check engine light Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

Instrumentation
9
[IS00800(ALL)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on the mechanical
cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed
are optional. The following section explains what each of these
indicators means.
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[IS00850(ALL)04/96]
Indicator Lights and Chimes
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[IS00900(ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
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[IS01000(ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
[IS01100(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040050-A
Brake system and parking brake light
[IS01200(ALL)03/96]
The BRAKE light normally illuminates when you turn the
ignition key to the ON position to verify that the indicator bulb
is working. If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is
running and after you have released the parking brake fully,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
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[IS01300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
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12
[IS02150(ALL)04/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following: the readiness light will either flash or stay lit, or it
will not light, or a group of five beeps will be heard.
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[IS02160(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have
the air bag system serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.
[IS02180(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040262-A
Supplemental air bag readiness light
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[IS02200(ALL)03/96]
Check Engine Warning Light
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[IS02300(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when the electronic engine control system
is not working properly. This is the computer that controls the
operating conditions of the engine.
[IS02400(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040053-A
Check engine warning light
[IS02500(ALL)05/96]
This light illuminates briefly when you turn the ignition key to
ON, but should turn off when the engine starts. If the light does
not come on when you turn the ignition to ON or if it
illuminates and stays on when you are driving, have your
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Instrumentation
13 vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a possible
problem with one of the engine's emission control systems. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed.
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[IS02700(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
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[IS02800(ALL)04/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and
that you need to have the electrical system checked.
[IS02900(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040054-A
Charging system light
[IS03000(ALL)04/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn your ignition key to
the ON or START position. The light should go off when the
engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
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[IS03100(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
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14
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[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
[IS03300(ALL)05/96]
The oil pressure light is represented by an oil can symbol. It
indicates the engine's oil pressure, not oil level. However, if
your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure.
The oil pressure light will flash if the oil pressure drops below
the normal operating level. When you turn the key to the ON
position, the light will illuminate.
[IS03400(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040060-A
Oil pressure light
[IS03500(ALL)01/96]
The light should turn off after a few seconds. If the light stays
on or illuminates when the engine is running Ð you have lost
oil pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
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[IS03550(ALL)05/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
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[IS03600(ALL)04/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
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[IS03700(ALL)03/96]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
[IS03800(ALL)01/96]3.
Check the oil level following the instructions on checking
and adding engine oil in this owner guide. (SeeEngine oilin
the index.) Make sure your vehicle is on level ground.
[IS03900(ALL)01/96]4.
If the level is low, add as much oil as necessary before you
drive your vehicle again. Do not drive your vehicle if the oil
pressure light is on, even if the oil level is correct. For more
information about adding oil, seeEngine oil, checking and
addingin the Index.
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Instrumentation
23
[IS09600(ALL)01/96]
The electronic cluster has all of the same warning lights as the
mechanical cluster, however, some of the gauges will be
electronic instead of analog. In addition, the electronic cluster
has a fuel computer for measuring fuel economy, distance to
empty and outside air temperature.
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[IS09700(ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
[IS09800(ALL)01/96]
This gauge shows you the temperature of the engine coolant
and is identified by a thermometer symbol. The letter H means
that the coolant is hot, C means that it is cold, and NORMAL
means that the coolant is within the normal operating range.
[IS09900(ALL)01/96]
The indicator bar on the graph will move into the normal
operating range as the engine warms up. When you are in
heavy traffic or stop-and-go driving in hot weather, the gauge
may read at the very top of the NORMAL range. This is
acceptable.
[IS10000(ALL)01/96]
However, if the indicator bar on the graph moves into the H
(hot) position, the engine is overheating and may cause engine
damage. If this happens, you should stop your vehicle as soon
as safely possible. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Check the
coolant level to be sure that it is at the proper level. If your
vehicle needs more coolant, seeEngine coolant, checking and
addingin the Index and read the section regarding adding
coolant.
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Starting
213
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[TO07370(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the
brake pedal.
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[TO07500(ALL)01/96]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
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[TO07600(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[TO07700(ALL)01/96]2.
Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.
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[TO07800(ALL)01/96]3.
Turn the ignition key to the START position.
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[TO07900(ALL)01/96]4.
Release the ignition key when the engine starts.
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[TO08000(ALL)03/96]5.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
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[TO08100(ALL)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been activated. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
%*
[TO08200(ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast slightly
faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down
after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
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[TO08290(ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have
the vehicle checked.
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[TO08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
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216
*
[TO09065(ALL)01/96]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.
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[TO09070(ALL)03/96]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
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[TO09100(ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[TO09200(ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
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[TO09300(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
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[TO09400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
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[TO09500(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
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[TO09600(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
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[TO09700(ALL)01/96]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
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[TO09800(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in an accident
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[TO09900(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
*
[TO10000(ALL)01/96]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch
(2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to
bring in outside air.
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219
Driving
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[GF06200(ALL)05/96]
Brakes
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[GF06300(ALL)01/96]
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
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[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
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[GF06500(ALL)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic lubrication of the caliper slide rails
and inspection for pad wear.
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[GF06600(ALL)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
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[GF06700(ALL)01/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
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[GF06800(ALL)05/96]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes (If Equipped)
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[GF06900(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS system cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
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[GF07100(ALL)01/96]
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.
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Driving
239
[GF20700(ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
[GF20800(ALL)03/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet in the Owner's portfolio.
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[GF20900(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
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[GF21000(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF21100(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF21200(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
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[GF21300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[GF21400(ALL)01/96]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
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[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in Park (P) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, press the air
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Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Roadside Emergencies
271
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[ER01400(ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
%*
[ER01500(ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
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[ER01600(ALL)02/96]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[ER01700(ALL)02/96]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[ER01800(ALL)02/96]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER01900(ALL)02/96]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[ER02000(ALL)01/96]5.
Turn on the heater blower in both vehicles. Turn off all other
switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent possible
damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996