check transmission fluid Mercury Villager 2001 Owner's Manuals

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
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.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
198

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. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
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]).
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.
HOT
HOT
HOT
Maintenance and care
199

built-in child seat ...................231
engine compartment ..............228
exterior ....................................227
exterior lamps .........................228
instrument cluster lens ..........230
instrument panel ....................230
interior .............................230±231
mirrors .....................................228
plastic parts ............................228
safety belts ..............................231
washing ....................................226
waxing .....................................227
wheels ......................................227
windows ..................................230
wiper blades ............................229
woodtone trim ........................230
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............24
Clock ................................49, 61, 71
Console ......................................100
overhead ....................................98
Controls
power seat ...............................111
steering column ........................86
Coolant
checking and adding ..............193
refill capacities ................196, 232
specifications ..................233±234
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................82
Customer Assistance ................166
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................244
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................237
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............243
Getting roadside assistance ...166Getting the
service you need ....................237
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................248
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................240
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............243
D
Defrost
rear window ..............................42
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................198
engine oil .................................189
Doors
door ajar warning .....................10
lubricant specifications ..........233
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................159
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................179
Emission control system ..........219
Engine ........................................234
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................11
cleaning ...................................228
coolant .....................................193
idle speed control ...................201
lubrication
specifications ..................233±234
refill capacities ........................232
service points ..........................188
starting after a collision .........167
Index
251

jump starting ..........................179
Steering wheel
controls ......................................86
tilting .........................................90
T
Tachometer .................................14
Tires ...........................175, 208±209
changing ..........................175, 177
checking the pressure ............209
replacing ..................................210
rotating ....................................209
snow tires and chains ............211
tire grades ...............................209
treadwear ................................208
Towing .......................................162
trailer towing ..........................162
wrecker ....................................184
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............155
fluid, refill capacities ..............232
lubricant specifications ..........234
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................198
lubricant specifications ..........233
Trip odometer .............................16
Turn signal ............................10, 87V
Vehicle dimensions ...................234
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................236
Vehicle loading ..........................160
Ventilating your vehicle ...........151
W
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................193
Water, Driving through .............159
Windows
power .........................................90
rear wiper/washer .....................88
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers ..........................88
checking and adding fluid .....193
checking and cleaning ....207±208
liftgate reservoir .....................193
operation ...................................88
replacing wiper blades ...........207
Wrecker towing .........................184
Index
255