1996 Mercury Villager brakes

Driving Your Villager
239
*
[DR09000(ALL)02/94]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
%*
[DR09100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
*
[DR09200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR09300(ALL)01/93]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use greater care until
you become accustomed to its features and driving
characteristics.
*
[DR09400(ALL)01/93]
Always operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Abrupt
changes in acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of
these maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated, especially when road conditions vary.
*
[DR09500(ALL)07/93]
For example, even with anti-lock brakes, extreme braking can
make it difficult to control the direction of the vehicle. Use a
ªsqueezeº technique. Push on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing force. This allows the wheels to brake, yet continue to
roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel.
*
[DR09600(ALL)01/93]
If you release the accelerator abruptly or brake hard while
going too fast around a severe curve, your vehicle may change
its direction of travel. Avoid applying the brakes, if possible. If
you must apply the brakes, use the ªsqueezeº technique
described earlier.
[DR09650(ALL)07/93]
If you run off the road, do not turn the steering wheel sharply
to return to the road. Instead, slow the vehicle sufficiently and
gradually steer the vehicle back onto the road.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
241
*
[DR11100(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
The Anti-Lock Brake System may not prevent brake
lock-up on extremely slippery surfaces.
%*
[DR11200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR11300(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
*
[DR11400(ALL)01/93]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR11500(ALL)01/93]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly to help dry
the brakes.
*
[DR11600(ALL)01/93]
Rocking the Vehicle
*
[DR11700(ALL)01/93]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out. Shift in a steady rhythm between forward and
reverse gears. At the same time, press lightly on the accelerator.
If you are still stuck after a few minutes of rocking, call for a
tow truck.
*
[DR11800(ALL)01/93]
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may
overheat the engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires.
*
[DR11900(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR12000(ALL)01/93]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

242
*
[DR12100(ALL)01/93]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
*
[DR12200(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR12300(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[DR12400(ALL)07/93]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg)
provided the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the
GVWR shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
With the optional trailer tow package, your vehicle can tow a
trailer up to 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg).
*
[DR12500(ALL)02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[DR12600(ALL)01/93]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR12700(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR12800(ALL)01/93]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[DR12900(ALL)01/93]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[DR13000(ALL)01/93]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
251
*
[DR19600(ALL)01/93]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR19700(ALL)01/93]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
*
[DR19800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
*
[DR19900(ALL)01/93]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR20000(ALL)01/93]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
*
[DR20100(ALL)01/93]
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two circuits (right
hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination stop/turn light
bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add more
than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
*
[DR20200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
[DR20210(ALL)04/94]
Trailer Tow Module (If equipped)
[DR20220(ALL)06/94]
The trailer tow module on your vehicle (if equipped) allows
turn/stop lamp control on a trailer being towed by your
vehicle.
[DR20230(ALL)04/94]
The trailer tow package includes:
[DR20240(ALL)04/94]
n
trail or tow module which draws power from the vehicle
stop lamp fuse
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
253
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/93]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[DR21400(ALL)01/93]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
*
[DR21500(ALL)02/94]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
[DR21600(ALL)01/93]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in Park (P) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, press the air
intake button to select the fresh air position to stop the air
conditioner compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short
time.
*
[DR21700(ALL)01/93]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
[DR21800(ALL)04/94]1.
Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
*
[DR21900(ALL)11/93]2.
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
[DR22000(ALL)04/94]3.
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
[DR22100(ALL)04/94]4.
Apply the parking brake by pressing the main brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot while depressing the
parking brake pedal with your left foot.
*
[DR22200(ALL)06/95]5.
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Servicing Your Villager
371
%*
[SV47900(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV48000(ALL)01/93]
n
Make sure the brakes and parking brake are fully released.
%*
[SV48100(ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV48200(ALL)05/95]
n
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV48300(ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV48400(ALL)01/93]
n
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under
the vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV48500(ALL)01/93]
n
Lubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
File:15vxsvn.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:25:18 1996

386
Automatic transaxle
driving with.................... 229
fluid, adding..................331, 333
fluid, checking................... 331
fluid, specification.................. 368
B
Backing up...................... 230
Battery
acid, treating emergencies............255, 330
charging system warning light............. 73
disconnecting.................... 259
how to service................... 329
proper disposal, recycling.............. 330
servicing...................... 329
voltage gauge.................... 73
when storing your vehicle.............. 370
Brake fluid
brake warning light.................. 69
checking and adding................ 333
description..................... 333
specifications..................334, 368
Brakes
adjustment..................... 234
anti-lock...................... 234
anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light....... 70
applying the brakes................. 237
brake warning light.................. 69
fluid, checking and adding.............. 333
fluid, refill capacities................ 333
fluid, specifications...............334, 368
front disc...................... 234
if brakes do not grip well.............. 236
lubricant specifications................ 368
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 09:28:47 1996

387
Index
Brakes (continued)
new brake linings................... 5
noise......................234, 236
parking...................... 237
power braking................... 234
servicing....................236, 333
stopping distances.................. 236
trailer....................... 251
when storing your vehicle.............. 371
Brights (high beams).................77,124
Bulbs, replacing
halogen...................... 349
headlamps..................... 349
specifications.................... 355
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 282
Carbon monoxide in exhaust............... 64
Cargo net....................... 171
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)....... 32
Catalytic converter................... 362
Chains, tires...................... 328
Changing a tire.................... 259
Charging system warning light.............. 73
Childproof locks.................... 139
Child safety restraints.................. 31
child safety belts................... 44
child safety seats................... 32
Child safety seats
and air bags................... 25,32
attaching with tether straps.............. 39
automatic locking mode (retractor)......... 16,32
in front seat................... 25,32
in rear outboard seat................. 32
in rear seat...................... 32
tether anchorage hardware............... 39
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 09:28:47 1996