1996 Mercury Villager wheel

Driving Your Villager
237
%*
[DR08000(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR08100(ALL)06/94]
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique.
Push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly. In the event of a sudden
stop, do not pump the brakes. Pumping the brakes during an
anti-lock stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
*
[DR08200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
This will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and
may also cause brake damage.
*
[DR08300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
*
[DR08400(ALL)03/95]
Using the Parking Brake
[DR08500(ALL)02/94]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of the brake pedal. To set the
parking brake, press the brake pedal with your right foot and
hold it while you push the parking brake pedal down firmly
with your left foot.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
239
*
[DR09000(ALL)02/94]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
%*
[DR09100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
*
[DR09200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR09300(ALL)01/93]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use greater care until
you become accustomed to its features and driving
characteristics.
*
[DR09400(ALL)01/93]
Always operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Abrupt
changes in acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of
these maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated, especially when road conditions vary.
*
[DR09500(ALL)07/93]
For example, even with anti-lock brakes, extreme braking can
make it difficult to control the direction of the vehicle. Use a
ªsqueezeº technique. Push on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing force. This allows the wheels to brake, yet continue to
roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel.
*
[DR09600(ALL)01/93]
If you release the accelerator abruptly or brake hard while
going too fast around a severe curve, your vehicle may change
its direction of travel. Avoid applying the brakes, if possible. If
you must apply the brakes, use the ªsqueezeº technique
described earlier.
[DR09650(ALL)07/93]
If you run off the road, do not turn the steering wheel sharply
to return to the road. Instead, slow the vehicle sufficiently and
gradually steer the vehicle back onto the road.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

240
%*
[DR09900(ALL)01/93]
Driving at High Speeds
*
[DR09990(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[DR10000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
*
[DR10100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
%*
[DR10200(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR10300(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
[DR10400(ALL)02/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads.
*
[DR10500(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
*
[DR10600(ALL)01/93]
n
Drive more slowly than you would normally.
*
[DR10700(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR10800(ALL)01/93]
n
Use the ªsqueezeº technique for braking as described in
previous braking sections.
*
[DR10900(ALL)02/93]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR11000(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) when you are moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h).
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

244
*
[DR14200(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and
rear GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The
GAWR of the front and rear axles exceed the GVWR
when added together.
[DR14300(ALL)04/95]
There are no numbers on the sample Safety Compliance
Certification Label shown. Refer to the actual numbers on your
vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[DR14500(ALL)01/93]
Understanding Loading Information
*
[DR14600(ALL)01/93]
There are five terms that are used to describe a vehicle's ability
to carry a load:
*
[DR14700(ALL)01/93]
n
Base Curb Weight
*
[DR14800(ALL)01/93]
n
Payload
*
[DR14900(ALL)01/93]
n
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[DR15000(ALL)01/93]
n
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
*
[DR15100(ALL)01/93]
n
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
*
[DR15200(ALL)06/92]
n
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR15300(ALL)01/93]
Base Curb Weight
*
[DR15400(ALL)04/95]
The base curb weight is the weight of the vehicle including fuel,
coolants, lubricants, emergency tools and spare wheel and tire.
It also includes any equipment that is standard. It does not
include passengers, cargo or optional equipment installed by
factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer.
*
[DR15500(ALL)01/93]
Payload
*
[DR15600(ALL)07/93]
Maximum payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight
of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle is
designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus
the base curb weight.
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

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

254
*
[DR22300(ALL)01/93]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
[DR22400(ALL)04/94]1.
Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
*
[DR22500(ALL)11/93]2.
Start the engine.
*
[DR22600(ALL)11/93]3.
Shift the gearshift lever into gear and release the parking
brake.
[DR22700(ALL)04/94]4.
Release the main brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to
free the wheel chocks.
[DR22800(ALL)04/94]5.
Apply the main brake pedal and hold while another person
retrieves the chocks.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996