1997 Mercury Villager weight

Driving
235
[GF17830(ALL)05/96]
Load Calculation Ð Trailers
[GF17840(ALL)01/96]
The trailer towing table shows the maximum allowable trailer
weight and maximum GCWR for vehicles with and without the
trailer towing package.
[GF17850(ALL)01/96]
For a particular vehicle, the allowable trailer weight may be
lower depending upon the vehicle's actual gross vehicle weight.
(GVW is the weight of the vehicle including passengers,
equipment, cargo.)
[GF17860(ALL)01/96]
You must determine the appropriate trailer weight for your
vehicle at its particular GVW while adhering to GVWR, GAWR,
GCWR and maximum trailer weight ratings.
[GF17870(ALL)01/96]
n
Fill the fuel tank.
[GF17875(ALL)01/96]
n
Load the vehicle as it would be loaded when towing a
trailer (including cargo, trailer hitch, etc.).
[GF17880(ALL)01/96]
n
Weigh the vehicle to determine its GVW. Do not exceed
GVWR and GAWR.
[GF17885(ALL)01/96]
n
Obtain the appropriate GCWR from the trailer towing table.
[GF17890(ALL)01/96]
n
Subtract the loaded vehicle weight (GVW) from the GCWR.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can pull
given its particular GVW.
%*
[GF18000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing table
[GF18050(ALL)01/96]
eight pica
chart:0040244-BFile:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

236
*
[GF18080(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
[GF18090(ALL)01/96]
To determine actual GCW, weigh the total vehicle and trailer
and also weigh the trailer separately to verify its weight.
*
[GF18200(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF18300(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
*
[GF18500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF18600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[GF18700(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF18800(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[GF18900(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF19000(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
[GF19100(ALL)01/96]
An optional trailer towing package is available for towing
trailers up to 3,500 lbs. (1587 kg). Use a frame-mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
239
[GF20700(ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
[GF20800(ALL)03/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet in the Owner's portfolio.
*
[GF20900(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[GF21000(ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF21100(ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[GF21200(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF21300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[GF21400(ALL)01/96]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
*
[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in Park (P) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, press the air
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
241
%*
[GF22960(ALL)01/96]
Four Season Roof Rack (If equipped)
[GF22970(ALL)01/96]
Always load your luggage as far back as it will safely go on the
four season roof rack. Do not load more than 100 pounds
(45 kg). Be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or its Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR front and rear). The GVWR and GAWR are located on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label (located on the
driver's door pillar).
[GF22980(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040114-D
The four season roof rack
[GF22990(ALL)01/96]
The front and rear cross-bars can be adjusted forward and
backward. Place your luggage between the bars, adjust the bars,
and secure the luggage with rope to the bars. There are also
adjustable loops on the side bars for the rope attachment.
*
[GF23000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Be sure that items on the roof rack are securely fastened.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

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

Accessories
361
*
[AC01600(ALL)01/93]
Travel Equipment
[AC01700(ALL)07/95]
Aero Hood Deflector
Bike Rack Adaptor (Attaches to Base Roof Rack)
Four Season Base Roof Rack
Multi Sport Removable Rack
Multi Sport Bike Adaptor
Multi Sport Ski/Snowboard Adaptor
Multi Sport Water Sport Adaptor
Ski Rack Adaptor (Attaches to Base Roof Rack)
*
[AC01800(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment, passengers, and
luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total
weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear
axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label). Consult your dealer
for specific weight information.
*
[AC01900(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Devices that emit radio frequency (RF) energy such as
AM/FM radios, mobile communication systems
(two-way radios, telephones) and radio controlled
security systems, are subject to the rules and
regulations of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) 47 CFR Parts 2 and 15. Any such
system installed in your vehicle should comply with
those rules and should be installed only by a
qualified technician. In addition, to insure continued
compliance with the FCC's requirements, RF devices
must not be modified or changed in a manner not
expressly approved by Ford Motor Company.
File:15vxacn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:00:11 1996

393
Index
Fuse panels
engine compartment................. 252
instrument panel.................. 246
Fuses
charts....................... 246
checking and replacing............... 245
circuit breakers................... 254
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap)................. 309
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy)..........311, 314
Gasohol........................ 312
Gasoline (see Fuel)................... 309
Gauges, Electronic
engine coolant temperature gauge......... 18,23
fuel gauge.................... 18,24
odometer....................... 25
speedometer..................... 20
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge......... 18,23
fuel gauge.................... 18,24
odometer....................... 20
speedometer..................... 20
tachometer...................... 21
trip odometer..................... 20
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating..................... 234
definition....................229, 233
driving with a heavy load.............. 229
location...................... 233
Gearshift
automatic operation................. 224
column-mounted.................. 224
locking the gearshift.................. 86
positions...................... 224
shifting the gears.................. 224
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

394
Gearshift:shifting the gears............... 224
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating..................... 234
definition....................229, 232
driving with a heavy load.............. 229
location...................... 233
H
Hazard flashers................... 76,243
Headlamps
bulb specification.................. 325
checking alignment................. 319
cleaning...................... 333
daytime running lights................ 77
replacing bulbs................... 318
warning chime.................... 17
Head restraints.................... 123
Heating, manual heating and air conditioning system.... 56
High beams, indicator light................ 17
Hitch......................... 236
Hood
latch location.................... 279
lubrication specifications............... 343
release lever.................... 279
working under the hood............... 278
I
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN).......... 356
Idle
relearning..................... 274
speed....................... 213
Ignition
chime........................ 17
positions of the ignition................ 86
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996