tow Mercury Villager 1998 s User Guide

Using the Panic Alarm
If you are near your vehicle and feel threatened, you may
activate the alarm to call attention to it.
To activate the PANIC alarm, push and hold the PANIC button
on the remote for longer than 1.5 seconds. The horn will sound and
the headlamps and tail lights will flash for thirty (30) seconds.
To turn off the alarm, press the LOCK or UNLOCK buttons or hold
the PANIC button down for longer than 1.5 seconds.
Replacing the Batteries
The remote entry transmitter is powered by two coin type Sanyo
CR2016 3 volt batteries (included). If you notice a significant
decrease in operating range, the batteries should be replaced.
Replacement batteries can be purchased at most pharmacies, watch
stores or at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
NOTE: The operating range of the remote entry system can
also be affected by weather conditions (such as very
cold temperatures) or structures around the vehicle
(buildings, other vehicles, radio and TV towers,
etc.). Typical operating range will allow you to be up to
49 feet (15 meters) away from your vehicle.
Replacing the batteries
11 4

Using Power Seats (If equipped)
If your vehicle has power front seats, you can adjust the driver
seat in six directions:
mforward (using the power slide switch)
mrearward (using the power slide switch)
mraise the seat (using the power seat height switch)
mlower the seat (using the power seat height switch)
mtilt seat back towards the front (using the power recline
switch)
mtilt seat back towards the back (using the power recline
switch)
The power lumbar switches (if equipped) provide built-in
support for the driver 's lower back.
minflate the lumbar support pad
mdeflate the lumbar support pad
The passenger seat can be adjusted in four directions:
mforward (using the power slide switch)
mrearward (using the power slide switch)
mtilt toward the front (using the power recline switch)
mtilt toward the back (using the power recline switch)
The controls are located on the side of the seat closest to the
door. The seat can be adjusted even without the key in the ignition.
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Storage Compartments
Underseat Storage Compartment (If equipped)
The underseat storage compartment is located underneath the
front passenger seat. It can be opened by pulling it toward the
instrument panel.
The underseat storage compartment
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Front Seat Cupholders
The front seat cupholders are located on the side of the
passenger's seat. Find the indented ledge and pull it down, away
from the side of the seat, toward the driver seat. When the
cupholder is not in use, push the cupholders into the cover and
lift the cover into its fully stored position.
NOTE: Do not place heavy objects in the cupholders.
Using the front seat cupholders
Seating and Safety Restraints
127

Tethering to floor anchor
Ford recommends placing tethered safety seats in a rear seating
position with the tether strap attached to the tether anchor bolt as
shown in the following illustration.
To gain access to the anchoring bolt, cut through the plastic
along the U-shaped tether location outlines on the carpet of the
luggage area. Remove the bolt that is currently in the anchor
location. The tether anchor hardware has been preassembled.
To attach it, orient the tab in the bracket toward the front of the
vehicle and securely tighten the bolt. Follow the child safety
seat directions for attaching the tether strap to the anchor bracket.
Tether anchor point locations
162

6. Confirm that the built-in child seat is locked in the stowed
position by grasping the safety seat cushion and attempting
to lower it without pulling the cushion release strap.
7. If the built-in child seat is not locked in the stowed position,
repeat steps 4 through 6.
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Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle.
The fuel pump shut-off switch reset button is located below the
hood release handle.
WARNING
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.
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
1. Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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.
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
Fuel pump shut-off switch reset button location
Starting
211

N (Neutral)
In N (Neutral), the transaxle is not locked. Your vehicle will roll
freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the parking brake
or brakes are on.
Parking
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park) position,
pull it toward you, push it completely counterclockwise against the
stop, and then push it toward the instrument panel.
The gearshift is securely latched in Park (P) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
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
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
Forced Downshifts
To gain extra acceleration in Drive (D) (when passing another
vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear - third,
second or first.
Driving
225

Driving Through Water
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the
depth is unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and
if the ignition system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water
may also enter your engine's air intake and cause severe damage
to your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable,
proceed very slowly. Never drive through water that is higher
than the bottom of wheel rims.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not
stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
Driving With a Heavy Load
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.
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.
WARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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Vehicle/Trailer Loads
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).
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Always use
the proper equipment for the type of trailer you tow.
mStay within the load limits when you tow.
mCarefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use and install the proper equipment. See
Preparing to Towin this section.
mUse extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
mService your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
Vehicle Loading Information
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, wheel 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.
Driving
227