1996 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

Driving Your Villager
245
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[DR15700(ALL)01/93]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[DR15800(ALL)09/93]
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
*
[DR15900(ALL)12/93]
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
%*
[DR16000(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[DR16100(ALL)09/93]
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your Villager. The GVWR is
the maximumallowableweight of the vehicle when fully
loaded including passengers, cargo and all equipment.
%*
[DR16200(ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR16300(ALL)01/93]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[DR16400(ALL)09/93]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on each axle system.
*
[DR16500(ALL)01/93]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is why
it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[DR16600(ALL)01/93]
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific tire pressure.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

246
*
[DR16700(ALL)01/93]
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[DR16800(ALL)01/93]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
*
[DR16900(ALL)05/93]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[DR17000(ALL)01/93]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
247
*
[DR17100(ALL)07/93]
Calculating the Payload for Your Vehicle
*
[DR17200(ALL)03/91]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
*
[DR17300(ALL)11/93]1.
Obtain the GVWR and GAWR from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[DR17500(ALL)02/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0040002-C
Safety Compliance Certification Label location
*
[DR17600(ALL)11/93]2.
Fill the fuel tank.
*
[DR17700(ALL)11/93]3.
Weigh your vehicle without cargo.
*
[DR17800(ALL)11/93]4.
Subtract vehicle actual weight from the GVWR to find out
how much more weight your vehicle can carry.
*
[DR17810(ALL)04/94]5.
Weigh the vehicle again once it is loaded to make sure that
the GVWR and front and rear GAWR's are not exceeded.
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Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

248
[DR17830(ALL)07/93]
Load Calculation Ð (Trailers)
[DR17840(ALL)07/93]
The trailer towing table shows the maximum allowable trailer
weight and maximum GCWR for vehicles with and without the
trailer towing package.
[DR17850(ALL)07/93]
For a particular vehicle, the allowable trailer weight may be
lower depending upon the vehicle's actual gross vehicle weight.
(GVW is the weight of the vehicle including passengers,
equipment, cargo.)
[DR17860(ALL)07/93]
You must determine the appropriate trailer weight for your
vehicle at its particular GVW while adhering to GVWR, GAWR,
GCWR and maximum trailer weight ratings.
[DR17870(ALL)07/95]
n
Fill the fuel tank.
[DR17875(ALL)07/93]
n
Load the vehicle as it would be loaded when towing a
trailer (including cargo, trailer hitch, etc.).
[DR17880(ALL)07/93]
n
Weigh the vehicle to determine its GVW. Do not exceed
GVWR and GAWR.
[DR17885(ALL)07/93]
n
Obtain the appropriate GCWR from the trailer towing table.
[DR17890(ALL)07/93]
n
Subtract the loaded vehicle weight (GVW) from the GCWR.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can pull
given its particular GVW.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
249
%*
[DR18000(ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing table
[DR18050(ALL)11/93]
eight pica
chart:0040244-B*
[DR18080(ALL)07/93]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
[DR18090(ALL)07/93]
To determine actual GCW, weigh the total vehicle and trailer
and also weigh the trailer separately to verify its weight.
*
[DR18200(ALL)01/93]
Trailers
*
[DR18300(ALL)01/93]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
*
[DR18500(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.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

250
*
[DR18600(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR18800(ALL)05/93]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[DR18900(ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR19000(ALL)01/93]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
[DR19100(ALL)02/94]
An optional trailer towing package is available for towing
trailers up to 3,500 lbs. (1587 kg). Use a frame-mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).
*
[DR19200(ALL)01/93]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
*
[DR19300(ALL)01/93]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
*
[DR19400(ALL)04/94]
Safety chains
*
[DR19500(ALL)01/93]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
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

252
[DR20250(ALL)04/94]
n
one SAE J1239 specified connector
[DR20260(ALL)04/94]
n
one extension harness within the rear bumper
[DR20270(ALL)04/94]
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your vehicle,
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR20300(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR20400(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
*
[DR20500(ALL)01/93]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
*
[DR20600(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
*
[DR20700(ALL)05/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
[DR20800(ALL)09/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet in the Owner's portfolio.
*
[DR20900(ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR21000(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR21100(ALL)01/93]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR21200(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996