Page 314 of 389
![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals Maintenance and Care
317
*
[MC38555(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not remove the floor carpet in your vehicle. Emission
controls cause high exhaust temperatures under the floor.
*
[MC38560(ALL)01/96]
Watch f Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals Maintenance and Care
317
*
[MC38555(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not remove the floor carpet in your vehicle. Emission
controls cause high exhaust temperatures under the floor.
*
[MC38560(ALL)01/96]
Watch f](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-313.png)
Maintenance and Care
317
*
[MC38555(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not remove the floor carpet in your vehicle. Emission
controls cause high exhaust temperatures under the floor.
*
[MC38560(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke and loss of oil
pressure. Also watch for the charge warning light, the check
engine light, or the temperature warning light. These sometimes
indicate that the emission system is not working properly.
*
[MC38565(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
%*
[MC38570(ALL)01/96
]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service of the emission
control devices or systems in your new Ford Motor Company
vehicle or engine may be performed at your expense by any
automotive repair establishment or individual using automotive
parts equivalent to those with which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC38575(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases
vehicles, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or
prevent it from working. In some of the United States and in
Canada, vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control
device is removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38580(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
*
[MC38585(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emissions control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996
Page 331 of 389
![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 334
%*
[MC62000(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC62100(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicles body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abr Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 334
%*
[MC62000(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC62100(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicles body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abr](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-330.png)
334
%*
[MC62000(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC62100(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[MC62200(ALL)05/96]
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to clean with
regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the
directions on the container and rinse the tires with plenty of
clean water.
*
[MC62300(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
*
[MC63000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
[MC63100(ALL)04/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than
normal.
*
[MC63200(ALL)01/96]
n
Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to
clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate
sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC63300(ALL)04/96]
n
In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or
fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection
pump with cold water.
*
[MC63400(ALL)04/96]
n
The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water damage.
*
[MC63500(ALL)01/96]
n
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996
Page 334 of 389
![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals Maintenance and Care
337
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
n
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches
with a light grade oil.
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
n
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
* Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals Maintenance and Care
337
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
n
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches
with a light grade oil.
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
n
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-333.png)
Maintenance and Care
337
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
n
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches
with a light grade oil.
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
n
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
%*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96
]
Engine
*
[MC71500(ALL)01/96]
n
Start the engine every fifteen days. Run it at fast idle until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[MC71600(ALL)01/96]
n
With your foot on the brake, shift the transaxle into all gears
while the engine is running.
%*
[MC71700(ALL)01/96
]
Fuel system
%*
[MC71800(ALL)01/96
]
n
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first
automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
*
[MC71900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or
more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system
and may also clog small orifices.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996
Page 370 of 389

Index
385
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock brake system)...... 10
Accessory position on the ignition............. 86
Additives, engine oil.................. 281
Air bag supplemental restraint system
and child safety seats................ 156
description...................146, 148
driver air bag..................146, 148
indicator light..................... 11
operation...................... 148
passenger air bag.................. 148
service and information labels............ 148
tone generator................... 153
wearing safety belts................. 146
Air cleaner filter, location............... 345
Alcohol, in fuel.................... 312
Antenna, radio (see Electronic sound system)...... 29,84
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)............. 289
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description..................... 219
noise........................ 219
see also Brake.................... 219
warning light..................... 10
Anti-theft lug nuts and key............... 263
Anti-theft system, triggering.............. 118
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board)......... 352
Assistance (see Customer assistance)........... 349
Audio system (see Electronic sound system)........ 29
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996
Page 374 of 389

389
Index
Clock.......................... 40
Cold engine starting.................. 212
Combination lap and shoulder belts.........131, 133
Controls, mirrors................... 110
Convenience kit in cargo area.............. 257
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding................ 289
drain and flush................... 293
preparing for storage................ 338
specifications.................... 343
temperature gauge................ 18,23
warnings...................... 289
Cooling fan...................... 278
Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada....... 356
D
Daytime running light system.............. 77
Defrost
rear window..................... 74
windshield...................... 56
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid............... 295
engine oil..................... 283
power steering fluid................. 293
Disabled vehicle (see Towing).............. 274
Dispute Settlement Board................ 352
Doors
door ajar warning light................ 15
lubricant specifications................ 343
Driving under special conditions
heavy load..................... 229
towing a trailer................... 230
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996
Page 376 of 389

391
Index
Engine coolant (continued)
proper solution.................278, 297
recovery reservoir................289, 345
specifications.................... 343
temperature gauge................ 18,23
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description.................... 18,23
mechanical...................... 18
Engine coolant temperature gauge:electronic........ 23
Engine fan...................... 278
Engine:idle speed control................ 213
Engine knocking.................... 311
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter.............. 283
checking and adding................ 283
check oil warning light................ 14
dipstick...................... 283
disposal....................278, 297
engine oil pressure warning light............ 14
filter, specifications................. 341
low oil warning light................. 14
specifications.................... 281
synthetic oil.................... 281
ªbreak-inº oils.................... 5
viscosity...................... 281
Entry system
illuminated...................... 83
keyless....................... 114
Exhaust fumes..................... 216
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996
Page 381 of 389

396
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
charging system................... 13
check engine..................... 12
door ajar....................... 15
engine oil pressure.................. 14
hazard warning light............... 76,243
high beam...................... 17
low fuel....................... 16
lowoil........................ 14
low washer fluid................... 17
oil pressure...................... 14
rear ABS....................... 10
safety belt...................... 11
service engine soon.................. 12
turn signal indicator.................. 87
Load limits
GAWR....................... 229
GVWR....................... 229
trailer towing.................... 235
Lubricant specifications................ 343
Luggage rack..................... 241
Lug nuts
anti-theft...................... 263
tightening sequence...............260, 267
M
Maintenance (see Servicing).............. 277
Master cylinder, brakes................ 285
Message center, low washer fluid............. 17
Methanol in fuel................... 312
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 314
Mirrors
dual electric remote control............. 111
rearview...................... 110
side view mirrors.................. 110
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996
Page 382 of 389

397
Index
Mirrors (continued)
side view mirrors (manual).............. 110
side view mirrors (power).............. 111
Motorcraft parts.................... 341
O
Octane rating..................... 311
Odometer
description...................... 20
trip odometer..................... 20
Oil filter....................... 284
Oil (see Engine oil).................. 281
Oil viscosity...................... 281
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system.......... 318
Overdrive....................... 226
Overseas offices.................... 357
P
Parking brake
operation...................... 221
warning light..................... 9
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)............... 341
PCV valve, specifications................ 341
Power door locks................... 102
Power features
door locks..................... 102
mirrors....................... 110
windows...................... 107
Power steering
dipstick...................... 293
driving with power steering............. 223
fluid, checking and adding.............. 293
fluid, specifications................. 343
servicing...................... 223
Prop rod, hood.................... 279
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996