tire type Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

148
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[SS13270(ALL)05/96]
Children and Air Bags
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[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.
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[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.
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[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

Seating and Safety Restraints
163
[SS19890(ALL)01/96]
The automatic locking mode is activated whenever all of the
belt webbing is pulled out of the retractor.
[SS19910(ALL)01/96]
While in this mode, the belt will retract or tighten but cannot be
pulled back out to obtain more length. To disengage the
automatic locking mode, unbuckle the belt and allow the
webbing to retract fully.
%*
[SS19950(ALL)04/96]
Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps
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[SS19970(ALL)04/96]
Some manufacturers make safety seats that include a tether
strap that goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to
an anchoring point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap
as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of your child safety
seat for information about ordering a tether strap.
[SS20000(ALL)01/96]
All vehicles built for sale in Canada include tether anchor
hardware for use with Canadian child safety seats. The tether
anchor hardware is located in the tire changing tool kit.
Additional tether anchor hardware can be obtained at no charge
from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
[SS20100(ALL)01/96]
Vehicles built for sale in the USAdo notinclude tether anchor
hardware, but it can be obtained at no charge from any Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer (Part number F3XY-12613D20-A).
[SS20205(ALL)01/96]
The chart below specifies, for each seat type and position, where
the tether strap must be attached to the vehicle and the section
containing the appropriate instructions for tethering.
File:06vxssn.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 10:54:22 1996

230
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[GF12500(ALL)05/96]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
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[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.
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[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
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[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.
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[GF12900(ALL)01/96]
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Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
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[GF13000(ALL)01/96]
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Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
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[GF13100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
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[GF13700(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading Information
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[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

256
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[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
Changing a Flat Tire
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[ER00525(ALL)01/96]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
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[ER00530(ALL)01/96]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances
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[ER00535(ALL)01/96]
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load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal
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[ER00540(ALL)01/96]
n
tow a trailer
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[ER00545(ALL)01/96]
n
use tire chains
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[ER00550(ALL)01/96]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel
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[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

Maintenance and Care
305
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[MC26100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial,
bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that
are listed on the tire pressure decal. Make sure that all
tires are the same size, speed rating, and load-carrying
capacity. Use only the tire combinations recommended on
the decal. If you do not follow these precautions, your
vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
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[MC26200(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size,
type, load-carrying capacity, and tread design (e.g. ªAll
Terrainº, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
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[MC26300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect
the handling of the vehicle and make it easier to lose
control and roll over.
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[MC26400(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires
may affect the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer.
%*
[MC26500(ALL)03/96
]
Wheel and Tire Matching
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[MC26510(ALL)03/96]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper servicing procedures.
Wheels and tires must be properly removed, matched and
remounted to maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[MC27400(ALL)01/96
]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
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[MC27500(ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their Tire Quality
Grade (described below) molded into the tire's sidewall. These
Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has set.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

306
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[MC27600(ALL)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on
this vehicle. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (254-305 mm) or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
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[MC27700(ALL)01/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire quality grades:The
U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly as the
government has written it.
%*
[MC27800(ALL)01/96
]
Treadwear
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[MC27900(ALL)01/96]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
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[MC28000(ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
[MC28100(ALL)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C,
and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
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[MC28200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

308
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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