tow Mercury Villager 1999 s Owner's Guide

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment,
the front wheels (drive wheels) must be placed on a dolly to prevent
damage to the transmission.
Ford Motor Company provides a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
190

14. Position the cowl grille in place.
15. Reinstall the four (4) screw anchors and the four (4) plastic screws.
16. Close the hood.
17. Reinstall the six (6) screws in the cowl grille.
18. Reinstall the wiper arms. Ensure that you reinstall the wiper arms in
the same position.
19. Push the wiper arm downward onto the wiper arm pivot until the
small retaining clip snaps into the locked position.
20. Lower the wiper arm blade onto the windshield surface.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Maintenance and care
211

Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
²Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
²Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
²Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
Maintenance and care
222

Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover such as Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover (B7A-19520±AA) or tar remover if necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear windshield
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear windshield such as tree sap and
some hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the
outside of the windshield or rear windshield with a non-abrasive cleaner
such as Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA),
available from your Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass
as they may cause scratches. The windshield or rear windshield is clean
if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear
windshield and wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and
blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Cleaning the overhead console
Clean with a damp cloth, then wipe dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the console. The dull
finish in this area helps protect the driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Maintenance and care
233

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.3L V6 engine
Engine air filter element FA-1121
Cabin air filter FP-27
Fuel filter FG-993
Battery (standard) BXT-35
Battery
1BXT-24F
Oil filter FL-2007
PCV Valve EV-217
Spark plugs
2AGSP-32FP
1Standard for Canada. Included with trailer tow package and rear A/C.
2Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Capacity
Engine oil (includes
filter change)Motorcraft SAE 5W-30
Super Premium Motor
Oil4.0L (4.2 quarts)
Brake fluid High Performance
DOT 3 Motor Vehicle
Brake FluidFill to line on reservoir
Power steering fluid Motorcraft MERCONt
AT FFill to line on reservoir
Automatic transaxle
fluidMotorcraft MERCONt
AT F8.3L (8.8 quarts)
Engine coolant
1Premium Engine
Coolant10.6L (11.2 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 75.7L (20.0 gallons)
Windshield washer
fluidUltra-Clear Windshield
Washer ConcentrateFill to line on reservoir
1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
Capacities and specifications
235

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford offers a
complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate
from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available:
²24±hours, seven days a week
²for the Basic warranty period (Canada) or New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period (U.S.) of three years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles),
whichever comes first on Ford and Mercury vehicles, and four years or
80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Lincoln vehicles
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Roadside assistance will cover:
²changing a flat tire
²jump-starts
²lock-out assistance
²fuel delivery
²towing to the nearest Ford of Canada or Ford Motor Company
dealership, or towing to your selling dealership if within 56 km (35
miles). Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or getting stuck
in the mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply, such as
impound towing or repossession).
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, it's found in
the Roadside Assistance book in the glove compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States for Ford or Mercury
vehicles, call 1-800-241-3673 or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call
1±800±521±4140. In Canada call 1±800±665±2006.
Should you need to arrange assistance for yourself, Ford will reimburse a
reasonable amount. To obtain information about reimbursement, call
1-800-241-3673 in the United States for Ford or Mercury vehicles; or if
you own a Lincoln vehicle, call 1±800±521±4140. Call 1±800±665±2006 in
Canada.
Customer assistance
241

Ford Extended Service Plan
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP
is an optional service contract which is backed by Ford Motor Company
or Ford Motor Service Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in
Canada). It provides the following:
²Protection against repair costs after your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period expires
²Other benefits during the warranty period (such as reimbursement for
rentals and towing.)
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury or Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans
available in various time, distance and deductible combinations which
can be tailored to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers
reimbursement benefits for towing and rental coverage. (In Hawaii, rules
vary. See your dealer for details.)
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,200 participating Ford, Lincoln/Mercury and Ford of Canada
dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Please contact
your dealer for further information. Since this information is subject to
change, please ask your dealer for complete details about Ford Extended
Service Plan coverage options.
Also, please be aware that some dealers offer service contracts that are
not backed by Ford Motor Company or Ford of Canada. On the surface,
many independent plans appear to be like Ford's. The problem is that
they can often require the use of non-factory approved parts and have
much more complex and restrictive claims coverage terms than Ford.
At Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada, we are dedicated to
providing Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle owners with programs that
will enhance your ownership experience and protect you from
unexpected repair bills. Genuine Ford ESP is the only Extended Service
Plan that enables us to provide that service.
Customer assistance
242

Comfort and convenience
Air conditioner
Air filtration systems
Cargo nets
Cargo organizers
Cargo shades
Cargo trays
Dash trim
Engine block heaters
Gear shift knob
Luggage presenter (Continental only)
Manual sliding rear window
Tire step
Travel equipment
Console
Console armrest
Daytime running lights
Factory luggage rack
Factory luggage rack adaptors
Fog lights
Framed luggage covers
Heavy-duty battery
Neutral towing transfer case kit (Explorer 4.0L only)
Off road lights
Pickup box rails
Removable luggage rack
Removable luggage rack adapters
Retractable bed hooks and loops
Running boards
Snow traction cables
Customer assistance
250

Soft luggage cover
Speed control
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitch
Trailer hitch bars and balls
Trailer hitch wiring adaptor
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
Bed mat/bedliner tailgate covers
Bed mats
Bedliners
Car/truck covers
Cargo liners, interior
Carpet floor mats
Cleaners, waxes and polishes
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full and mini)
Hood deflectors
Locking gas cap
Lubricants and oils
Molded splash guards
Molded vinyl floor mats
Rallye bars
Rear air deflectors
Rear decklid spoilers
Side window air deflectors
Spare tire lock
Step bumpers
Step/sill plates
Tailgate covers
Customer assistance
251

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................165
calculating ...............................165
definition .................................165
driving with a heavy load ......165
location ....................................165
Hazard flashers .........................171
Head restraints .........................110
Headlamps ...................................19
aiming ......................................230
autolamp system .......................20
bulb specifications ..................229
daytime running lights .............19
flash to pass ..............................20
high beam ..............................7,20
turning on and off ....................19
warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................21
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................21
Hood ..........................................192
Ignition ................................237,238
positions of the ignition ...........81
Infant seats (see Safety seats) 137
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................224
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................233
cluster ..........................................6
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................19
location of components ..............6
Jump-starting your vehicle ......185
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............10
positions of the ignition ...........81
Lamps
autolamp system .......................20
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................229
cargo lamps ...............................19
daytime running light ...............19headlamps .................................19
headlamps, flash to pass ..........20
instrument panel, dimming .....19
interior lamps ...........................99
replacing
bulbs ............225,226,227,228,229
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................86
Liftgate ......................................106
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag ..........................................6
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .......8,158
brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................6
cruise indicator ...........................8
door ajar ......................................7
high beam ...................................7
low fuel ........................................8
low washer fluid .......................10
oil pressure .................................7
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................9
speed control ............................85
turn signal indicator ...................8
Load limits .................................165
GAWR ......................................165
GVWR ......................................165
trailer towing ..........................165
Locks
childproof ..................................90
doors ..........................................90
Lubricant specifications ....236,237
Message center ......................15,16
Mirrors .........................................97
cleaning ...................................234
heated ........................................92
side view mirrors (power) .......91
Moon roof ..................................100
Motorcraft parts .................220,235
Octane rating ............................219
Odometer .....................................13
Index
257