maintenance schedule Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

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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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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277
Maintenance and Care
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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.
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282
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Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity arePREFERREDfor
your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel
economy and engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
[MC15500(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040196-B
Selecting the right viscosity for your climate
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[MC15575(ALL)03/96
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Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
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[MC15580(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock may be experienced. It
is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft
oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
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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.
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[MC16600(ALL)01/96]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
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[MC16650(ALL)01/96
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Adding engine oil
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC16900(ALL)01/96
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Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
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[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.
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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.
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[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.
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[MC22300(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC22700(ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
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[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
315
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Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates
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[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.
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[MC38050(ALL)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
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[MC38100(ALL)01/96]
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Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
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[MC38150(ALL)01/96]
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Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
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[MC38200(ALL)01/96]
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Driving with your foot on the brake
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[MC38250(ALL)01/96]
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Sudden stops
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[MC38300(ALL)01/96]
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Extended engine idling
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[MC38350(ALL)01/96]
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Using speed control in hilly terrain
[MC38400(ALL)01/96]
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Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
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[MC38425(ALL)01/96]
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Underinflated tires
[MC38450(ALL)01/96]
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Heavy loads
[MC38475(ALL)01/96]
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Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
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316
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[MC38500(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
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[MC38505(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
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[MC38510(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
[MC38515(ALL)05/96]
Malfunctions in the engine or exhaust system can result in
excessive exhaust system temperatures. Under extreme
conditions (for example, towing a trailer up a steep hill on a
very hot day with a malfunctioning engine or exhaust system),
high exhaust system temperatures could be damaging.
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[MC38525(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
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[MC38530(ALL)01/96]
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Use only unleaded fuel.
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[MC38535(ALL)01/96]
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Avoid running out of fuel.
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[MC38540(ALL)01/96]
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Never turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
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[MC38545(ALL)03/96]
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Have the services listed in yourMaintenance Schedulebooklet
performed according to the specified schedule.
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[MC38550(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
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