
[MC38570(ALL)01/96
]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service of the emission
control devices or systems in your new Ford Motor Company
vehicle or engine may be performed at your expense by any
automotive repair establishment or individual using automotive
parts equivalent to those with which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC38575(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases
vehicles, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or
prevent it from working. In some of the United States and in
Canada, vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control
device is removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38580(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
*
[MC38585(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emissions control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

318
%*
[MC38590(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38595(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies that additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC38602(ALL)03/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready condition consist
of a minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving as
described below.
*
[MC38607(ALL)03/96]
n
20 minutes of driving in stop and go city-type traffic with at
least four idle periods.
*
[MC38612(ALL)03/96]
n
10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
*
[MC38617(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the engine must be
warmed up and at operating temperature. Once started, the
vehicle must not be turned off during the above driving modes.
If the vehicle owner is unable to meet the I/M requirements by
using these driving patterns, an authorized service center can
perform a detailed OBD II drive cycle as it would any other
type of repair work.
%*
[MC38700(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC38800(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
*
[MC38900(ALL)01/96]
n
headlamps
*
[MC38950(ALL)01/96]
n
high-mount brakelamp
*
[MC39000(ALL)01/96]
n
tail lamps
*
[MC39100(ALL)01/96]
n
brakelamps
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

388
Child safety seats (continued)
in rear outboard seat................ 156
in rear seat..................... 156
tether anchorage hardware.............. 163
Chime
headlamps on.................... 17
key in ignition.................... 17
safety belt...................... 11
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing............... 254
see also fuses.................... 245
Cleaning your vehicle
chrome and aluminum parts............. 333
engine compartment................. 334
exterior...................... 332
exterior lamps................... 333
fabric....................... 335
headlamps..................... 333
instrument panel.................. 333
instrument panel lens................ 335
interior....................... 335
plastic parts.................... 333
polishing...................... 332
rustproofing.................... 333
safety belts..................... 335
tail lamps..................... 333
upholstery and interior trim............. 335
washing...................... 332
waxing....................... 332
wheels....................... 334
Climate control system
air conditioning.................... 56
heating........................ 56
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

389
Index
Clock.......................... 40
Cold engine starting.................. 212
Combination lap and shoulder belts.........131, 133
Controls, mirrors................... 110
Convenience kit in cargo area.............. 257
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding................ 289
drain and flush................... 293
preparing for storage................ 338
specifications.................... 343
temperature gauge................ 18,23
warnings...................... 289
Cooling fan...................... 278
Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada....... 356
D
Daytime running light system.............. 77
Defrost
rear window..................... 74
windshield...................... 56
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid............... 295
engine oil..................... 283
power steering fluid................. 293
Disabled vehicle (see Towing).............. 274
Dispute Settlement Board................ 352
Doors
door ajar warning light................ 15
lubricant specifications................ 343
Driving under special conditions
heavy load..................... 229
towing a trailer................... 230
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996