1997 Mercury Villager brakes

230
%*
[GF12500(ALL)05/96]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF12800(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF12900(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[GF13000(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[GF13100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
*
[GF13700(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading Information
*
[GF13800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all the available space.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire sizes, rim sizes
and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the
assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The certification label is located on the pillar in the driver's
door opening.
*
[GF13900(ALL)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
237
*
[GF19200(ALL)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
*
[GF19300(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF19400(ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
*
[GF19500(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF19600(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF19700(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
*
[GF19800(ALL)05/96]
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.
%*
[GF19900(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
*
[GF20000(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
*
[GF20100(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
239
[GF20700(ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
[GF20800(ALL)03/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet in the Owner's portfolio.
*
[GF20900(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[GF21000(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21100(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21200(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF21300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[GF21400(ALL)01/96]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
*
[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
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.
[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
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
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

286
*
[MC18320(ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for
15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken
internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC18340(ALL)03/96
]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the filler cap
from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with Ford
High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or DOT 3
equivalent fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC18360(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
*
[MC18380(ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[MC18400(ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low Ð below the
seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir Ð have the
brake system inspected.
*
[MC18420(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

338
*
[MC72000(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or
expected storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions
on the label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed
to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[MC72100(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will
protect the fuel system's inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow
the instructions packaged with the product.
%*
[MC72200(ALL)01/96
]
Cooling system
*
[MC72300(ALL)01/96]
n
Protect your vehicle against freezing temperatures.
%*
[MC72400(ALL)01/96
]
Battery
*
[MC72500(ALL)01/96]
n
Check and recharge the battery as necessary.
*
[MC72600(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of
grease.
%*
[MC72700(ALL)01/96
]
Brakes
*
[MC72800(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure the brakes and parking brake are fully released.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

386
Automatic transaxle
driving with.................... 224
fluid, adding.................... 295
fluid, checking................... 295
fluid, specification.................. 343
B
Backing up...................... 225
Battery
acid, treating emergencies............270, 298
charging system warning light............. 13
disconnecting.................... 274
how to service................... 297
proper disposal, recycling.............. 298
servicing...................... 297
voltage gauge.................... 13
when storing your vehicle.............. 338
Brake fluid
brake warning light.................. 9
checking and adding................ 285
description..................... 285
specifications..................286, 343
Brakes
adjustment..................... 219
anti-lock...................... 219
anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light....... 10
applying the brakes................. 221
brake warning light.................. 9
fluid, checking and adding.............. 285
fluid, refill capacities................ 285
fluid, specifications...............286, 343
front disc...................... 219
if brakes do not grip well.............. 220
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

387
Index
Brakes (continued)
lubricant specifications................ 343
master cylinder................... 285
new brake linings................... 5
noise........................ 219
parking...................... 221
servicing....................220, 285
stopping distances.................. 221
trailer....................... 237
when storing your vehicle.............. 338
Brights (high beams)................... 17
Bulbs, replacing
halogen...................... 319
headlamps..................... 319
specifications.................... 325
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 356
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) . . . 356
Carbon monoxide in exhaust.............. 216
Cargo net....................... 112
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)...... 156
Catalytic converter................... 316
Chains, tires...................... 307
Changing a tire.................... 256
Charging system warning light.............. 13
Childproof locks.................... 100
Child safety restraints
child safety belts.................. 169
child safety seats.................. 156
Child safety seats
and air bags.................... 156
attaching with tether straps............. 163
automatic locking mode (retractor)........138, 156
in front seat.................... 156
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

395
Index
Infant seats (see Safety seats).............. 154
Instrument panel
cleaning...................... 335
lighting up panel and interior............. 78
Interval wipers..................... 89
J
Jack
operation...................... 260
positioning..................... 260
storage....................... 257
Jump-starting your vehicle
attaching cables................... 272
disconnecting cables................. 274
K
Keys
key in ignition chime................. 17
positions of the ignition................ 86
stuck in lock position...............86,217
L
Lamps
bulb replacement specifications chart......... 325
checking...................... 318
daytime running light system............. 77
hazard flashers..................76,243
illuminated entry system................ 83
instrument panel, dimming............... 78
replacing bulbs................... 318
trailer....................... 237
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal).......... 87
Liftgate........................ 103
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag........................ 11
anti-lock brakes (ABS)................. 10
brake........................ 9
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996