Battery Mercury Villager 1998 s User Guide

Jump-Starting
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in the way of
moving engine parts, then start the booster vehicle. Run the
engine at a moderate speed.
2. Let the discharged battery charge for a few minutes and then
start the disabled vehicle. It may take a couple of tries before
the vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start after several
attempts, there may be a different problem.
3. When both vehicles are running, let them idle for a few
minutes to charge the discharged battery.
Removing jumper cables
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the reverse order.
Remove the negative (±) end of the jumper cable from the
metallic surface on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
2. Remove the negative (±) cable from the booster battery.
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the booster battery.
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
discharged battery.
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin theMaintenance
and Carechapter.
Towing Your Vehicle
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
DO NOT TOW YOUR VILLAGER WITH SLINGBELT
EQUIPMENT. Ford Motor Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook sling-type procedure. Use wheel lift or flatbed
equipment.
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NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
mYour vehicle is equipped with an automatic cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without warning. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
mDo not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
mNever get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a jack.
If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
mKeep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away from
the battery and all fuel-related parts.
If you plan to work under the hood while the engine is off:
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING
Always remove the key from the ignition after you turn
off the engine.
276

NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
NOTE: Always use Motorcraft MERCONtor equivalent
MERCONtautomatic transmission fluid when you
refill your automatic transmission fluid.
Battery
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery normally does not
require additional water during its life of service. However, for
severe service usage or in high temperature climates, check your
battery electrolyte level, at least every 24 months or 24,000
miles (40,000 km). Keep the electrolyte in each cell up to the ``level''
indicator. Do not overfill the battery cells. For longer,
trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry.
Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire
brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
Maintenance and Care
293

and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done cleaning them,
and apply a small quantity of grease to the top of each battery
terminal to help prevent corrosion.
Battery Replacement
If your original equipment battery requires replacement while
under warranty, it will be replaced with a Motorcraft service
battery, identical in design technology. Like the original
equipment battery, it should not require water addition during its
normal life of service; however, for severe service usage or in
high temperature climates, check your battery electrolyte level, at
least every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40 000 km). Do not
overfill the battery cells.
NOTE: If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is
re-installed after the battery is replaced.
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low, you can add plain
tap water to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water
(water with a high mineral or alkali content). If possible, however,
try to only fill the battery cells with distilled water. If the
battery needs water often, have the charging system checked.
Help Us Protect Our Environment
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
Battery recycling symbol
294

WARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always shield
your face and eyes. Make sure that you can breathe
fresh air.
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes, and
clothing.
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing, immediately
flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If someone
swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable oil. Call a
doctor immediately.
WARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
Maintenance and Care
295

Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds after
you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
Information about your vehicle's emissions control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives
some tune-up specifications.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
In some localities it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M
test of the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system. If your``Service
Engine Soon''light is on, reference the applicable light
description in the Warning Light and Gauges section of your
owners guide. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with the
``Service Engine Soon''light on.
If the vehicles powertrain system or battery has just been
serviced, the OBD-II system is reset to a ``not ready for I/M test''
condition. To ready the OBD-II system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary
as described below:
mFirst, at least ten minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
mNext, at least twenty minutes of driving in stop-and-go,
city-type driving with at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least 8 hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle.
The engine must warm up to it's normal operating
temperature. Once started, do not turn off the engine until the
above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and Care
315

Cooling system
mProtect your vehicle against freezing temperatures.
Battery
mCheck and recharge the battery as necessary.
mKeep connections clean and covered with a light coat of
grease.
Brakes
mMake sure the brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
mMaintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
mMake sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under
the vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
mLubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
Maintenance and Care
335

Engine Compartment
Your vehicle has a 3.0 liter EFI, V-6 engine. The following
illustration will show a diagram of your engine and where you
can find items that you should service regularly.
1. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Brake Fluid Reservoir
4. Air Filter
5. Battery
6. Engine Compartment Fuse and Relay Box
7. Radiator Cap
8. Engine Oil Filler Cap
9. Engine Oil Dipstick
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
11. Engine Compartment Relay Box
12. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Capacities and Specifications
341

Roadside Assistance
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators who put you in touch with the help
you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle. This
complimentary service is provided to you throughout your
warranty period of 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km),
whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto Club in the
United States or Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada),
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional Roadside
Assistance coverage is unavailable in Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands.
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
mMount your spare if you have a flat tire.
mJump-start your battery if it is dead.
mUnlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
mBring you fuel if you run out.
mTow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in mud or snow, are
covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing
and repossession).
How to use Roadside Assistance
Your Roadside Assistance (Mercury Commitment) identification
card can be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
Customer Assistance
345

Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..............223
fluid, adding.......................291
B
Backing up.........................222
Battery
acid, treating emergencies............268, 294, 295
charging system warning light..............14
disconnecting......................272
proper disposal, recycling................294
voltage gauge.......................14
when storing your vehicle................335
Brake fluid.........................282
brake warning light....................9
checking and adding...................282
description........................282
specifications....................283, 339
Brakes...........................215
adjustment........................215
anti-lock.........................215
applying the brakes...................218
brake warning light....................9
fluid, checking and adding................282
fluid, refill capacities...................282
fluid, specifications.................283, 339
front disc........................215
if brakes do not grip well..............217, 218
lubricant specifications..................339
master cylinder.....................282
new brake linings.....................5
noise........................215, 217
parking.........................218
power braking......................215
374