1997 Mercury Villager tires

Maintenance and Care
305
*
[MC26100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial,
bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that
are listed on the tire pressure decal. Make sure that all
tires are the same size, speed rating, and load-carrying
capacity. Use only the tire combinations recommended on
the decal. If you do not follow these precautions, your
vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
*
[MC26200(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size,
type, load-carrying capacity, and tread design (e.g. ªAll
Terrainº, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
*
[MC26300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect
the handling of the vehicle and make it easier to lose
control and roll over.
*
[MC26400(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires
may affect the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer.
%*
[MC26500(ALL)03/96
]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC26510(ALL)03/96]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper servicing procedures.
Wheels and tires must be properly removed, matched and
remounted to maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[MC27400(ALL)01/96
]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[MC27500(ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their Tire Quality
Grade (described below) molded into the tire's sidewall. These
Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has set.
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

Maintenance and Care
307
*
[MC28300(ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
[MC28400(ALL)01/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
[MC28490(ALL)06/96]
Warning: the temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat build up and possible tire failure.
[MC28600(ALL)01/96]
The information on braking performance and tire quality
grading found in the ªFord Motor Company Passenger Car
Consumer Informationº pamphlet (FPS 12024-92) also applies to
the Villager. This publication is available from your dealer.
%*
[MC28700(ALL)01/96
]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC28800(ALL)03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide
traction in rain or snow. However, during the winter months in
some climates, you may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
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

Maintenance and Care
315
*
[MC37950(ALL)01/96]
Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates
*
[MC38000(ALL)05/96]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve
the fuel economy shown.
*
[MC38050(ALL)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC38100(ALL)01/96]
n
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[MC38150(ALL)01/96]
n
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[MC38200(ALL)01/96]
n
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[MC38250(ALL)01/96]
n
Sudden stops
*
[MC38300(ALL)01/96]
n
Extended engine idling
*
[MC38350(ALL)01/96]
n
Using speed control in hilly terrain
[MC38400(ALL)01/96]
n
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
*
[MC38425(ALL)01/96]
n
Underinflated tires
[MC38450(ALL)01/96]
n
Heavy loads
[MC38475(ALL)01/96]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

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

Maintenance and Care
339
%*
[MC72900(ALL)01/96
]
Tires
*
[MC73000(ALL)01/96]
n
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[MC73100(ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[MC73200(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under
the vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
*
[MC73300(ALL)01/96]
n
Lubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 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