1996 Mercury Villager maintenance

Servicing Your Villager
309
*
[SV13200(ALL)01/93]
Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates
*
[SV13300(ALL)05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve
the fuel economy shown.
*
[SV13550(ALL)05/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[SV13650(ALL)05/95]
n
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[SV13750(ALL)05/95]
n
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[SV13950(ALL)05/95]
n
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV14050(ALL)05/95]
n
Sudden stops
*
[SV14150(ALL)05/95]
n
Extended engine idling
*
[SV14250(ALL)05/95]
n
Using speed control in hilly terrain
[SV14350(ALL)02/95]
n
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
*
[SV14450(ALL)05/95]
n
Underinflated tires
[SV14460(ALL)02/95]
n
Heavy loads
[SV14470(ALL)02/95]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
File:15vxsvn.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:25:18 1996

Servicing Your Villager
311
[SV15500(ALL)02/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040196-B
Selecting the right viscosity for your climate
%*
[SV15575(ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
%*
[SV15600(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV15700(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[SV15800(ALL)03/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV15900(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
[SV16000(ALL)07/95]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV16100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[SV16200(ALL)03/95]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
File:15vxsvn.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:25:18 1996

Servicing Your Villager
323
%*[SV24500(ALL)08/95]Tire Inspection and Maintenance
*[SV24600(ALL)02/95]Inspect the tire treads, and remove stones, nails, glass or other
objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for
holes or cuts that may permit air to leak from the tire, and
make the necessary repairs.
*[SV24700(ALL)05/95]Inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If
you suspect internal damage to the tire, have it removed and
checked. You may need to repair or replace it.
%*[SV24800(ALL)02/95]Tire Rotation
*[SV24900(ALL)03/95]Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them at the mileage shown in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet which came with your
vehicle.
*[SV25000(ALL)03/90]In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
[SV25100(ALL)09/93]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040199-B
Rotating the tires
File:15vxsvn.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:25:18 1996

Servicing Your Villager
329
%*
[SV29650(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29675(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29700(ALL)04/95]
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to clean with
regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the
directions on the container and rinse the tires with plenty of
clean water.
*
[SV29725(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
%*
[SV29800(ALL)03/95]
Battery
[SV29900(ALL)05/96]
The Motorcraft low-maintenance battery requires periodic
service as detailed below. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep
the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
[SV30000(ALL)05/96]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[SV30100(ALL)07/95]
Battery replacement
[SV30200(ALL)05/96]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement while
under warranty, it may be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed.
File:15vxsvn.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:25:18 1996

364
*
[SV44300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
*
[SV44400(ALL)11/93]
Information about your vehicle's emissions control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[SV44405(ALL)07/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance Testing
*
[SV44410(ALL)07/95]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies a ªneed for additional mixed city and highway driving
to complete the checkº of the OBD II system. As soon as all of
the OBD II system checks are successfully completed, the OBD
II system is set to the ready condition. The amount of driving
required to reach the ready condition varies with individual
driving patterns. To complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle defined below.
If the vehicle owner cannot or does not want to do the
additional driving required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of repair work.
*
[SV44415(ALL)09/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[SV44420(ALL)06/95]
The following steps must be run in the order shown. If any
steps are interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe
driving mode is acceptable between steps.
*
[SV44425(ALL)06/95]
Always drive vehicle in safe manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
*
[SV44430(ALL)07/95]
The engine must be warmed up and at operating temperature
before proceeding with the drive modes of the following OBD II
Drive Cycle.
File:15vxsvn.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:25:18 1996

Servicing Your Villager
369
%*
[SV45100(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV45200(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV45300(ALL)01/93]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of
time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance
recommendations to keep your vehicle in good operating
condition.
*
[SV45400(ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV45500(ALL)01/93]
n
Store your vehicle in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV45600(ALL)01/95]
n
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV45700(ALL)01/93]
n
When your vehicle is stored outside, it will require regular
maintenance to protect against rust and damage.
*
[SV45800(ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV45900(ALL)01/93]
n
Wash your vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar
or mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housings and
underside of front fenders.
*
[SV46000(ALL)01/95]
n
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
*
[SV46100(ALL)01/93]
n
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of
auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when
your vehicle is washed.
*
[SV46200(ALL)04/95]
n
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches
with a light grade oil.
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
n
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
n
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
File:15vxsvn.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:25:18 1996

396
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag........................ 71
anti-lock brakes (ABS)................. 70
brake........................ 69
charging system................... 73
check engine..................... 72
door ajar....................... 74
engine oil pressure.................. 73
hazard warning light................ 112
high beam...................... 77
low fuel....................... 76
oil pressure...................... 73
rear ABS....................... 70
safety belt...................... 70
turn signal indicator................. 123
Load limits
GAWR....................... 241
GVWR....................... 241
trailer towing.................... 249
Lubricant specifications................ 368
Luggage rack..................... 173
Lug nuts
anti-theft...................... 267
tightening sequence................. 271
M
Maintenance (see Servicing).............. 295
Map pockets..................... 166
Master cylinder, brakes................ 333
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 308
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview mirror......... 139
dual electric remote control............. 170
rearview...................... 169
side view mirrors (manual)............. 170
side view mirrors (power).............. 170
Motorcraft parts.................... 367
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 09:28:47 1996

399
Index
Safety restraints (continued)
maintenance..................... 23
proper use...................... 9
replacement...................... 23
warning light and chime................ 70
Safety seats for children................. 32
and air bags................... 25,32
attaching with tether straps.............. 39
automatic locking mode (retractor)......... 16,32
in front seat..................... 32
in rear outboard................... 32
in rear seat...................... 32
tether anchorage hardware............... 39
Seat belts (see Safety restraints).............. 9
Seats
child safety seats................... 32
cleaning upholstery................. 165
head restraints................... 159
Serial number (VIN).................. 283
Service concerns.................... 276
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing.............. 296
servicing when you tow............... 273
Shift positions (see Gearshift).............. 229
Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints).......9,11
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints).......... 11,17
Side mirrors, adjusting................. 170
Snow tires and chains................. 328
Spare tire
changing the tire................259, 263
conventional spare................. 259
finding the spare.................. 261
removing the spare tire............... 261
temporary spare................... 260
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 09:28:47 1996