Mercury Villager 1998 Owner's Manuals

Maintenance and Care
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Cleaning Your Vehicle
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with a
mild detergent.
DO NOT:
mWash your vehicle with hot water
mWash your vehicle while it sits in direct sunlight
mWash your vehicle while the body is hot
Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint,
especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as necessary
to keep it clean.
Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical
industrial fallout.
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in
paint materials or workmanship and therefore, is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual improvement
in customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this reason, Ford has
authorized their dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner,
the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by environmental fallout
within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) of purchase,
whichever comes first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford representative.
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and protect the
finish.
Maintenance and Care
329

Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do not
use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
Cleaning Plastic Parts
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with
a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner
for routine cleaning.
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove oversprayed
rustproofing with a tar and road oil remover. If rustproofing is
not removed from plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners to clean the lamps, as these may cause scratches or crack
the lamps.
Cleaning the Wheels
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel
wool, abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to clean with regular
detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the directions on
the container and rinse the tires with plenty of clean water.
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
330

Cleaning the Engine
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than
normal.
mExtreme care must be used if a power washer is used to clean
the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate sealed
parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
mIn order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block, do not
spray a hot engine with cold water.
mThe alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water
damage.
mNever wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
Maintenance and Care
331

Cleaning the Seats
Leather
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth.
For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a leather and
vinyl cleaner or a mild soap.
Fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum
cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that
come with the cleaner.
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a small, hidden area
of fabric. If the fabric's color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not use it.
Cleaning the Safety Belts
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is
recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach
or dye the belt because this may weaken it.
Cleaning the Instrument Panel Lens
Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth and a glass
cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, or
equivalent. Do not use paper towel or any abrasive cleaner to
clean the lens as these may cause scratches.
332

Vehicle Storage
Maintenance Tips
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of
time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance
recommendations to keep your vehicle in good operating condition.
General
mStore your vehicle in a dry, ventilated place.
mProtect from sunlight, if possible.
mWhen your vehicle is stored outside, it will require regular
maintenance to protect against rust and damage.
Body
mWash your vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar
or mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housings and
underside of front fenders.
mTouch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
mCover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of
auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when your vehicle is washed.
mLubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
mCover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
mKeep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Maintenance and Care
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Engine
mStart the engine every 15 days. Run it at fast idle until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
mWith your foot on the brake, shift the transaxle into all gears
while the engine is running.
Fuel system
mFill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first
automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or
more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system
and may also clog small orifices.
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or expected
storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions on the
label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate
the additive throughout the fuel system.
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will
protect the fuel system's inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow
the instructions packaged with the product.
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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
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Notes
336