1997 Mercury Villager check engine

Instrumentation
9
[IS00800(ALL)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on the mechanical
cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed
are optional. The following section explains what each of these
indicators means.
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[IS00850(ALL)04/96]
Indicator Lights and Chimes
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[IS00900(ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
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[IS01000(ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
[IS01100(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040050-A
Brake system and parking brake light
[IS01200(ALL)03/96]
The BRAKE light normally illuminates when you turn the
ignition key to the ON position to verify that the indicator bulb
is working. If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is
running and after you have released the parking brake fully,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
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[IS01300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
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12
[IS02150(ALL)04/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following: the readiness light will either flash or stay lit, or it
will not light, or a group of five beeps will be heard.
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[IS02160(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have
the air bag system serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.
[IS02180(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040262-A
Supplemental air bag readiness light
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[IS02200(ALL)03/96]
Check Engine Warning Light
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[IS02300(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when the electronic engine control system
is not working properly. This is the computer that controls the
operating conditions of the engine.
[IS02400(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040053-A
Check engine warning light
[IS02500(ALL)05/96]
This light illuminates briefly when you turn the ignition key to
ON, but should turn off when the engine starts. If the light does
not come on when you turn the ignition to ON or if it
illuminates and stays on when you are driving, have your
File:03vxisn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:45:36 1996

Instrumentation
13 vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a possible
problem with one of the engine's emission control systems. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed.
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[IS02700(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
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[IS02800(ALL)04/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and
that you need to have the electrical system checked.
[IS02900(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040054-A
Charging system light
[IS03000(ALL)04/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn your ignition key to
the ON or START position. The light should go off when the
engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
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[IS03100(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:45:36 1996

14
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[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
[IS03300(ALL)05/96]
The oil pressure light is represented by an oil can symbol. It
indicates the engine's oil pressure, not oil level. However, if
your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure.
The oil pressure light will flash if the oil pressure drops below
the normal operating level. When you turn the key to the ON
position, the light will illuminate.
[IS03400(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040060-A
Oil pressure light
[IS03500(ALL)01/96]
The light should turn off after a few seconds. If the light stays
on or illuminates when the engine is running Ð you have lost
oil pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
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[IS03550(ALL)05/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
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[IS03600(ALL)04/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
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[IS03700(ALL)03/96]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
[IS03800(ALL)01/96]3.
Check the oil level following the instructions on checking
and adding engine oil in this owner guide. (SeeEngine oilin
the index.) Make sure your vehicle is on level ground.
[IS03900(ALL)01/96]4.
If the level is low, add as much oil as necessary before you
drive your vehicle again. Do not drive your vehicle if the oil
pressure light is on, even if the oil level is correct. For more
information about adding oil, seeEngine oil, checking and
addingin the Index.
File:03vxisn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:45:36 1996

Instrumentation
19
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[IS07600(ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
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[IS07700(ALL)03/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.
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[IS07800(ALL)03/96]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
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[IS07900(ALL)03/96]3.
Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT
SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
[IS08000(ALL)01/96]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine, seeEngine
coolantin the Index. If you do not follow these instructions,
you or others could be injured.
*
[IS08100(ALL)04/96]5.
Refer toAdding Engine Coolantin theMaintenance and Care
chapter. Add as much coolant as your engine needs. If the
engine continues to overheat, have the cooling system
serviced.
[IS08300(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040057-A
Engine coolant temperature gauge
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Update:Thu May 30 09:45:36 1996

Instrumentation
23
[IS09600(ALL)01/96]
The electronic cluster has all of the same warning lights as the
mechanical cluster, however, some of the gauges will be
electronic instead of analog. In addition, the electronic cluster
has a fuel computer for measuring fuel economy, distance to
empty and outside air temperature.
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[IS09700(ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
[IS09800(ALL)01/96]
This gauge shows you the temperature of the engine coolant
and is identified by a thermometer symbol. The letter H means
that the coolant is hot, C means that it is cold, and NORMAL
means that the coolant is within the normal operating range.
[IS09900(ALL)01/96]
The indicator bar on the graph will move into the normal
operating range as the engine warms up. When you are in
heavy traffic or stop-and-go driving in hot weather, the gauge
may read at the very top of the NORMAL range. This is
acceptable.
[IS10000(ALL)01/96]
However, if the indicator bar on the graph moves into the H
(hot) position, the engine is overheating and may cause engine
damage. If this happens, you should stop your vehicle as soon
as safely possible. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Check the
coolant level to be sure that it is at the proper level. If your
vehicle needs more coolant, seeEngine coolant, checking and
addingin the Index and read the section regarding adding
coolant.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:45:36 1996

Starting
213
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[TO07370(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the
brake pedal.
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[TO07500(ALL)01/96]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
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[TO07600(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[TO07700(ALL)01/96]2.
Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.
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[TO07800(ALL)01/96]3.
Turn the ignition key to the START position.
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[TO07900(ALL)01/96]4.
Release the ignition key when the engine starts.
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[TO08000(ALL)03/96]5.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
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[TO08100(ALL)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been activated. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
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[TO08200(ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast slightly
faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down
after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
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[TO08290(ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have
the vehicle checked.
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[TO08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
File:08vxton.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:53:35 1996

Starting
215
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[TO09020(ALL)03/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle.
[TO09025(ALL)01/96]
The fuel pump shut-off switch reset button is located below the
hood release handle.
[TO09030(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040048-C
Fuel pump shut-off switch reset button location
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[TO09035(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
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[TO09040(ALL)01/96]
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
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[TO09045(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
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[TO09050(ALL)03/96]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[TO09055(ALL)01/96]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the fuel pump shut-off
reset button down. If the red button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical or electrical problem.
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[TO09060(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
File:08vxton.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:53:35 1996