windshield wipers Mercury Villager 1998 Owner's Manuals

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

Turn Signal Lever
You can use the turn signal lever on the left side of the steering
column to:
moperate the turn signals.
mturn the headlamps to high beam.
mflash the headlamps.
mturn the windshield wipers and washer on/off.
Turn Signals
Move the lever up to signal a right turn. Move it down to signal
a left turn. The corresponding indicator light in the
instrument cluster will flash.
If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move the lever back
to the center (off) position.
For lane changes, move the lever far enough to signal but not to
latch. The lever will return to the off position when you
release it.
If the turn indicator light in the instrument panel does not
illuminate or remains on (does not flash) when you signal a turn,
the turn signaling system needs service. Have this condition
corrected as soon as possible, and use the accepted hand signals
until the turn signal system is repaired.
The turn signal lever
Controls and Features
87

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

Wiper Blades
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
To reach the wiper blades easily, turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY and turn your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to OFF. Moving the
wipers manually may damage them.
Wiper blade replacement
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them, you
may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When replacing
the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part or
equivalent.
Maintenance and Care
297

Wheel dollies (see Towing).................272
Wheels...........................303
anti-theft lugnuts.....................261
cleaning.........................330
covers..........................258
inspection and maintenance...............299
lug nuts.........................258
replacement.......................303
Windows..........................106
manual windows, operating...............106
power windows, operating................106
Windshield
washing..........................89
Windshield washer fluid and wipers.............89
checking and replacing wiper blades...........297
low washer fluid light...................17
operation.........................89
reservoir.........................284
specifications.......................284
variable interval wipers..................89
Windshield wipers and washer................89
Wrecker towing.......................272
Index
391