ABS Mercury Villager 1998 Owner's Manuals

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light (If Equipped)
To check the anti-lock brake warning light, turn the ignition key
to the ON position. The ABS warning light should glow
momentarily.
NOTE: If it does not glow at all or stays on for a long time,
have your vehicle's electrical system checked
immediately.
WARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system
checked by a qualified service technician as soon as
possible.
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.
Anti-lock brake system warning light
10

How to stop the tape
Press the ªAM/FMº button to stop the tape player and resume
radio play. Similarly, press the ªCDº button to stop the tape player
and resume CD play. Also, pressing the ªTAPEº button while
the tape is playing pauses tape play.
The ª
º symbol displays to indicate there is a tape in the
player. The symbol will be lit until you push the ªTAPEº button
to resume tape play or eject the tape.
Using the DolbyTB noise reduction feature
NOTE: Noise reduction system manufactured under license
from Dolby Labs Licensing Corporation. ªDolbyº and
double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Push the
button to activate DolbytB noise reduction. When
on, the
symbol will appear in the display.
Tips on caring for your cassette player and tapes
In order to keep your cassette tape player performing the way it
was meant to, read and follow these simple precautions:
mOnly cassettes that are 90 minutes long or less should be used.
Tapes longer than 90 minutes are thinner and subject to
breakage or may jam the tape player mechanism.
mProtect cassettes from exposure to direct sunlight, high
humidity and extreme heat or cold. If they are exposed to
extreme conditions, allow them to reach a moderate temperature
before playing.
mLoose labels on cassette tapes can become lodged in the
mechanism. Remove any loose label material before inserting
a cassette.
Electronic Sound Systems
39

8. If the shoulder belts are too tight, unlatch the chest clip and
unbuckle the child from the built-in child seat. Allow the
shoulder belts to retract fully. Repeat the procedure from step
3 through step 7.
Removing the child from the built-in child seat
1. Open the chest clip by squeezing together the release tabs on
the top and bottom edges of the center of the chest clip. Pull
the two halves apart.
2. Press the release button on the crotch belt buckle.
3. Slide the shoulder belts off the child's shoulders. Remove the
child from the built-in child seat.
4. Confirm that the shoulder belts are fully retracted and resting
inside the built-in child seat recess. It is unnecessary to
reconnect the shoulder harness and belt buckle prior to storing
the built-in child seat.
5. While holding the tab, rotate the cushion upward until it fits
flush with the second row seatback pad.
Seating and Safety Restraints
175

Brakes
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the high-mount
brake lamp should illuminate.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or
intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied.
Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake
applications in the morning; however they may be heard at any
time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental
conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If
a ``metal-to-metal'', ``continuous grinding'' or ``continuous
squeal'' sound is present while braking, the brake linings may be
worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Front Disc Brakes
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic lubrication of the caliper slide rails
and inspection for pad wear.
Rear Drum Brakes
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes (If Equipped)
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from
completely locking up by automatically releasing and re-applying
the brakes. During ABS braking, slight brake pedal pulsations
may be felt on the driver's foot. These pulsations represent the
rapid cycling of the ABS valves. The pedal pulsations are
considered normal ABS operation, and will stop when normal
braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to a stop.
Driving
215

During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a
noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the
pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation
coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on
loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates
proper functioning of the vehicle's anti-lock brake system. If
the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder while braking,
felt mainly in the steering wheel, the vehicle most likely needs
service.
The ABS system has self-check capabilities. The system turns on
the ABS warning light each time you start the engine. After
the engine is started and the ABS warning light turns off, the system
performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches 4 mph
(6 km/h). A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS system
performs a self test. This is a normal part of the self test
feature. If a malfunction is found during this check, the ABS
warning light will come on.
You should always be careful when braking, even if your vehicle
has the ABS system. Heavy braking on roads with loose
surfaces such as snow or gravel, or roads with severe pavement
irregularities could also cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
WARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system
checked by a qualified service technician as soon as
possible.
216

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

Stopping Distances
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
Applying the Brakes
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique. Push
on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This allows
the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing down, which
lets you steer properly. In the event of a sudden stop with ABS
equipped vehicles, do not pump the brakes. Pumping the brakes
during an anti-lock stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will
increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also cause
brake damage.
WARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.
Using the Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of the brake pedal. To set the
parking brake, press the brake pedal with your right foot and
hold it while you push the parking brake pedal down firmly with
your left foot.
218

Installing the headlamp bulb
1. With the flat side of the bulb's plastic base facing upward,
insert the glass end of the bulb into the socket. You may
need to turn the bulb left or right to line up the grooves in the
plastic base with the tabs in the socket. When the grooves
are aligned, push the bulb into the socket until the plastic base
contacts the rear of the socket. Do not touch the glass with
your fingers.
2. Slip the retaining ring over the plastic base until it contacts the
rear of the socket. Lock the ring into the socket by rotating it
until you feel a ªstop.º
3. Push the electrical connector into the rear of the plastic base
until it snaps, locking it into place.
Headlamp bulb replacement
Maintenance and Care
319

A
Accessory position on the ignition..............86
Air bag supplemental restraint system...........144
and child safety seats..................153
description.....................144, 146
driver air bag....................144, 146
indicator light.......................11
operation........................146
passenger air bag....................146
service and information labels..............146
tone generator....................149, 149
Air cleaner filter
location.........................341
Alcohol
in fuel..........................310
Antenna, radio (see Electronic sound system).......29,84
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...............285
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description........................215
noise...........................215
see also Brake......................215
warninig light.......................9
Anti-theft lug nuts and key.................261
Anti-theft system
triggering........................116
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board)...........348
Assistance (see Customer assistance)............345
Audio system (see Electronic sound system).........29
Automatic transaxle
driving with.......................221
fluid, adding....................291, 292
fluid, checking......................291
fluid, specification....................339
Index
373