1996 Mercury Villager engine

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

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.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

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.
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
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

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