key Mercury Villager 1998 s Owner's Guide

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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Determining If System Is Operational
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a readiness light
to indicate the condition of the system. The readiness light is in
the instrument cluster. When you turn the ignition key to ON, this
light will illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and then
turn off. This indicates that the system is operating normally.
NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
mthe readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
mthe readiness light will not light immediately after ignition is
turned on.
Inflated passenger side air bag
Seating and Safety Restraints
149

Fuel-Injected Engines
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most important thing to
remember is to avoid pressing down on the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you
have problems getting your vehicle started. SeeStarting Your Engine
in this chapter for details about when to use the accelerator
while you start your vehicle.
Starting Your Vehicle
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
WARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
Before you start your vehicle, always:
1. Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety
belts. SeeSafety beltsin the Index for more details.
2. Make sure the headlamps and other accessories are turned off
when starting.
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is set before you turn the key.
4. Observe the warning lights on the instrument cluster to make
sure they work. Refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Starting Your Engine
To start your engine:
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
Starting
207

2. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key to
ON.
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is
parked.
4. Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the engine
starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly because it may be binding.
For a cold engine:
mAt temperatures10É F (-12É C) and below:If the engine does
not start infifteen (15) secondson the first try, turn the key
to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood
the engine, then try again.
mAt temperaturesabove 10É F (-12É C):If the engine does not
start infive (5) secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the
engine, then try again.
For a warm engine:
mDo not hold the key in the START position for more thanfive
(5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within five
(5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF position. Wait
a few seconds after the starter stops, then try again.
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds.Keep
your foot on the brake pedaland release the parking brake. Put
the gearshift lever in gear, slowly release the brake pedal and
drive away in the normal manner.
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NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake
pedal.
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
4. Release the ignition key when the engine starts.
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may
have been activated. For directions on how to reset the switch
seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however,
slow down after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed
checked.
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have the
vehicle checked.
WARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
Starting
209

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

Read the sectionClimate Control Systemsfor instructions on
bringing fresh outside air into your vehicle. Refer to the Index.
Removing the Key From the Ignition
OFF/LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the
key from the ignition. The LOCK feature helps to protect your
vehicle from theft, because it also locks the steering wheel
and the gearshift lever when the key is removed.
If your key is stuck in the LOCK position, and you are unable to
turn it, move your steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely in the lock.
To remove your key from the ignition:
1. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
2. Set the parking brake fully.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key.
WARNING
When you leave your vehicle, place the gearshift lever in
P (Park). Set the parking brake fully, and shut off the
engine. Never park your vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do
not take these precautions, your vehicle may move
suddenly and injure someone.
WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
Starting
213

NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains operational.
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS providing that the radio is installed according to the radio
manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have had a
mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light comes
on (at any time other than immediately after turning the key
to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect the
installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other than during
maximum braking, have your mobile radio installation
checked.
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ``Low''
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking brake
several times. If the condition has not improved, you should
have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal.
However, if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more
frequent, return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
WARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
Driving
217

Shift-lock Safety Feature
Your vehicle has a special shift-lock safety feature which prevents
you from shifting out of P (Park) without the brake pedal
depressed. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park) position, the
ignition must be in the ON position and your foot must be
pressing on the brake pedal.
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position with
the brake pedal depressed:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn it to the first position (OFF).
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate
procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown
and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please refer
to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin this Owner Guide
for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
WARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
Backing Up
Before shifting into or out of R (Reverse), you should always
come to a complete stop.
222

Hazard Flasher Switch
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers to hazardous
situations.
The hazard flasher switch operates the same lamps as the turn
signal lever. When the hazard flasher is activated, all of these lamps
will flash on and off. The turn signal indicators cannot be used
when the hazard lamps are flashing. Operation of the hazard
flashers does not affect operation of the brakelamps.
The flashers work even with the key out of the ignition. The
flashers will work for up to two hours when the battery is fully
charged and in good condition. They will not drain the
battery excessively. If the flashers run for longer than two hours
or if your battery is not fully charged, your battery may be
drained to the point where the vehicle will not start.
The hazard flasher switch is located on the instrument panel to
the right of the instrument cluster.
Roadside Emergencies
241