warning lights Mercury Villager 1998 Owner's Manuals

Warning Lights and Gauges
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your vehicle is divided into
several different sections. The illustrations on the following
pages show the major parts of the instrument panel described in
this chapter. Some items shown may not be on all vehicles.
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped
together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a cluster.
Your vehicle may have a mechanical cluster or an electronic
cluster.
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the
diagrams on the following pages.
The following warning lights and gauges are on the mechanical
cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following section explains what each of these
indicators means.
Instrumentation
7

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

The electronic cluster has all of the same warning lights as the
mechanical cluster, however, some of the gauges will be electronic
instead of analog. In addition, the electronic cluster has a fuel
computer which displays fuel economy, distance to empty and
outside air temperature.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows you the temperature of the engine coolant and
is identified by a thermometer symbol. The letter H means
that the coolant is hot, C means that it is cold, and NORMAL
means that the coolant is within the normal operating range.
The indicator bar on the graph will move into the normal operating
range as the engine warms up. When you are in heavy traffic
or stop-and-go driving in hot weather, the gauge may read at the
very top of the NORMAL range. This is acceptable.
However, if the indicator bar on the graph moves into the H
(hot) position, the engine is overheating and may be damaged. If
this happens, you should stop your vehicle as soon as safely
possible. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Check the coolant level
to be sure that it is at the proper level. If your vehicle needs
more coolant, seeEngine coolantin the Index and read the section
regardingadding coolant.
Instrumentation
23

WARNING
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system will not
illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on your
headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a
collision.
Lighting Up the Instrument Panel
The instrument panel lights can be turned on by turning the
headlamp control knob to either the first or second position. You
can brighten or dim the instrument panel lights with the DIM
switch. The DIM switch is located near the headlamp controls.
Pushing and holding the right side of the switch will continue to
brighten the lights until the maximum brightness is reached.
Release the switch to maintain the desired brightness. To dim the
instrument panel lights, push the left side of the switch.
Autolamp On/Off Delay System (If equipped)
The autolamp sets the headlamps to turn on and off automatically.
You can use the autolamp to:
mturn on the headlamps automatically at night
mturn off the headlamps automatically during daylight
The instrument panel brightness control
Controls and Features
79

Ignition
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
Your vehicle's ignition has four positions. They are:
OFF/LOCK allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories and locks the gearshift lever. Removing the key then
locks the steering wheel.
ACCESSORY allows you to operate some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories while the engine is not running. For example,
you can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio, windshield
wipers, or operate the cigarette lighter without starting the engine.
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights to make
sure they work before you start the engine. The key returns to the
ON position once the engine is started and remains in this
position while the engine runs.
START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts
so that you don't damage the starter. The key should return
to the ON position when you release it.
The ignition positions
86

Fuel-Injected Engines
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most important thing to
remember is to avoid pressing down on the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you
have problems getting your vehicle started. SeeStarting Your Engine
in this chapter for details about when to use the accelerator
while you start your vehicle.
Starting Your Vehicle
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
WARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
Before you start your vehicle, always:
1. Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety
belts. SeeSafety beltsin the Index for more details.
2. Make sure the headlamps and other accessories are turned off
when starting.
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is set before you turn the key.
4. Observe the warning lights on the instrument cluster to make
sure they work. Refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Starting Your Engine
To start your engine:
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
Starting
207

5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If there is no
fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous
effects.
WARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
WARNING
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
myour vehicle is raised for service
mthe sound of the exhaust system changes
myour vehicle has been damaged in an accident
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5
cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to bring
in outside air.
212

Jump-Starting Your Battery
Your vehicle's battery may discharge if you leave the lights or
any electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start from a booster
battery to start your vehicle.
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
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.
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.
268

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

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)............226
calculating........................231
definition......................226, 229
driving with a heavy load................226
location.........................230
H
Hazard flashers.....................77,241
Head restraints.......................121
Headlamps
aiming..........................316
bulb specification....................322
checking alignment...................316
cleaning.........................330
daytime running lights..................78
replacing bulbs......................316
warning chime......................18
Heating
manual heating and air conditioning system........56
High beams
indicator light.......................17
Hitch............................234
Hood............................277
latch location.......................277
lubrication specifications.................339
release lever.......................277
working under the hood.................276
I
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN)............352
Idle
relearning......................272, 276
speed..........................209
382