tires Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

Driving
229
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[GF11900(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
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[GF12000(ALL)01/96]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
*
[GF12100(ALL)01/96]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
*
[GF12200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF12300(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg)
provided the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the
GVWR shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
With the optional trailer tow package, your vehicle can tow a
trailer up to 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg).
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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.
*
[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]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
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[GF13000(ALL)01/96]
n
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).
*
[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.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
233
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[GF16200(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
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[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).
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Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

260
%*
[ER00645(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
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[ER00650(ALL)01/96]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack properly placed
at the front or rear jacking points.
*
[ER00655(ALL)05/96]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll and that
the tires and jack are on a level, solid surface. Put the
gearshift lever in P (Park). Set the parking brake and block
the wheel Ð in both directions Ð that is diagonally opposite
the tire that you are changing.
*
[ER00660(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving
or slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
*
[ER00665(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a
tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both
directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other
side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
*
[ER00670(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
[ER00675(ALL)05/96]2.
Get out the spare tire and jack. See previous section for
instructions on spare tire removal. The jack is located in the
rear storage compartment in the right door panel of the
cargo area. You will have to unfasten the jack before
removing it as shown in the illustration. The jack handle is
in the tool kit located behind the jack.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
301
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[MC22900(ALL)08/95]
To replace the wiper blades:
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and into the
lock position.
[MC23100(ALL)01/96]2.
Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Push the
lock pin to release the blade and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it from the arm.
*
[MC23200(ALL)08/95]3.
Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
[MC23300(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040235-B
Replacing the wiper blades
%*
[MC23400(ALL)01/96]
Tires
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[MC23500(ALL)03/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
Always follow these precautions:
*
[MC23600(ALL)02/96]
n
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC23700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
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Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

302
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[MC23800(ALL)03/96]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
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[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
303
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[MC24700(ALL)01/96]
Inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If
you suspect internal damage to the tire, have it removed and
checked. You may need to repair or replace it.
%*
[MC24800(ALL)01/96
]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC24900(ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following
diagram.
*
[MC25000(ALL)03/96]
In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
[MC25100(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040199-B
Rotating the tires
[MC25200(ALL)01/96]
After each rotation, adjust individual tire pressure as specified
on the Tire Pressure Decal. Tighten wheel lug nuts to the
required torque specification and retighten again after 500 miles
(800 km).
*
[MC25300(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has the optional full-size spare tire, you may
rotate the spare tire into the rotation pattern.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

304
[MC25400(ALL)01/96]
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.
[MC25500(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, you may remove the
spare tire from the wheel and remount it on an aluminum
wheel to rotate the spare tire into your vehicle's rotation
pattern.
%*
[MC25600(ALL)01/96
]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC25700(ALL)01/96]
Replace tires that show wear bands. When your tire shows a
wear band, it has only 1/16 of an inch (1.59 mm) of tread left.
*
[MC25800(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040200-A
A worn-out tire
*
[MC25900(ALL)02/96]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly, you may need
to replace them before a wear band appears across the entire
tread.
*
[MC26000(ALL)03/96]
Your wheels and tires are match-mounted for improved ride.
Before you begin to repair a tire, mark the wheel and tire so
that they are properly aligned when remounted. This will
ensure that the tires will continue to give you the same ride
level.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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
*
[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
*
[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).
*
[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
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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