1997 Mercury Villager maintenance

277
Maintenance and Care
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC01500(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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[MC01600(ALL)01/96]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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When possible, we design parts that can be replaced without
tools.
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The Maintenance
Schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
[MC02150(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner's Manual.
[MC02225(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet be performed
for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert
for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that your
vehicle may need service. If you do notice something unusual,
see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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[MC02250(ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service
parts that meet Ford Motor Company specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best performance in
your vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your
assurance that Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle.
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Maintenance and Care
279
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If you must work under the hood while the engine is
on:
[MC03450(ALL)01/96]
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
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RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
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Opening the Hood
[MC03900(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the hood release handle, located below the fuse panel
door.
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13-1/2 pica
art:0040189-C
Hood release handle location
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Maintenance and Care
281
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To close the hood:
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[MC04500(ALL)01/96]1.
Remove the prop rod from the slotted hole in the hood.
Place the rod in its retaining clip and close the hood with
enough force to make it latch. Be sure to oil the hood latch
every six months to maintain smooth operation.
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[MC04600(ALL)01/96]2.
Try to lift the hood after closing it to be sure it is securely
latched.
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Engine Oil Recommendations
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We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
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one third page
art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
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Neveruse:
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ªNon-Detergentº oils
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Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
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Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
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Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity arePREFERREDfor
your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel
economy and engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
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10-1/2 pica
art:0040196-B
Selecting the right viscosity for your climate
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Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
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[MC15580(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock may be experienced. It
is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft
oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
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Maintenance and Care
283
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
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Checking the engine oil level:
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[MC15900(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
[MC16000(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
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[MC16100(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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[MC16200(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
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[MC16300(ALL)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[MC16400(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040218-A
Engine oil dipstick
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284
[MC16500(ALL)01/96]6.
Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªLº line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªH,º engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from
the engine.
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[MC16600(ALL)01/96]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
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Adding engine oil
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It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
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[MC16800(ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
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Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for additional
information.
[MC17300(ALL)04/96]
Follow these directions to change the engine oil and oil filter:
[MC17400(ALL)04/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up.
[MC17500(ALL)04/96]2.
Protect yourself from engine heat and the engine oil being
drained.
[MC17600(ALL)04/96]3.
Remove the oil pan drain plug(s)andoil filter.
[MC17700(ALL)04/96]4.
Drain the oil into a container until flow from the drain plug
hole(s) and the filter mounting area slows to a drip.
[MC17800(ALL)04/96]5.
Install the drain plug(s) and a new engine oil filter according
to directions on the package.
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Maintenance and Care
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NOTE: SeeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts and Lubrication
Specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter
for the appropriate oil filter and engine oil refill
quantity.
[MC18000(ALL)04/96]6.
Remove the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) to
prevent oil contamination of the engine ventilating system
while refilling.
[MC18100(ALL)04/96]7.
Refill the engine with a CERTIFIED engine oil of the
preferred viscosity. Start the engine and check for leaks.
Follow directions inChecking and adding engine oilto be sure
the engine is filled to the proper level.
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RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
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Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
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Brake Fluid
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Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level indicator in
the master cylinder which lights the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument panel when the brake fluid level is low.
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[MC18260(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake pads wear.
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Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic brake fluid reservoir on
the master cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
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RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
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13-1/2 pica
art:0040205-C
Brake fluid master cylinder reservoir
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Windshield Washer Fluid
[MC18435(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel, or when the warning light indicates low washer
fluid. The reservoir for washer fluid is located in the engine
compartment. This reservoir contains the fluid for both the
windshield and liftgate washers.
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RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for
the engine coolant.
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[MC18445(ALL)05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996