automatic transmission Mercury Villager 1999 Owner's Manuals

Deactivating overdrive
Press the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS) located on the end of
the gearshift lever. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate.
The transaxle will operate in all
gears except overdrive. To return to normal overdrive mode, press the
Transmission Control Switch again. The O/D OFF indicator light will no
longer be illuminated.
When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transaxle will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode.
For additional information about the gearshift lever and the transmission
control switch operation refer to theAutomatic Transaxle Operation
section of theDrivingchapter.
TILT STEERING WHEEL
Push the tilt steering wheel lever
downward to move the steering
wheel up or down. Push the control
upward to lock the steering wheel in
position.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
OVERDRIVE
OFF/ON
Controls and features
88

²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to OFF/LOCK, then remove
the key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to ACC. Apply the brake pedal and shift to
N (Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine may
overheat.
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.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving
160

Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift
smoothness. It is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly during the first
few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive strategy
has been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal
shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
Your automatic overdrive transaxle
provides fully automatic operation in
either D (Overdrive) or with the
O/D OFF switch depressed. Driving
with the gearshift lever in D
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions.
For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the
engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P
(Park).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transaxle is submerged
may allow water into the transaxle and cause internal
transmission damage.
OVERDRIVE
OFF/ON
P R N D 2 1
Driving
164

JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Do not push start your vehicle. You could damage the catalytic
converter.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes, and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability.
Preparing your vehicle
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Roadside emergencies
185

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.3L V6 engine
1. Power distribution box
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Relay box
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
9
45678
1011123
Maintenance and care
193

²NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
²Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum freeze
protection.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
202

properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
HOT
HOT
Maintenance and care
203

High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
For information on replacement air filter elements, refer toMotorcraft
Part Numbersin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
HOT
HOT
Maintenance and care
204

Overdrive ..............................87,164
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................101
Parking brake ............................158
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....235
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................176
Power door locks ........................90
Power steering ..........................159
fluid, checking and adding ....202
fluid, refill capacity ................235
fluid, specifications ..........236,237
Radio ............................................40
Relays .................................172,179
Remote entry system ........100,101
illuminated entry ....................102
locking/unlocking doors .........101
panic alarm .............................101
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................103
replacing the batteries ...........102
Roof rack ...................................170
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ......124,125,126,127,128
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................239
Safety defects, reporting ..........254
Safety
restraints .......124,125,126,127,128
cleaning the safety belts .130,234
extension assembly ................129
for adults ...................125,126,127
for children ......................135,136
lap belt ....................................128
warning light and
chime ........................7,10,129,130
Safety seats for children ..........137
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................124
Seats ..........................................110
child safety seats ....................137
cleaning ...................................234memory seat ...........................113
Servicing your vehicle ..............191
Spark plugs,
specifications ...............235,237,238
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................236,237
Speed control ..............................81
Speedometer ...............................12
Starting your vehicle .........152,154
jump starting ..........................185
Steering wheel
controls ......................................85
tilting .........................................88
Tachometer .................................11
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................21
Tilt steering wheel ......................88
Tires .............................179,212,213
changing ....................179,180,182
checking the pressure ............213
replacing ..................................214
rotating ....................................213
snow tires and chains ............215
tire grades ...............................213
treadwear ................................212
Towing ................................166,213
trailer towing ..........................166
wrecker ....................................190
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............160
fluid, refill capacities ..............235
lubricant specifications ..........237
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................202
Trip odometer .............................13
Turn signal ...............................8,86
Vehicle dimensions ...................238
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................240
Vehicle loading ..........................165
Ventilating your vehicle ...........156
Index
258

Item Information
Required fuel Unleaded fuel only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity 75.7L (20.0 gallons)
Engine oil capacity (includes filter
change)4.0L (4.2 quarts). Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-G.
Tire size and pressure Refer to the Certification Label on
inside of driver's door.
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Coolant capacity
110.6L (11.2 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line on reservoir. Use
Motorcraft MERCONtAT F.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity
28.3L (8.8 quarts). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtAT F.
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.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance
Guide to determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
264