1996 Mercury Villager check engine

82
[LG09600(ALL)01/93]
The electronic cluster has all of the same warning lights as the
mechanical cluster, however, some of the gauges will be
electronic instead of analog. In addition, the electronic cluster
has a fuel computer for measuring fuel economy, distance to
empty and outside air temperature.
*
[LG09700(ALL)01/95]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
[LG09800(ALL)01/93]
This gauge shows you the temperature of the engine coolant
and is identified by a thermometer symbol. The letter H means
that the coolant is hot, C means that it is cold, and NORMAL
means that the coolant is within the normal operating range.
[LG09900(ALL)09/93]
The indicator bar on the graph will move into the normal
operating range as the engine warms up. When you are in
heavy traffic or stop-and-go driving in hot weather, the gauge
may read at the very top of the NORMAL range. This is
acceptable.
[LG10000(ALL)09/93]
However, if the indicator bar on the graph moves into the
H (hot) position, the engine is overheating and may cause
engine damage. If this happens, you should stop your vehicle as
soon as safely possible. Turn off the engine and let it cool.
Check the coolant level to be sure that it is at the proper level.
If your vehicle needs more coolant, seeEngine coolant, checking
and addingin the Index and read the section regarding adding
coolant.
File:05vxlgn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:35:19 1996

230
[DR01600(ALL)09/93]Shift-lock Safety Feature
[DR01700(ALL)04/95]Your vehicle has a special shift-lock safety feature which
prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) without the brake
pedal depressed. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position, the ignition must be in the ON position and your foot
must be pressing on the brake pedal.
*[DR01800(ALL)04/95]If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position
with the brake pedal depressed:
*[DR01900(ALL)01/93]1.Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
*[DR02000(ALL)01/93]2.Apply the parking brake.
*[DR02100(ALL)01/93]3.Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clockwise to the first
position (OFF).
*[DR02200(ALL)04/95]4.Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
*[DR02290(ALL)06/95]If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate
procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown
and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledServicing Your Villagerin this Owner
Guide for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
*[DR02300(ALL)05/95]R WARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
%*[DR02500(ALL)06/92]Backing Up
*[DR02600(ALL)06/95]Before shifting into or out of R (Reverse), you should always
come to a complete stop.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

234
*
[DR05700(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
*
[DR05800(ALL)01/93]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR05850(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[DR05900(ALL)01/93]
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
*
[DR06100(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, have the front suspension
and steering checked for possible damage.
*
[DR06200(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
*
[DR06300(ALL)01/93]
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
*
[DR06400(ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
[DR06500(ALL)01/93]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic lubrication of the caliper slide rails
and inspection for pad wear.
*
[DR06600(ALL)10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[DR06700(ALL)01/93]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
235
*
[DR06800(ALL)01/93]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes
*
[DR06900(ALL)01/94]
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from
completely locking up by automatically releasing and
re-applying the brakes. During ABS braking, slight brake pedal
pulsations may be felt on the driver's foot. These pulsations
represent the rapid cycling of the ABS valves. The pedal
pulsations are considered normal ABS operation, and will stop
when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
%*
[DR07000(ALL)12/93]
During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS system cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
*
[DR07100(ALL)12/93]
The ABS system has self-check capabilities. The system turns on
the ABS warning light each time you start the engine. After the
engine is started and the ABS warning light turns off, the
system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches
4 mph (6 km/h). A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS
system performs a self test. This is a normal part of the self test
feature. If a malfunction is found during this check, the ABS
warning light will come on.
*
[DR07200(ALL)12/93]
You should always be careful when braking, even if your
vehicle has the ABS system. Heavy braking on roads with loose
surfaces such as snow or gravel, or roads with severe pavement
irregularities could also cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
*
[DR07300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
*
[DR07310(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is
disabled but normal brake function remains
operational.
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

256
%*
[RE01300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[RE01400(ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
*
[RE01500(ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[RE01600(ALL)03/95]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01700(ALL)03/95]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[RE01800(ALL)04/95]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01900(ALL)03/95]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[RE02000(ALL)01/93]5.
Turn on the heater blower in both vehicles. Turn off all other
switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent possible
damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
File:12vxren.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:14 1996

Roadside Emergencies
273
*
[RE10800(ALL)01/93]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
*
[RE10900(ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
triggered. The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
*
[RE11000(ALL)01/95]
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off switchin the Index.
*
[RE11150(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
[RE11175(ALL)04/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[RE11200(ALL)07/95]
DO NOT TOW YOUR VILLAGER WITH SLINGBELT
EQUIPMENT. Ford Motor Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook sling-type procedure. Use wheel lift or
flatbed equipment.
File:12vxren.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:14 1996

295
Servicing Your Villager
%*
[SV01300(ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
*
[SV01400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV01500(ALL)01/95]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
*
[SV01600(ALL)01/95]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
*
[SV01700(ALL)01/93]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
*
[SV01800(ALL)01/95]
n
When possible, we design parts Ð such as the headlamp
bulbs Ð that can be replaced without tools.
[SV01900(ALL)09/93]
n
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The Maintenance
Schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
*
[SV02000(ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
[SV02150(ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner's Manual.
[SV02225(ALL)02/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be
alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that
your vehicle may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
File:15vxsvn.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:25:18 1996