check oil Mercury Villager 1999 Owner's Manuals

Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position. Also illuminates if the
parking brake is engaged. If the
brake warning lamp does not
illuminate at these times, seek service immediately. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the
oil level and add oil if needed. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance
and Carechapter.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON or START position and any
door is open.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
7

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil .
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the L and H marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
LH
Maintenance and care
194

²If the oil level is below the L
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the L and H range.
²Oil levels above the H mark may cause engine damage. Some oil must
be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the H
mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Maintenance and care
195

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Do not put washer fluid in the reservoir for the engine coolant
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE COOLANT
Your engine's cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B), or an equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant
provides:
²maximum cooling system efficiency.
²freeze protection down to -36 degrees C (-34 degrees F).
²boiling protection up to 129 degrees C (265 degrees F).
²protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
Maintenance and care
198

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 built-in child seat (if equipped)
Clean with mild soap and water. Do not use household cleaning products
because they may weaken the safety belt webbing or damage the vinyl
parts of the seat.
The child seat liner is removable and may be machine-washed and air dried.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap.
Wipe the leather again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry
with a soft cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford recommends using
the Deluxe Leather Care Kit F8AZ-19G253±AA, which is available from
your Ford Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the leather
and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner
label. Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its
resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Inside windows
Use Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside
windows if they become fogged.
Cleaning mirrors
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
Maintenance and care
234

Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................248
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................242
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................248
Getting roadside
assistance ................................241
Getting the service you
need .........................................243
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................253
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................245
Defrost
rear window ..............................39
Dipstick
engine oil .................................194
Doors
door ajar warning .......................7
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................164
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................185
Emission control system ..........223
Engine .................................237,238
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................9
coolant .....................................198
idle speed control ...................205
lubrication
specifications ...................236,237
refill capacities ........................235
service points ..........................193
starting after a collision .........171
Engine block heater .................155
Engine oil ..................................194
checking and adding .......194,195
dipstick ....................................194
filter, specifications .........196,235
recommendations ...................196refill capacities .................194,235
specifications .....194,196,236,237
Exhaust fumes ..........................155
Floor mats ...................................92
Fluid capacities .........................235
Fuel ............................................215
calculating fuel economy .......220
cap ...........................................217
capacity ...................................235
choosing the right fuel ...........218
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................223
detergent in fuel .....................219
filling your vehicle with
fuel .............................215,217,220
filter, specifications .........220,235
fuel pump shut-off switch .....171
gauge .........................................13
improving fuel economy ........220
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating .............219,237,238
quality ......................................219
running out of fuel .................219
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................215
Fuses ...................................172,173
Garage door opener ..........93,94,98
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............217
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................220
Gauges .........................................11
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
fuel gauge ..................................13
odometer ...................................13
speedometer .............................12
trip odometer ............................13
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................165
definition .................................165
driving with a heavy load ......165
location ....................................165
Index
256