Brake fluid Mercury Villager 1998 Owner's Manuals

Indicator Lights and Chimes
Brake System Warning Light
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that the
parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
The BRAKE light normally illuminates when you turn the ignition
key to the ON position to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is
running and after you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
WARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
Brake system and parking brake light
Instrumentation
9

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.
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
mYour vehicle is equipped with an automatic cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without warning. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
mDo not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
mNever get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a jack.
If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
mKeep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away from
the battery and all fuel-related parts.
If you plan to work under the hood while the engine is off:
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING
Always remove the key from the ignition after you turn
off the engine.
276

7. Refill the engine with a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Start the engine and check for leaks. Follow
directions inChecking and adding engine oilto be sure the
engine is filled to the proper level.
WARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
Brake Fluid
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level indicator in the
master cylinder which lights the BRAKE warning light on the
instrument panel when the brake fluid level is low.
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic brake fluid reservoir on the
master cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the MAX
mark.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15
minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken
internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention
immediately.
282

If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the filler cap from
the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with Ford
High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or DOT 3
equivalent fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
WARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low Ð below the
seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir Ð have the
brake system inspected.
WARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
Brake fluid master cylinder reservoir
Maintenance and Care
283

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.
Maintenance and Care
291

Engine Compartment
Your vehicle has a 3.0 liter EFI, V-6 engine. The following
illustration will show a diagram of your engine and where you
can find items that you should service regularly.
1. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Brake Fluid Reservoir
4. Air Filter
5. Battery
6. Engine Compartment Fuse and Relay Box
7. Radiator Cap
8. Engine Oil Filler Cap
9. Engine Oil Dipstick
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
11. Engine Compartment Relay Box
12. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Capacities and Specifications
341

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

Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..............223
fluid, adding.......................291
B
Backing up.........................222
Battery
acid, treating emergencies............268, 294, 295
charging system warning light..............14
disconnecting......................272
proper disposal, recycling................294
voltage gauge.......................14
when storing your vehicle................335
Brake fluid.........................282
brake warning light....................9
checking and adding...................282
description........................282
specifications....................283, 339
Brakes...........................215
adjustment........................215
anti-lock.........................215
applying the brakes...................218
brake warning light....................9
fluid, checking and adding................282
fluid, refill capacities...................282
fluid, specifications.................283, 339
front disc........................215
if brakes do not grip well..............217, 218
lubricant specifications..................339
master cylinder.....................282
new brake linings.....................5
noise........................215, 217
parking.........................218
power braking......................215
374

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

Tail lamps
bulb replacement..................316, 322
cleaning.........................330
Temperature control (see Climate control)..........56
Tether anchor installation (see Child restraints).......160
Tilt steering wheel......................91
Tires ............................299
changing.........................254
checking the pressure..................299
cleaning.........................330
inspection and maintenance.............299, 300
replacing.........................301
rotating.........................300
snow tires and chains..................305
spare tire.........................255
storing your vehicle...................335
tire grades......................301, 303
treadwear......................301, 303
wear bands.......................301
wheel and tire matching.................303
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing).............227
Towing your vehicle....................272
using wheel dollies....................272
withatowtruck .....................272
Trailer Towing.......................227
Trailer towing
tips...........................236
trailer brakes.......................235
trailer lamps.......................235
Transaxle
automatic operation...................221
fluid, checking and adding (automatic)..........291
lubricant specifications..................339
Transaxle control switch..................223
Index
389