tow Mercury Villager 1998 s Owner's 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.
272

When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of vehicle
you have. A towing manual is available from Ford Motor
Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow
truck driver refer to this manual for the proper hook-up and
towing procedures for your vehicle.
Towing the vehicle
Roadside Emergencies
273

To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and into the
lock position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin to release the blade and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it from the arm.
3. Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
Replacing the wiper blades
298

Emission Control System
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which enables
your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
WARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel system, the interior
floor covering, or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Malfunctions in the engine or exhaust system can result in
excessive exhaust system temperatures. Under extreme conditions
(for example, towing a trailer up a steep hill on a very hot day
with a malfunctioning engine or exhaust system), high exhaust
system temperatures could be damaging.
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
mUse only unleaded fuel.
mAvoid running out of fuel.
mNever turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
mHave the services listed in yourMaintenance Schedulebooklet
performed according to the specified schedule.
Maintenance and Care
313

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 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

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

Controls
mirrors..........................109
Convenience kit in cargo area................255
Coolant (see Engine coolant)................285
checking and adding...................285
drain and flush.....................289
preparing for storage...................335
specifications.......................339
temperature gauge...................18,23
warnings.........................285
Cooling fan.........................276
Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada........352
D
Daytime running light system................78
Defrost
rear window.......................75
windshield........................56
Dipstick..........................281
automatic transaxle fluid.................291
engine oil........................281
power steering fluid.................289, 289
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)................272
Dispute Settlement Board..................348
Doors............................97
door ajar warning light..................15
lubricant specifications..................339
Driving under special conditions
heavy load........................226
towing a trailer.....................227
Index
377

E
Electrical system
circuit breakers......................252
fuses........................243, 244
relays..........................253
Electronic sound system
antenna..........................84
atenna..........................84
tuning the radio......................33
warranty and service information.............51
Emergencies, roadside
assistance........................345
battery acid spills..................268, 295
fuel...........................310
towing..........................272
Emergency brake (parking brake)..............218
Emission control system..................313
catalytic converter....................313
emissions warranty.................313, 314
Engine
check engine warning light................12
does not start....................209, 210
fuel injected engine, starting...............207
fuel pump shut-off switch................210
preparing to start..................207, 207
service points......................341
starting.........................207
starting after a collision.................242
storing your vehicle.................333, 334
Engine block heater.....................210
Engine coolant.......................285
checking and adding...................285
disposal.........................292
drain and flush.....................289
378

Lights, warning and indicator
airbag ..........................11
brake............................9
charging system......................14
check engine.......................12
door ajar.........................15
engine oil pressure....................14
hazard warning light.................77,241
high beam........................17
low fuel..........................17
lowoil ..........................14
low washer fluid.....................17
oil pressure........................14
safety belt.........................11
service engine soon....................12
turn signal indicator....................87
Load limits.........................226
GAWR ..........................226
GVWR..........................226
trailer towing......................233
Lubricant specifications...................339
Lug nuts..........................258
anti-theft.........................261
tightening sequence.................258, 265
Luggage rack........................239
M
Maintenance (see Servicing).................275
Maintenance (see servicing).................275
Map pockets........................126
Master cylinder, brakes...................282
Message center
low washer fluid.....................17
Methanol in fuel......................310
384