1997 Mercury Villager warning

304
[MC25400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle.
[MC25500(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, you may remove the
spare tire from the wheel and remount it on an aluminum
wheel to rotate the spare tire into your vehicle's rotation
pattern.
%*
[MC25600(ALL)01/96
]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC25700(ALL)01/96]
Replace tires that show wear bands. When your tire shows a
wear band, it has only 1/16 of an inch (1.59 mm) of tread left.
*
[MC25800(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040200-A
A worn-out tire
*
[MC25900(ALL)02/96]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly, you may need
to replace them before a wear band appears across the entire
tread.
*
[MC26000(ALL)03/96]
Your wheels and tires are match-mounted for improved ride.
Before you begin to repair a tire, mark the wheel and tire so
that they are properly aligned when remounted. This will
ensure that the tires will continue to give you the same ride
level.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
305
*
[MC26100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial,
bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that
are listed on the tire pressure decal. Make sure that all
tires are the same size, speed rating, and load-carrying
capacity. Use only the tire combinations recommended on
the decal. If you do not follow these precautions, your
vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
*
[MC26200(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size,
type, load-carrying capacity, and tread design (e.g. ªAll
Terrainº, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
*
[MC26300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect
the handling of the vehicle and make it easier to lose
control and roll over.
*
[MC26400(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires
may affect the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer.
%*
[MC26500(ALL)03/96
]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC26510(ALL)03/96]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper servicing procedures.
Wheels and tires must be properly removed, matched and
remounted to maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[MC27400(ALL)01/96
]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[MC27500(ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their Tire Quality
Grade (described below) molded into the tire's sidewall. These
Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has set.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

306
*
[MC27600(ALL)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on
this vehicle. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (254-305 mm) or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
*
[MC27700(ALL)01/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire quality grades:The
U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly as the
government has written it.
%*
[MC27800(ALL)01/96
]
Treadwear
*
[MC27900(ALL)01/96]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
*
[MC28000(ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
[MC28100(ALL)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C,
and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
*
[MC28200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
307
*
[MC28300(ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
[MC28400(ALL)01/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
[MC28490(ALL)06/96]
Warning: the temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat build up and possible tire failure.
[MC28600(ALL)01/96]
The information on braking performance and tire quality
grading found in the ªFord Motor Company Passenger Car
Consumer Informationº pamphlet (FPS 12024-92) also applies to
the Villager. This publication is available from your dealer.
%*
[MC28700(ALL)01/96
]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC28800(ALL)03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide
traction in rain or snow. However, during the winter months in
some climates, you may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

308
*
[MC28900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When using snow tires, make sure they are the same size
and grade as the tires you normally use on your vehicle.
*
[MC29000(ALL)01/96]
Do not use chains when using a temporary spare. For full size
tires, use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. When you use the tire chains:
*
[MC29100(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure the chains are the right size for your tires. Use
only SAE Class ªSº chains. Other types may damage your
vehicle.
*
[MC29200(ALL)01/96]
n
Put chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC29300(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[MC29400(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC29500(ALL)01/96]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
*
[MC29600(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
309
%*
[MC35000(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC35050(ALL)05/96]
Removing the tethered fuel cap
[MC35100(ALL)05/96]1.
Open the fuel door on the driver's side of the vehicle.
[MC35150(ALL)05/96]2.
Slowly unscrew the cap counterclockwise, using caution to
minimize the possibility of fuel spraying.
[MC35200(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040219-C
The tethered fuel cap
*
[MC35250(ALL)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
%*
[MC35300(ALL)01/96
]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
*
[MC35350(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until
it stops before completely removing the cap.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

310
*
[MC35400(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[MC35450(ALL)01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal condition. It may be
caused by:
*
[MC35500(ALL)01/96]
n
too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions. Service stations
sometimes sell winter grade fuel in the summer.
*
[MC35550(ALL)01/96]
n
pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high altitudes.
*
[MC35600(ALL)01/96]
n
extended periods of idling with the engine RPM increased
above the normal idle range.
*
[MC35650(ALL)01/96]
n
parking the vehicle in full sunlight for extended periods on
extremely hot days.
*
[MC35700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
*
[MC35750(ALL)01/96]
Before you fill your vehicle with fuel, extinguish all lit
cigarettes, other smoking materials, and any open flames.
*
[MC35800(ALL)01/96]
To fill the tank properly:
*
[MC35850(ALL)01/96]1.
Remove the fuel cap. Proceed to add fuel to the tank only if
your vehicle is on level ground.
[MC35900(ALL)01/96]2.
Make sure you pump unleaded fuel and put the nozzle all
the way inside the fuel filler pipe. The fuel tank is normally
full after three automatic shutoffs of the nozzle.
*
[MC35950(ALL)01/96]3.
If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle, clean it off
immediately. The fuel may dull or soften the paint if you do
not wash it off.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
313
%*
[MC36750(ALL)01/96
]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive Fuels
*
[MC36800(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if
misused or mishandled.
*
[MC36850(ALL)05/96]
n
Turn vehicle off when refueling.
*
[MC36900(ALL)08/95]
n
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are extremely
flammable.
*
[MC36950(ALL)08/95]
n
Do not siphon any fuel by mouth.
*
[MC37000(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Gasoline or gasoline blended with methanol can cause
blindness and possible death when swallowed. If any
fuel is swallowed, call a physician or poison control
center immediately.
*
[MC37050(ALL)08/95]
n
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling.
*
[MC37100(ALL)08/95]
n
If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with soap and water.
[MC37150(ALL)01/96]
n
If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if
worn), flush with water for 15 minutes, and seek medical
attention.
*
[MC37200(ALL)01/96]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small amounts of
carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-term exposure to unleaded
gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
*
[MC37250(ALL)01/96]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism, vapor or skin contact
with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of
adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996