suspension Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

Driving
221
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[GF07700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
%*
[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF07900(ALL)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
%*
[GF08000(ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
[GF08100(ALL)05/96]
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique.
Push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly. In the event of a sudden
stop with ABS equipped vehicles, do not pump the brakes.
Pumping the brakes during an anti-lock stop will diminish
braking effectiveness.
*
[GF08200(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This
will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
*
[GF08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
%*
[GF08400(ALL)05/96]
Using the Parking Brake
[GF08500(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of the brake pedal. To set the
parking brake, press the brake pedal with your right foot and
hold it while you push the parking brake pedal down firmly
with your left foot.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
223
*
[GF09000(ALL)02/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
%*
[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
*
[GF09110(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF09120(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[GF09130(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
*
[GF09140(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, have the front suspension
and steering checked for possible damage.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 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

308
*
[MC28900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When using snow tires, make sure they are the same size
and grade as the tires you normally use on your vehicle.
*
[MC29000(ALL)01/96]
Do not use chains when using a temporary spare. For full size
tires, use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. When you use the tire chains:
*
[MC29100(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure the chains are the right size for your tires. Use
only SAE Class ªSº chains. Other types may damage your
vehicle.
*
[MC29200(ALL)01/96]
n
Put chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC29300(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[MC29400(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC29500(ALL)01/96]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
*
[MC29600(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996