check oil Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

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.
*
[IS03550(ALL)05/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS03600(ALL)04/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[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.
File:03vxisn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:45:36 1996

Maintenance and Care
283
%*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC15700(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[MC15800(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC15900(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
[MC16000(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[MC16100(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[MC16200(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[MC16300(ALL)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[MC16400(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040218-A
Engine oil dipstick
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Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

284
[MC16500(ALL)01/96]6.
Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªLº line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªH,º engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from
the engine.
*
[MC16600(ALL)01/96]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
%*
[MC16650(ALL)01/96
]
Adding engine oil
*
[MC16700(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[MC16800(ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[MC16900(ALL)01/96
]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[MC17200(ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for additional
information.
[MC17300(ALL)04/96]
Follow these directions to change the engine oil and oil filter:
[MC17400(ALL)04/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up.
[MC17500(ALL)04/96]2.
Protect yourself from engine heat and the engine oil being
drained.
[MC17600(ALL)04/96]3.
Remove the oil pan drain plug(s)andoil filter.
[MC17700(ALL)04/96]4.
Drain the oil into a container until flow from the drain plug
hole(s) and the filter mounting area slows to a drip.
[MC17800(ALL)04/96]5.
Install the drain plug(s) and a new engine oil filter according
to directions on the package.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
285
*
[MC17900(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: SeeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts and Lubrication
Specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter
for the appropriate oil filter and engine oil refill
quantity.
[MC18000(ALL)04/96]6.
Remove the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) to
prevent oil contamination of the engine ventilating system
while refilling.
[MC18100(ALL)04/96]7.
Refill the engine with a CERTIFIED engine oil of the
preferred viscosity. Start the engine and check for leaks.
Follow directions inChecking and adding engine oilto be sure
the engine is filled to the proper level.
*
[MC18150(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC18200(ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
%*
[MC18220(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC18240(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level indicator in
the master cylinder which lights the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument panel when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC18260(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake pads wear.
*
[MC18280(ALL)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic brake fluid reservoir on
the master cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
*
[MC18300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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

Maintenance and Care
319
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[MC39200(ALL)01/96]
n
hazard flasher
*
[MC39300(ALL)01/96]
n
turn signals
*
[MC39400(ALL)05/96]
n
license plate lamps
%*
[MC39500(ALL)01/96
]
The alignment of your headlamps should be checked if:
*
[MC39600(ALL)01/96]
n
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to turn off your
vehicle's high beams when you do not have the high beams
on
*
[MC39700(ALL)01/96]
n
the headlamps do not seem to give you enough light to see
clearly at night
*
[MC39800(ALL)01/96]
n
the headlamp beams are not pointed slightly down and to
the right
%*
[MC39900(ALL)01/96
]
Headlamp Bulb
*
[MC40000(ALL)03/96]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable bulbs. When the
lamp burns out, simply replace the bulb, rather than the whole
lamp.
*
[MC40100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out
of children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic
base and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand
could cause the bulb to break the next time the
headlamps are operated.
*
[MC40200(ALL)01/96]
Do not remove the burned out bulb unless you can immediately
replace it with a new one. If a bulb is removed for an extended
period of time, contaminants may enter the headlamp and affect
its performance.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 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
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391
Index
Engine coolant (continued)
proper solution.................278, 297
recovery reservoir................289, 345
specifications.................... 343
temperature gauge................ 18,23
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description.................... 18,23
mechanical...................... 18
Engine coolant temperature gauge:electronic........ 23
Engine fan...................... 278
Engine:idle speed control................ 213
Engine knocking.................... 311
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter.............. 283
checking and adding................ 283
check oil warning light................ 14
dipstick...................... 283
disposal....................278, 297
engine oil pressure warning light............ 14
filter, specifications................. 341
low oil warning light................. 14
specifications.................... 281
synthetic oil.................... 281
ªbreak-inº oils.................... 5
viscosity...................... 281
Entry system
illuminated...................... 83
keyless....................... 114
Exhaust fumes..................... 216
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Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

396
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
charging system................... 13
check engine..................... 12
door ajar....................... 15
engine oil pressure.................. 14
hazard warning light............... 76,243
high beam...................... 17
low fuel....................... 16
lowoil........................ 14
low washer fluid................... 17
oil pressure...................... 14
rear ABS....................... 10
safety belt...................... 11
service engine soon.................. 12
turn signal indicator.................. 87
Load limits
GAWR....................... 229
GVWR....................... 229
trailer towing.................... 235
Lubricant specifications................ 343
Luggage rack..................... 241
Lug nuts
anti-theft...................... 263
tightening sequence...............260, 267
M
Maintenance (see Servicing).............. 277
Master cylinder, brakes................ 285
Message center, low washer fluid............. 17
Methanol in fuel................... 312
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 314
Mirrors
dual electric remote control............. 111
rearview...................... 110
side view mirrors.................. 110
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Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

397
Index
Mirrors (continued)
side view mirrors (manual).............. 110
side view mirrors (power).............. 111
Motorcraft parts.................... 341
O
Octane rating..................... 311
Odometer
description...................... 20
trip odometer..................... 20
Oil filter....................... 284
Oil (see Engine oil).................. 281
Oil viscosity...................... 281
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system.......... 318
Overdrive....................... 226
Overseas offices.................... 357
P
Parking brake
operation...................... 221
warning light..................... 9
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)............... 341
PCV valve, specifications................ 341
Power door locks................... 102
Power features
door locks..................... 102
mirrors....................... 110
windows...................... 107
Power steering
dipstick...................... 293
driving with power steering............. 223
fluid, checking and adding.............. 293
fluid, specifications................. 343
servicing...................... 223
Prop rod, hood.................... 279
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996