1997 Mercury Villager spare tire

302
*
[MC23800(ALL)03/96]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[MC23900(ALL)03/96]
n
Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[MC24000(ALL)03/96]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[MC24100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always obey posted speed limits. If you drive too fast
for road conditions, you could lose control of your
vehicle. Under some circumstances, driving at very high
speeds for extended periods of time may damage vehicle
components, creating a risk of component failure and a
potential loss of vehicle control. Any time you lose
control of your vehicle, it may result in injury.
[MC24300(ALL)01/96]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has
been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 3
miles (5 km). You can find the proper cold tire pressure on the
Tire Pressure Decal, located in the glove compartment.
*
[MC24400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
%*
[MC24500(ALL)01/96
]
Tire Inspection and Maintenance
*
[MC24600(ALL)05/96]
Inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or other
objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for
holes or cuts that may permit air to leak from the tire and make
the necessary repairs.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
303
*
[MC24700(ALL)01/96]
Inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If
you suspect internal damage to the tire, have it removed and
checked. You may need to repair or replace it.
%*
[MC24800(ALL)01/96
]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC24900(ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following
diagram.
*
[MC25000(ALL)03/96]
In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
[MC25100(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040199-B
Rotating the tires
[MC25200(ALL)01/96]
After each rotation, adjust individual tire pressure as specified
on the Tire Pressure Decal. Tighten wheel lug nuts to the
required torque specification and retighten again after 500 miles
(800 km).
*
[MC25300(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has the optional full-size spare tire, you may
rotate the spare tire into the rotation pattern.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

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

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

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

349
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00710(ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00715(ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators who put you in touch with the
help you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you throughout your
warranty period of 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km),
whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance
coverages beyond this period (available through Ford Auto Club
in the United States or Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers in
Canada), contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Additional Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00720(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00725(ALL)06/94]
n
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00730(ALL)06/94]
n
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00735(ALL)06/94]
n
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00740(ALL)06/94]
n
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00745(ALL)06/94]
n
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in mud or snow,
are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing
and repossession).
*
[HS00750(ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00755(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can be found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in your glove compartment. Complete
the card and place it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00760(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United States call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00765(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside assistance yourself,
Ford Motor Company will reimburse the reasonable cost. To
obtain information about reimbursement call 1-800-241-FORD (in
Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
File:14vxhsn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:59:49 1996

399
Index
Safety restraints (continued)
replacement..................... 146
warning light and chime................ 11
Safety seats for children
and air bags..................138, 156
attaching with tether straps............. 163
automatic locking mode (retractor)........138, 156
in front seat.................... 156
in rear outboard.................. 156
in rear seat..................... 156
tether anchorage hardware.............. 163
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)............. 131
Seats
child safety seats.................. 156
cleaning upholstery................. 335
head restraints................... 123
Serial number (VIN).................. 356
Service concerns.................... 350
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing.............. 278
servicing when you tow............... 274
Shift positions (see Gearshift).............. 224
Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints).....131, 133
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints).........133, 139
Side mirrors
adjusting...................... 110
Snow tires and chains................. 307
Spare tire
changing the tire................256, 260
conventional spare................. 256
finding the spare.................. 257
removing the spare tire............... 257
storing the flat tire................. 257
temporary spare................... 256
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

401
Index
Tires
changing...................... 256
checking the pressure................ 301
cleaning...................... 334
inspection and maintenance............. 301
replacing...................... 304
rotating...................... 303
snow tires and chains................ 307
spare tire...................... 257
storing your vehicle................. 339
tire grades..................... 304
treadwear...................304, 306
wear bands..................... 304
wheel and tire matching............... 305
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing).......... 230
Towing your vehicle
using wheel dollies................. 274
with a tow truck.................. 274
Trailer towing
tips........................ 238
trailer brakes.................... 237
trailer lamps.................... 237
Transaxle
automatic operation................. 224
fluid, checking and adding (automatic)........ 295
lubricant specifications................ 343
Transaxle control switch................ 226
Trip odometer...................... 20
Turn signal
indicator lights.................... 87
lever......................... 87
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996