flat tire Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

1
Introduction
[II00900(ALL)01/96]
Using This Guide
[II01200(ALL)01/96]
To fully appreciate all of the features and options of your new
vehicle, we recommend that you thoroughly read through this
guide now and refer back to it when you have specific needs or
questions. For your own safety and the safety of your
passengers, it is important that you completely understandall
performance and care proceduresbeforeoperating this vehicle.
For example, without reading further, would you know:
[II01300(ALL)01/96]
n
What to do if you get a flat tire? (Refer toFlat tirein the
Index)
[II01400(ALL)01/96]
n
What it means if the O/D OFF light is illuminated on your
instrument panel? (Refer toOverdrivein the Index)
[II01500(ALL)01/96]
n
How to engage the childproof safety lock on the sliding
door? (Refer toChildproof lockin the Index)
[II01600(ALL)01/96]
n
That your automatic transaxle will not shift out of PARK (P)
until you depress the brake pedal? (Refer toGearshiftin the
Index)
*
[II01605(ALL)01/96]
Ford's Commitment to You
*
[II01610(ALL)01/96]
At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous
commitment to achieve the best result possible. It is dedication
to learning what you want, determination to develop the right
concept, and execution of that concept with care, precision, and
attention to detail. In short, excellence means being the standard
by which others are judged.
*
[II01615(ALL)01/96]
Our Guiding Principles
*
[II01620(ALL)01/96]
n
Quality comes first.For your satisfaction, the quality of our
products and services must be our number one priority.
*
[II01625(ALL)01/96]
n
You are the focus of everything we do.Our work must be
done with you in mind, providing better products and
services than our competition.
File:02vxiin.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:44:18 1996

148
*
[SS13270(ALL)05/96]
Children and Air Bags
*
[SS13280(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: For additional important safety information on the
proper use of seat belts, child seats, and infant seats,
please read the entire Safety Restraints chapter in this
owner guide.
*
[SS13290(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Children should always wear their safety belts. Failure to
follow these instructions may increase the risk of
personal injury in the event of a collision.
%*
[SS13310(ALL)05/96]
How Does the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
Work?
[SS13320(ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System is designed to
activate when the vehicle is in a collision similar to hitting a
fixed barrier head on at 8-14 mph. The fact that the air bags did
not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong
with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the
type sufficient to cause activation.
*
[SS13330(ALL)05/96]
If the vehicle is in a moderate or severe frontal collision, the
system is activated and the air bags inflate rapidly. After the air
bag inflates, it will quickly deflate. After the air bag
deployment, you may notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or
smell the burnt propellant. This is normal. The residue may
consist of cornstarch or talcum powder (which is used to
lubricate the air bag) or sodium compounds, such as sodium
carbonates (e.g. baking soda) that result from the combustion
process that inflates the air bag. Small amounts of sodium
hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes,
but none of the residue is toxic. The Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System will reduce, but not eliminate all injuries in an
accident.
File:06vxssn.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 10:54:22 1996

230
%*
[GF12500(ALL)05/96]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF12800(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF12900(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[GF13000(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[GF13100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
*
[GF13700(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading Information
*
[GF13800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all the available space.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire sizes, rim sizes
and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the
assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The certification label is located on the pillar in the driver's
door opening.
*
[GF13900(ALL)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
233
%*
[GF16200(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF16300(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[GF16400(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on each axle system.
*
[GF16500(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is why
it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[GF16600(ALL)01/96]
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific tire pressure.
*
[GF16700(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF16800(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF16900(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[GF17000(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

256
%*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
Changing a Flat Tire
*
[ER00505(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER00510(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[ER00515(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a temporary spare tire (unless you ordered the
optional full-size spare tire). This spare tire is smaller than a
regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can. This
spare tire is marked with the words TEMPORARY USE ONLY
so that you can easily identify it.
*
[ER00520(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[ER00525(ALL)01/96]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[ER00530(ALL)01/96]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances
*
[ER00535(ALL)01/96]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal
*
[ER00540(ALL)01/96]
n
tow a trailer
*
[ER00545(ALL)01/96]
n
use tire chains
*
[ER00550(ALL)01/96]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel
*
[ER00555(ALL)01/96]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

Roadside Emergencies
267
*
[ER00775(ALL)01/96]7.
Turn the lug nut wrench (attached to the jack handle)
clockwise to raise the vehicle off the ground.
*
[ER00780(ALL)01/96]8.
Remove the wheel lug nuts with the lug nut wrench.
*
[ER00785(ALL)01/96]9.
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire.
*
[ER00790(ALL)01/96]10.
Place the wheel lug nuts on the spare tire. Use the lug nut
wrench to screw the lug nuts snug against the wheel, but do
not tighten fully.
*
[ER00795(ALL)01/96]11.
Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
*
[ER00800(ALL)01/96]12.
Use the wheel lug wrench to tighten lug nuts in the
appropriate sequence. Re-check for complete tightness.
%*
[ER00805(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040176-A
Lug nut tightening sequence
[ER00810(ALL)01/96]
The lug nuts should be tightened to 72-87 ft-lb (98-118 N%m).
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

268
*
[ER00815(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different than the original
equipment as this could damage the wheel or mounting
system. This damage could allow the wheels to come off
while the vehicle is being driven.
*
[ER00820(ALL)01/96]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.
[ER00825(ALL)01/96]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.
*
[ER00830(ALL)01/96]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:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

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
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
307
*
[MC28300(ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
[MC28400(ALL)01/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
[MC28490(ALL)06/96]
Warning: the temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat build up and possible tire failure.
[MC28600(ALL)01/96]
The information on braking performance and tire quality
grading found in the ªFord Motor Company Passenger Car
Consumer Informationº pamphlet (FPS 12024-92) also applies to
the Villager. This publication is available from your dealer.
%*
[MC28700(ALL)01/96
]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC28800(ALL)03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide
traction in rain or snow. However, during the winter months in
some climates, you may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
315
*
[MC37950(ALL)01/96]
Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates
*
[MC38000(ALL)05/96]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve
the fuel economy shown.
*
[MC38050(ALL)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC38100(ALL)01/96]
n
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[MC38150(ALL)01/96]
n
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[MC38200(ALL)01/96]
n
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[MC38250(ALL)01/96]
n
Sudden stops
*
[MC38300(ALL)01/96]
n
Extended engine idling
*
[MC38350(ALL)01/96]
n
Using speed control in hilly terrain
[MC38400(ALL)01/96]
n
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
*
[MC38425(ALL)01/96]
n
Underinflated tires
[MC38450(ALL)01/96]
n
Heavy loads
[MC38475(ALL)01/96]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996