1996 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

229
Driving Your Villager
%*[DR01000(ALL)01/93]Automatic Transaxle Operation
*[DR01100(ALL)01/95]Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*[DR01200(ALL)04/95]Your vehicle's gearshift lever is on the steering column. The
OVERDRIVE OFF/ON button is located on the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift lever in any one of
several positions.
[DR01300(ALL)06/95]
10-1/2 pica art:0040163-F
The steering column gearshift lever positions
*[DR01400(ALL)05/95]RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
*[DR01500(ALL)01/93]Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position,
gradually release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
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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.
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Driving Your Villager
231
*
[DR02700(ALL)01/95]
Driving
[DR03000(ALL)06/95]
When to use D (Overdrive)
[DR03100(ALL)01/93]
Overdrive is the normal driving position. When the gearshift
lever is placed in (D) Overdrive, and the Overdrive Off button
has not been pressed, the vehicle will automatically upshift to
second, third and fourth gears. The transaxle will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is reached.
%*
[DR03200(ALL)06/95]
When to use D (Drive Ð with the Overdrive Off button
activated)
[DR03300(ALL)06/95]
You will notice that there is only one drive position on your
gearshift selection indicator (instead of Drive and Overdrive).
You will find a button labeled OVERDRIVE OFF/ON located on
the gearshift lever. Push in the button on the end of the lever
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, second and third gears and will not shift into fourth
gear. Operating in Drive (O/D OFF) provides more engine
braking than Overdrive for descending hills, or city driving.
[DR03400(ALL)06/95]
6 pica art:0040164-C
The OVERDRIVE OFF/ON button
*
[DR03500(ALL)09/93]
To return the transaxle to the normal Overdrive operation, press
the OVERDRIVE OFF/ON button again. Use this button to
select Overdrive or Overdrive Off whenever you drive your
vehicle.
[DR03600(ALL)02/95]
NOTE: Overdrive will not engage until the engine has fully
warmed up.
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232
*
[DR03700(ALL)02/95]
The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the
vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when
the vehicle was last shut off.
[DR03800(ALL)04/94]
If your vehicle is on an extremely slippery surface, the
Electronic Transaxle Control Module may receive a signal
indicating a rapid increase or decrease in wheel speed. If the
module detects this condition, it will limit the transaxle
operation to Third gear and Reverse. 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, stop your vehicle as soon as possible and turn the
ignition off for 3 seconds. Restart the vehicle. If the condition
still exists, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
*
[DR03900(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off
repeatedly when the vehicle is started, there is a
transaxle electronic system malfunction. Contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
*
[DR04000(ALL)06/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
[DR04100(ALL)01/93]
Use Second (2) when driving on slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on downgrades. This position
provides Second gear operation only. Do not exceed 68 mph
(110 km/h) in this position.
*
[DR04200(ALL)06/95]
When to use 1 (First)
[DR04300(ALL)01/93]
Use First (1) to provide maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts from First can be made by manually
shifting to Second (2) or Overdrive (D). First (1) gear provides
only first gear operation. If you select First while driving at
higher speeds, the transaxle will shift to Second (2), and then
shift back to First (1) after the vehicle decelerates to the proper
speed. Do not exceed 35 mph (56 km/h) in this position.
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Driving Your Villager
233
[DR04320(ALL)06/95]
N (Neutral)
*
[DR04340(ALL)06/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
*
[DR04400(ALL)06/92]
Parking
*
[DR04500(ALL)06/95]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels
from turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park)
position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push it toward the
instrument panel.
[DR04600(ALL)01/93]
The gearshift is securely latched in Park (P) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
*
[DR04700(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[DR04800(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[DR05000(ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
[DR05100(ALL)01/93]
To gain extra acceleration in Drive (D) (when passing another
vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear - third, second
or first.
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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.
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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.
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236
[DR07350(ALL)04/94]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other than
during maximum braking, have your mobile radio installation
checked.
*
[DR07400(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
*
[DR07500(ALL)01/93]
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking
brake several times. If the condition has not improved, you
should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
%*
[DR07600(ALL)01/93]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more frequent,
return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
*
[DR07700(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
%*
[DR07800(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR07900(ALL)01/93]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996