washer fluid Mercury Villager 1998 Owner's Manuals

Low Fuel Light
The low fuel light illuminates when the fuel sensor indicates
approximately 1/8 of a tank. It will remain illuminated until the
tank is filled with enough fuel to pass the 1/8 full level.
Low Washer Fluid Light
The low washer fluid light will remain illuminated when the
washer fluid sensor indicates that the washer fluid level is low.
High Beam Light
This light illuminates when the headlamps are turned to high
beam or when you flash the lights. If your vehicle is equipped with
Daytime Running Lights and you have your headlamps on,
your high beam light will not illuminate when you flash the lights.
Low fuel light
Low washer fluid light
High beam light
Instrumentation
17

To activate the rear washer, press the RR WASH switch. For a
constant spray, hold the switch for a few seconds. For less washer
fluid, press the switch once and release it. When you activate
the washer, the wiper will cycle twice and then stop.
Do not activate the washer for longer than 15 seconds continuously.
This could damage the washer pump system.
Hazard Flasher Switch
The hazard flasher switch is located on the instrument panel to
the right of the steering column. For more information, refer to the
Roadside Emergencieschapter.
Interior and Exterior Lights
To turn on the headlamps, parking lamps, marker lamps, tail
lamps, license plate lamps and instrument panel lamps, use the
headlamp control, to the left of the instrument cluster.
1. Turn the headlamp control to the first position to turn on the
parking lamps, tail lamps, license plate lamps, marker lamps
and instrument panel lamps.
2. Turn the headlamp control to the second position to turn on
the headlamps in addition to the parking lamps, tail lamps,
license plate lamps, marker lamps and instrument panel lamps.
Controls and Features
77

Windshield Wipers and Washer
Variable Interval Wipers
Your vehicle has wipers that you can set to operate at varying
intervals. For example, you can set the interval so they wipe less
often in light rain or more often in heavier rain.
To set the interval wipers, rotate the knob at the end of the
turn signal lever to the most effective interval. The farther the
knob is from the OFF position, the faster the wipers move.
To clean the windshield, push in the end of the knob on the turn
signal lever. For a constant spray, push and hold the end of
the knob. If the windshield wipers are off, they automatically turn
on for two wipe cycles after you squirt the washer fluid.
Do not try to clean the windshield when the washer fluid container
is empty and never activate the washers for more than 15
seconds continuously. This could damage the washer pump system.
Variable interval wiper control
Controls and Features
89

WARNING
Always warm up the windshield with the defroster before
you use the washer fluid. In freezing weather, the
washer solution may freeze on the windshield and obscure
your vision.
For information about refilling the washer fluid or replacing your
windshield wiper blades, seeWindshield washer fluid and Wipers
in the Index.
Gearshift Lever
The gearshift lever on your vehicle is mounted on the steering
column. On the end of the gearshift lever is the Overdrive On/Off
button. To learn about the operation of the gearshift lever and
the Overdrive On/Off button, see theDrivingchapter.
Gearshift lever location
90

Relays
Relays are devices which receive signals from components or
systems. After receiving signals, relays transfer these signals to
activate or deactivate other components or systems. A relay box is
located near the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
The relay box
Roadside Emergencies
253

Windshield Washer Fluid
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel, or when the warning light indicates low washer fluid.
The reservoir for washer fluid is located in the engine
compartment. This reservoir contains the fluid for both the
windshield and liftgate washers.
WARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for
the engine coolant.
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir
284

Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than
plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons,
washer fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as
methanol should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below
32É F [0É C]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol
antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
Engine Coolant
Checking the Engine Coolant
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from overheating
in the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level
of the engine coolant at least once a month, but preferably each time
you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant reservoir, located in
the engine compartment. The coolant should stay between the MIN
and MAX marks. It will be closer to MAX when the engine is
warm and closer to MIN when the engine is cold. To locate the
coolant reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine
underEngine Compartmentin theCapacities and Specifications
chapter.
Maintenance and Care
285

Adding Engine Coolant
WARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and water to the engine coolant recovery reservoir Ð DO
NOT ADD DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water
only in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50
mixture of coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Engine coolant recovery reservoir
286

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

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