1997 Mercury Villager parking brake

Driving
223
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[GF09000(ALL)02/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
%*
[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
*
[GF09110(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF09120(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[GF09130(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
*
[GF09140(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, have the front suspension
and steering checked for possible damage.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
225
[GF09800(ALL)01/96]
Shift-lock Safety Feature
[GF09810(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a special shift-lock safety feature which
prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) without the brake
pedal depressed. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position, the ignition must be in the ON position and your foot
must be pressing on the brake pedal.
*
[GF09820(ALL)01/96]
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position
with the brake pedal depressed:
*
[GF09830(ALL)01/96]1.
Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
*
[GF09840(ALL)01/96]2.
Apply the parking brake.
*
[GF09850(ALL)05/96]3.
Reinsert the ignition key and turn it to the first position
(OFF).
*
[GF09860(ALL)01/96]4.
Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[GF09870(ALL)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate
procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown
and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin this Owner
Guide for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
*
[GF09900(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
%*
[GF09950(ALL)01/96]
Backing Up
*
[GF09975(ALL)01/96]
Before shifting into or out of R (Reverse), you should always
come to a complete stop.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

228
*
[GF10750(ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
*
[GF10760(ALL)09/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
*
[GF10800(ALL)01/96]
Parking
*
[GF10850(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels
from turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park)
position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push it toward the
instrument panel.
[GF10870(ALL)01/96]
The gearshift is securely latched in Park (P) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
*
[GF10900(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[GF11100(ALL)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
[GF11110(ALL)01/96]
To gain extra acceleration in Drive (D) (when passing another
vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear - third, second
or first.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

240intake button to select the fresh air position to stop the air
conditioner compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short
time.
*
[GF21700(ALL)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
[GF21800(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
*
[GF21900(ALL)01/96]2.
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
[GF22000(ALL)01/96]3.
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
[GF22100(ALL)01/96]4.
Apply the parking brake by pressing the main brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot while depressing the
parking brake pedal with your left foot.
*
[GF22200(ALL)01/96]5.
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
*
[GF22300(ALL)01/96]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
[GF22400(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
*
[GF22500(ALL)03/96]2.
Start the engine.
*
[GF22600(ALL)01/96]3.
Shift the gearshift lever into gear and release the parking
brake.
[GF22700(ALL)01/96]4.
Release the main brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to
free the wheel chocks.
[GF22800(ALL)01/96]5.
Apply the main brake pedal and hold while another person
retrieves the chocks.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

256
%*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
Changing a Flat Tire
*
[ER00505(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER00510(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[ER00515(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a temporary spare tire (unless you ordered the
optional full-size spare tire). This spare tire is smaller than a
regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can. This
spare tire is marked with the words TEMPORARY USE ONLY
so that you can easily identify it.
*
[ER00520(ALL)02/96]
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, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[ER00525(ALL)01/96]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[ER00530(ALL)01/96]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances
*
[ER00535(ALL)01/96]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal
*
[ER00540(ALL)01/96]
n
tow a trailer
*
[ER00545(ALL)01/96]
n
use tire chains
*
[ER00550(ALL)01/96]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel
*
[ER00555(ALL)01/96]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

260
%*
[ER00645(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[ER00650(ALL)01/96]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack properly placed
at the front or rear jacking points.
*
[ER00655(ALL)05/96]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll and that
the tires and jack are on a level, solid surface. Put the
gearshift lever in P (Park). Set the parking brake and block
the wheel Ð in both directions Ð that is diagonally opposite
the tire that you are changing.
*
[ER00660(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving
or slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
*
[ER00665(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a
tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both
directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other
side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
*
[ER00670(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
[ER00675(ALL)05/96]2.
Get out the spare tire and jack. See previous section for
instructions on spare tire removal. The jack is located in the
rear storage compartment in the right door panel of the
cargo area. You will have to unfasten the jack before
removing it as shown in the illustration. The jack handle is
in the tool kit located behind the jack.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

Roadside Emergencies
271
*
[ER01400(ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
%*
[ER01500(ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[ER01600(ALL)02/96]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[ER01700(ALL)02/96]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[ER01800(ALL)02/96]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER01900(ALL)02/96]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[ER02000(ALL)01/96]5.
Turn on the heater blower in both vehicles. Turn off all other
switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent possible
damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

278
%*
[MC02260(ALL)05/96
]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
%*
[MC02300(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[MC02400(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
[MC02450(ALL)01/96]
n
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without warning. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery
before working near the fan.
*
[MC02600(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
*
[MC02700(ALL)01/96]
n
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a
jack. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02800(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
*
[MC03100(ALL)01/96]
If you plan to work under the hood while the engine is
off:
*
[MC03200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
*
[MC03300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always remove the key from the ignition after you turn
off the engine.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996