stop start 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

The shuffle feature continues to the next disc after all tracks are played.
Press the SHUFFLE control to start this feature. Random order play will
continue until the SHUFFLE control is pressed again.
Tape direction select
Press SIDE and 1±2 at the same
time to play the alternate side of a
tape.
Eject function
Press the control to stop and eject a
tape.
DolbyTnoise reduction
Dolbytnoise reduction operates
only in tape mode. Dolbytreduces
the amount of hiss and static during
tape playback.
Press the
control to activate (and deactivate) Dolbytnoise reduction.
The noise reduction system is manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Setting the clock
Press CLK to toggle between
listening frequencies and clock
mode while in radio mode.
To set the hour, press and hold the
CLK control and press the SEEK
control:
SIDE
REW FF1 - 2
EJ
4
TAPE
AMS
CLK
Controls and features
47

Tape direction select
Press SIDE 1±2 to play the alternate
side of a tape.
Eject function
Press the control to stop and eject a
tape.
Press the control to stop and eject a
CD.
Dolby noise reduction
Dolby noise reduction reduces the
amount of hiss and static during
tape playback. Press the control to
activate (and deactivate) the noise
reduction.
Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation. ªDolbyº and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Compression adjust
Compression adjust brings soft and
loud CD passages together for a
more consistent listening level.
Press the COMP control to activate
and deactivate compression adjust.
Shuffle feature
The shuffle feature operates in CD
mode and plays all tracks on the
current disc in random order. If
equipped with the CD changer, the
shuffle feature continues to the next
disc after all tracks on the current disc are played.
Press the SHUFFLE control to start this feature. Random order play will
continue until the SHUFFLE control is pressed again.
SIDE 1-2
3
EJ
EJ
4
COMP
5
SHUFFLE
6
Controls and features
70

Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves and other debris.
Starting
156

ABS warning lamp
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately).
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
P!
BRAKE
FUSES
Driving
158

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

Understanding gearshift positions
To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your automatic
transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an adaptive
learning strategy. During the first few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation, it is normal for your transaxle to have abrupt shifts. 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.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
rotating.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift in R (Reverse),
the vehicle will move backward. You
should always come to a complete
stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in the N
(Neutral) position, the vehicle can
be started and is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this position.
Overdrive Ð column mounted gearshift with O/D off switch
The Overdrive position with the O/D
OFF switchnotdepressed is the
normal driving position for this
P RND21
P RND21
P RND21
P RND21
Driving
161

automatic overdrive transaxle. When your vehicle cruises at a constant
speed for any length of time, this fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy.
Overdrive may not be appropriate
for certain terrains. If the transaxle
shifts back and forth between third
and fourth gears while you are
driving hilly roads or if your vehicle
requires additional power for climbing hills, press the O/D OFF switch.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transaxle will automatically return
to normal overdrive mode.
If your vehicle is on an extremely slippery surface, the Transaxle Control
Module may receive a signal indicating a rapid increase or decrease in
wheel speed. When the module detects this condition, it will limit the
transaxle operation to Third and Reverse gears. This reduces tire
slippage and protects the transaxle. The transaxle will operate normally
in Reverse, but will lack power during acceleration in Drive.
If this happens;
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as possible.
2. Turn the ignition off for three seconds.
3. Restart the vehicle.
If the condition still exists, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off repeatedly when the
vehicle is started or does not come on when the O/D OFF control is
pressed, there may be a transaxle electronic system malfunction. You
should contact your dealer as soon as possible or damage to the
transaxle could occur.
When to use D (Drive) or press the O/D OFF switch
You will notice that there is only one
drive position on your gearshift
indicator (instead of Drive and
Overdrive). However, you will find a
control labeled OVERDRIVE located
on the gearshift lever. Push in the
switch and the O/D OFF light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
With the O/D OFF light illuminated, the transaxle will operate in first,
OVERDRIVE
OFF/ON
P RND21
OVERDRIVE
OFF/ON
Driving
162

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

Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transaxle cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transaxle damage
and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Driving
169