Mercury Villager 1998 Owner's Manuals

Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir the next
few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a
50/50 mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid level to the
fill line on the reservoir.
WARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow these steps
to avoid personal injury caused by escaping steam or engine
coolant:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the
cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise to the first stop.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use
the cloth to press the cap down, turn it counterclockwise, and
remove it.
Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or an equivalent premium engine coolant that
meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford Premium Engine
Coolant is an optimized formula that will protect all metals and
rubber elastomers used in Ford cooling systems for 4 years or
50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use
supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle. These additives
may harm your engine cooling system.The use of an improper coolant
may void the warranty of your vehicle's engine cooling system.
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Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced by
Ford-approved processes. Not all coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A,
and use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant Refill Capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can
hold, seeRefill capacities for fluidsin the Index.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add more than a quart (liter) of engine coolant per
month.
Severe Winter Climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than -34É F [-36É C]),
it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%. Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure
the coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that the
coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in which you
drive during winter months. Never increase the engine coolant
concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.
Checking hoses
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for deterioration, leaks
and loose clamps before adding or replacing engine coolant.
Make whatever repairs or replacements are necessary using
Motorcraft parts or their equivalents.
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Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
To have your engine coolant drained, see your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer or refer to the procedure in the Service
Manual.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a year
(i.e., every Spring and Fall).
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
1. Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid
reaches normal operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when the engine coolant
temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is near the
center of the NORMAL operating temperature range.
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and forth
several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is installed at
this time.
3. Then turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir.
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289

5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small
amounts, continuously checking the level, until the fluid is
between the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) lines on the
reservoir. Do not overfill. To find out how much fluid your
vehicle's reservoir for the power steering fluid will hold, see
Refill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant Specifications
in theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford Specification such
as MERCONtATF XT-2-QDX (or equivalent).
NOTE: If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your
vehicle for a long period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering pump.
If you must check the power steering fluid when it is cold, make
sure that the fluid reaches at least the minimum (MIN) mark.
The reading will only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 70É to 100É F (21É to 38É C).
Power steering fluid reservoir
290

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle since your vehicle does not use up
transmission fluid. However, if the transaxle is not working
properly (for example, slipping or shifting slowly), or you notice
some sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
It is best to check the transmission fluid level at normal operating
temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without having
to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above 50É F (10É C).
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period
at high speeds or in city traffic during hot weather, or
if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to
cool before checking.
Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking brake
and leave the engine running.
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
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291

When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the
fluid level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
When the vehicle has not been driven, and outside temperature
is above 50É F (10É C), the fluid level should be between the notches
on the dipstick.
WARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the transmission
fluid level is below the bottom notch on the dipstick.
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick. Before adding any
fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (0.25 liter) increments through the filler
tube to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Engine compartment main fuse panel
292

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

Air Filter
The air filter should not be cleaned and reused. Replace it according
to the maintenance intervals shown in theMaintenance Schedule
booklet. When replacing the filter, unclip the four clamps and
remove the filter. Wipe the inside of the air filter housing with
a damp cloth when replacing the filter.
WARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start the
engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
Air filter housing
296