Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

294
[MC20870(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040206-B
Power steering fluid reservoir
[MC20880(ALL)03/96]5.
If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small
amounts, continuously checking the level, until the fluid is
between the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) lines on
the reservoir. Do not overfill. To find out how much fluid
your vehicle's reservoir for the power steering fluid will
hold, seeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant
Specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
*
[MC20890(ALL)01/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford Specification
ESW-M2C33-F, such as Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid,
E6AZ-19582-AA or an equivalent Type F Automatic Transaxle
Fluid with a Ford registration number (an 8-digit number
beginning with ª2Pº printed on the fluid container).
*
[MC20900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your
vehicle for a long period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering pump.
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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.
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296
[MC20990(ALL)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
When the vehicle has not been driven, and outside temperature
is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level should be between the
notches on the dipstick.
[MC21000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the transaxle fluid
level is below the bottom notch on the dipstick.
[MC21010(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040202-B
Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
%*
[MC21020(ALL)01/96
]
Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC21030(ALL)01/96]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick. Before adding any
fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.
*
[MC21040(ALL)01/96]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (0.25 liter) increments through the filler
tube to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
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Maintenance and Care
297
%*
[MC21050(ALL)05/96
]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
*
[MC21060(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Always use Motorcraft MERCONHor equivalent
MERCONHautomatic transaxle fluid when you refill
your automatic transaxle fluid.
%*
[MC21310(ALL)01/96]
Battery
[MC21315(ALL)05/96]
The Motorcraft low-maintenance battery requires periodic
service as detailed below. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep
the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
*
[MC21320(ALL)05/96]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[MC21325(ALL)01/96]
Battery replacement
[MC21330(ALL)05/96]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement while
under warranty, it may be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed.
[MC21335(ALL)05/96]
Check the electrolyte level of each cell (there are six) at least
every 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Keep the
electrolyte level between the MAX and MIN lines that are on
the side of the battery (you will have to remove the battery
cover to see the fill lines on the battery). Do not overfill the
File:11vxmcn.ex
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298battery cells. When operating at ambient temperatures above
90ÊF (32ÊC),check the electrolyte level more frequently.
[MC21340(ALL)05/96]
If the level of the electrolyte in a cell of the battery is low, add
distilled water until the proper level in each cell is restored.
Plain tap water will work; but if it is ªhard waterº having a
high mineral or alkali content, the life of the battery may be
reduced and the frequency of maintenance required on the
battery will increase.
%*
[MC21345(ALL)01/96
]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC21350(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
*
[MC21355(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040201-A
Battery recycling symbol
*
[MC21360(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
*
[MC21365(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
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Maintenance and Care
299
%*
[MC21370(ALL)05/96
]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[MC21375(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[MC21380(ALL)02/96
]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
[MC21420(ALL)04/96]
Air Filter
[MC21500(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040278-A
Air filter housing
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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.
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Maintenance and Care
301
*
[MC22900(ALL)08/95]
To replace the wiper blades:
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and into the
lock position.
[MC23100(ALL)01/96]2.
Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Push the
lock pin to release the blade and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it from the arm.
*
[MC23200(ALL)08/95]3.
Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
[MC23300(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040235-B
Replacing the wiper blades
%*
[MC23400(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC23500(ALL)03/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
Always follow these precautions:
*
[MC23600(ALL)02/96]
n
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC23700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
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302
*
[MC23800(ALL)03/96]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[MC23900(ALL)03/96]
n
Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[MC24000(ALL)03/96]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[MC24100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always obey posted speed limits. If you drive too fast
for road conditions, you could lose control of your
vehicle. Under some circumstances, driving at very high
speeds for extended periods of time may damage vehicle
components, creating a risk of component failure and a
potential loss of vehicle control. Any time you lose
control of your vehicle, it may result in injury.
[MC24300(ALL)01/96]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has
been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 3
miles (5 km). You can find the proper cold tire pressure on the
Tire Pressure Decal, located in the glove compartment.
*
[MC24400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
%*
[MC24500(ALL)01/96
]
Tire Inspection and Maintenance
*
[MC24600(ALL)05/96]
Inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or other
objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for
holes or cuts that may permit air to leak from the tire and make
the necessary repairs.
File:11vxmcn.ex
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Maintenance and Care
303
*
[MC24700(ALL)01/96]
Inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If
you suspect internal damage to the tire, have it removed and
checked. You may need to repair or replace it.
%*
[MC24800(ALL)01/96
]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC24900(ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following
diagram.
*
[MC25000(ALL)03/96]
In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
[MC25100(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040199-B
Rotating the tires
[MC25200(ALL)01/96]
After each rotation, adjust individual tire pressure as specified
on the Tire Pressure Decal. Tighten wheel lug nuts to the
required torque specification and retighten again after 500 miles
(800 km).
*
[MC25300(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has the optional full-size spare tire, you may
rotate the spare tire into the rotation pattern.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996