maintenance Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

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[PI00560(ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroduction..................... 1
Instrumentation.................... 7
Audio........................ 29
Controls and Features................. 53
Seating and Safety Restraints............. 123
Adjustable Rear Seating............... 181
Starting...................... 211
Driving...................... 219
Roadside Emergencies................ 243
Maintenance and Care................ 277
Capacities and Specifications............. 341
Reporting Safety Defects............... 347
Customer Assistance................ 349
Accessories..................... 359
Quick Index.................... 375
Index........................ 385
Service Station Information............. 404
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Update:Thu May 30 09:44:11 1996

Introduction
3
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[II01680(ALL)03/96]
TheQuick Indexat the end of the book provides a page
number following each item which indicates where detailed
information can be found.
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[II01685(ALL)01/96]
To use theIndex, turn to the back of the book and search in the
alphabetical listing for the word that best describes the
information you need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We have designed the
Index so that you can find information under a technical term.
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[II01687(ALL)01/96]
Canadian Owners Ð French Version
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[II01689(ALL)01/96]
French Owner Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by
writing to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service
Publications, P.O. Box 1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y
4G3.
[II02700(ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Schedule
[II02800(ALL)03/96]
As with any other member of your family, your new vehicle
requires routine care and regular check-ups. A separate
Maintenance Schedulebooklet is included to help you keep track
of all services performed and summarizes the day-to-day
services that are most important for keeping your vehicle in
good condition.
[II02900(ALL)01/96]
Warranties
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[II03000(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is covered by three types of warranties:Basic
Vehicle Warranty,Extended Warrantieson certain parts, and
Emissions Warranties.
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[II03400(ALL)01/96]
Read yourWarranty Information Bookletcarefully to find out
about your vehicle's warranties and your basic rights and
responsibilities.
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[II03600(ALL)03/96]
If you lose yourWarranty Information Booklet,you can get a new
one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer,
or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page
of this Owner's Guide.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:44:18 1996

4
[II04000(ALL)05/96]
Ford's Extended Service Plan (ESPH)
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[II04100(ALL)05/96]
More Protection for Your Vehicle
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[II04200(ALL)05/96]
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing a Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP). Ford ESP
is the only extended service program with the Ford name on it
and the only service contract backed by Ford Motor Company.
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[II04300(ALL)05/96]
Ford ESP is an optional service contract, backed and
administered by Ford. It provides:
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[II04400(ALL)05/96]
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protection against repair costs after your Bumper to Bumper
Warranty expires;
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[II04500(ALL)05/96]
and
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[II04600(ALL)05/96]
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other benefits during the warranty period (such as:
reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain maintenance
and wear items).
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[II04700(ALL)05/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford Motor
Company dealer. There are several Ford ESP plans available in
various time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental. (In Hawaii, rules vary. See your
dealer for details.)
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[II04800(ALL)05/96]
When you purchase Ford ESP, you receive peace-of-mind
protection throughout the United States and Canada, provided
by a network of more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor
Company dealers.
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[II04850(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United States and
Canada are not eligible for ESP coverage.
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[II04900(ALL)05/96]
This information is subject to change. Ask your dealer for
complete details about Ford ESP coverage.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:44:18 1996

Instrumentation
19
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[IS07600(ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
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[IS07700(ALL)03/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.
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[IS07800(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.
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[IS07900(ALL)03/96]3.
Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT
SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
[IS08000(ALL)01/96]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine, seeEngine
coolantin the Index. If you do not follow these instructions,
you or others could be injured.
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[IS08100(ALL)04/96]5.
Refer toAdding Engine Coolantin theMaintenance and Care
chapter. Add as much coolant as your engine needs. If the
engine continues to overheat, have the cooling system
serviced.
[IS08300(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040057-A
Engine coolant temperature gauge
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Update:Thu May 30 09:45:36 1996

146
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[SS13110(ALL)03/96]
Safety Belt Maintenance
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[SS13120(ALL)02/96]
Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that
they work properly and are not damaged.
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[SS13140(ALL)03/96]
All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front
seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if so equipped),
child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if so equipped), and
attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision. Ford
recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles
involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was
minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not
show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not
need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a
collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage
or improper operation is noted.
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[SS13200(ALL)05/96]
Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)
[SS13205(ALL)06/96]
THE SYSTEM MUST BE INSPECTED 10 YEARS AFTER DATE
OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ON THE CERTIFICATION
LABEL, or if the ªairbagº lamp does not go on during ignition,
flashes intermittently, or remains on.
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[SS13210(ALL)05/96]
Important Air Bag Precautions
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[SS13220(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a supplemental restraint system
designed to work with the safety belts to help protect you and
your right front seat passenger in the event of certain collisions
described in section ªHow Does the Air Bag Supplemental
System Work?º
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Seating and Safety Restraints
153
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[SS13430(ALL)05/96]
Determining If System Is Operational
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[SS13440(ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a readiness
light and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system
is operating normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
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[SS13450(ALL)05/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
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[SS13460(ALL)05/96]
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the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SS13470(ALL)05/96]
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the readiness light will not light immediately after ignition is
turned on,
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[SS13480(ALL)05/96]
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a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
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[SS13500(ALL)05/96]
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Air
Bag Supplemental Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system
may not function properly in the event of a collision.
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[SS13525(ALL)05/96]
Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag Equipped Vehicles
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[SS13550(ALL)05/96]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.
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Update:Thu Jun 6 10:54:22 1996

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.
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[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

274
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[ER02800(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting
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[ER02900(ALL)02/96]1.
Make sure that the jumper cables are not in the way of
moving engine parts, then start the booster vehicle. Run the
engine at a moderate speed.
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[ER03000(ALL)02/96]2.
Let the discharged battery charge for a few minutes and then
start the disabled vehicle. It may take a couple of tries before
the vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start after several
attempts, there may be a different problem.
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[ER03100(ALL)02/96]3.
When both vehicles are running, let them idle for a few
minutes to charge the discharged battery.
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[ER03200(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
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[ER03300(ALL)02/96]1.
Always remove the jumper cables in the reverse order.
Remove the negative (s) end of the jumper cable from the
metallic surface on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
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[ER03400(ALL)03/96]2.
Remove the negative (s) cable from the booster battery.
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[ER03500(ALL)02/96]3.
Remove the positive (+) cable from the booster battery.
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[ER03600(ALL)02/96]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
discharged battery.
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[ER03750(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin the
Maintenance and Carechapter.
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[ER11150(ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
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[ER11175(ALL)01/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[ER11200(ALL)01/96]
DO NOT TOW YOUR VILLAGER WITH SLINGBELT
EQUIPMENT. Ford Motor Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook sling-type procedure. Use wheel lift or
flatbed equipment.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

277
Maintenance and Care
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[MC01300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC01400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC01500(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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[MC01600(ALL)01/96]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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[MC01800(ALL)03/96]
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When possible, we design parts that can be replaced without
tools.
[MC01900(ALL)03/96]
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The Maintenance
Schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
[MC02150(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner's Manual.
[MC02225(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet be performed
for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert
for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that your
vehicle may need service. If you do notice something unusual,
see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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[MC02250(ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service
parts that meet Ford Motor Company specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best performance in
your vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your
assurance that Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
279
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[MC03400(ALL)01/96]
If you must work under the hood while the engine is
on:
[MC03450(ALL)01/96]
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
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[MC03700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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[MC03750(ALL)01/96]
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If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
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[MC03800(ALL)02/96
]
Opening the Hood
[MC03900(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the hood release handle, located below the fuse panel
door.
[MC04000(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040189-C
Hood release handle location
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996