towing Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manuals

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.
File:02vxiin.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:44:18 1996

Starting
215
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[TO09020(ALL)03/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle.
[TO09025(ALL)01/96]
The fuel pump shut-off switch reset button is located below the
hood release handle.
[TO09030(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040048-C
Fuel pump shut-off switch reset button location
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[TO09035(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
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[TO09040(ALL)01/96]
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
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[TO09045(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
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[TO09050(ALL)03/96]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[TO09055(ALL)01/96]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the fuel pump shut-off
reset button down. If the red button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical or electrical problem.
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[TO09060(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
File:08vxton.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:53:35 1996

230
%*
[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]
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Stay within the load limits when you tow.
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[GF12800(ALL)01/96]
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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.
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[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
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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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[GF16900(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
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[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

Driving
235
[GF17830(ALL)05/96]
Load Calculation Ð Trailers
[GF17840(ALL)01/96]
The trailer towing table shows the maximum allowable trailer
weight and maximum GCWR for vehicles with and without the
trailer towing package.
[GF17850(ALL)01/96]
For a particular vehicle, the allowable trailer weight may be
lower depending upon the vehicle's actual gross vehicle weight.
(GVW is the weight of the vehicle including passengers,
equipment, cargo.)
[GF17860(ALL)01/96]
You must determine the appropriate trailer weight for your
vehicle at its particular GVW while adhering to GVWR, GAWR,
GCWR and maximum trailer weight ratings.
[GF17870(ALL)01/96]
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Fill the fuel tank.
[GF17875(ALL)01/96]
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Load the vehicle as it would be loaded when towing a
trailer (including cargo, trailer hitch, etc.).
[GF17880(ALL)01/96]
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Weigh the vehicle to determine its GVW. Do not exceed
GVWR and GAWR.
[GF17885(ALL)01/96]
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Obtain the appropriate GCWR from the trailer towing table.
[GF17890(ALL)01/96]
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Subtract the loaded vehicle weight (GVW) from the GCWR.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can pull
given its particular GVW.
%*
[GF18000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing table
[GF18050(ALL)01/96]
eight pica
chart:0040244-BFile:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

236
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[GF18080(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
[GF18090(ALL)01/96]
To determine actual GCW, weigh the total vehicle and trailer
and also weigh the trailer separately to verify its weight.
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[GF18200(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
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[GF18300(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
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[GF18500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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[GF18600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
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[GF18700(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[GF18800(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[GF18900(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
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[GF19000(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
[GF19100(ALL)01/96]
An optional trailer towing package is available for towing
trailers up to 3,500 lbs. (1587 kg). Use a frame-mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

238
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[GF20200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
[GF20210(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Tow Module (If equipped)
[GF20220(ALL)01/96]
The trailer tow module on your vehicle (if equipped) allows
turn/stop lamp control on a trailer being towed by your
vehicle.
[GF20230(ALL)01/96]
The trailer tow package includes:
[GF20240(ALL)01/96]
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trail or tow module which draws power from the vehicle
stop lamp fuse
[GF20250(ALL)01/96]
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one SAE J1239 specified connector
[GF20260(ALL)01/96]
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one extension harness within the rear bumper
[GF20270(ALL)01/96]
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your vehicle,
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
%*
[GF20300(ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
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[GF20400(ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
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[GF20500(ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
*
[GF20600(ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 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
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Roadside Emergencies
259
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[ER00615(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040173-B
Removing the spare tire retainer
*
[ER00620(ALL)01/96]
Stowing the spare tire
[ER00625(ALL)05/96]1.
To raise the tire to the stowed position, lay the tire on the
ground with the inboard side facing up. Install the retainer
through the wheel center and slide the tire under the vehicle.
Fit the hex-shaped end of the lug wrench over the hex nut
in the floor of the cargo area. Turn the lug wrench clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original position underneath the
vehicle.
[ER00630(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The lug wrench ratchets when the tire is raised to the
stowed position. It will not allow you to over-tighten.
*
[ER00635(ALL)01/96]2.
Check for proper seating against the underbody supports
and retighten if necessary.
*
[ER00640(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Make sure the spare tire and jacking equipment are
stowed and secured in the proper storage location.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

268
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[ER00815(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different than the original
equipment as this could damage the wheel or mounting
system. This damage could allow the wheels to come off
while the vehicle is being driven.
*
[ER00820(ALL)01/96]13.
Replace the wheel cover by pressing it into place. If you
have the standard wheel covers, you must align the notch in
the wheel cover with the tire's valve stem and align the
recess in the back of the wheel cover with one of the lug
nuts. If you have the optional aluminum wheel, press the
center wheel cap into place after matching up the design of
the wheel cap to the wheel.
[ER00825(ALL)01/96]14.
Make sure the jack is securely fastened. When you replace
the jack in the jack storage compartment, place the base
against the square-shaped fastening bracket and open the
jack slightly so that the jack is snug against the fastening
brackets.
*
[ER00830(ALL)01/96]15.
Store the flat tire under the vehicle just as you would store
the spare tire. Refer to the section onStowing the Spare Tire
in this chapter.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996