1997 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

Starting
217
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[TO10100(ALL)01/96]
Read the sectionClimate Control Systemsfor instructions on
bringing fresh outside air into your vehicle. Refer to the Index.
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[TO11000(ALL)03/96]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
[TO11100(ALL)01/96]
OFF/LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the
key from the ignition. The LOCK feature helps to protect your
vehicle from theft, because it also locks the steering wheel and
the gearshift lever when the key is removed.
%*
[TO11200(ALL)01/96]
If your key is stuck in the LOCK position, and you are unable
to turn it, move your steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
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[TO11250(ALL)01/96]
To remove your key from the ignition:
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[TO11300(ALL)01/96]1.
Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
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[TO11400(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully.
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[TO11500(ALL)03/96]3.
Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
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[TO11600(ALL)03/96]4.
Remove the key.
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[TO11700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When you leave your vehicle, place the gearshift lever in
P (Park). Set the parking brake fully, and shut off the
engine. Never park your vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do
not take these precautions, your vehicle may move
suddenly and injure someone.
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[TO11800(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
File:08vxton.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:53:35 1996

219
Driving
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[GF06200(ALL)05/96]
Brakes
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[GF06300(ALL)01/96]
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
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[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
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[GF06500(ALL)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic lubrication of the caliper slide rails
and inspection for pad wear.
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[GF06600(ALL)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
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[GF06700(ALL)01/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
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[GF06800(ALL)05/96]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes (If Equipped)
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[GF06900(ALL)01/96]
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from
completely locking up by automatically releasing and
re-applying the brakes. During ABS braking, slight brake pedal
pulsations may be felt on the driver's foot. These pulsations
represent the rapid cycling of the ABS valves. The pedal
pulsations are considered normal ABS operation, and will stop
when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
%*
[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS system cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
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[GF07100(ALL)01/96]
The ABS system has self-check capabilities. The system turns on
the ABS warning light each time you start the engine. After the
engine is started and the ABS warning light turns off, the
system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches
4 mph (6 km/h). A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS
system performs a self test. This is a normal part of the self test
feature. If a malfunction is found during this check, the ABS
warning light will come on.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

220
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[GF07200(ALL)01/96]
You should always be careful when braking, even if your
vehicle has the ABS system. Heavy braking on roads with loose
surfaces such as snow or gravel, or roads with severe pavement
irregularities could also cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
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[GF07300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
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[GF07310(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is
disabled but normal brake function remains
operational.
[GF07350(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other than
during maximum braking, have your mobile radio installation
checked.
%*
[GF07400(ALL)03/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
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[GF07500(ALL)01/96]
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking
brake several times. If the condition has not improved, you
should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
%*
[GF07600(ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more frequent,
return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
221
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[GF07700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
%*
[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
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[GF07900(ALL)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
%*
[GF08000(ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
[GF08100(ALL)05/96]
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique.
Push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly. In the event of a sudden
stop with ABS equipped vehicles, do not pump the brakes.
Pumping the brakes during an anti-lock stop will diminish
braking effectiveness.
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[GF08200(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This
will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
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[GF08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
%*
[GF08400(ALL)05/96]
Using the Parking Brake
[GF08500(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of the brake pedal. To set the
parking brake, press the brake pedal with your right foot and
hold it while you push the parking brake pedal down firmly
with your left foot.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

222
[GF08600(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040281-A
The parking brake
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[GF08700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the
parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park
(P). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your
vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is
running. If you do not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
[GF08800(ALL)01/96]
To release the parking brake, press the brake pedal with your
right foot and hold it while you lift up on the parking brake
release handle.
*
[GF08900(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
223
*
[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.
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[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[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

224
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[GF09200(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Operation
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[GF09300(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF09400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift lever is on the steering column. The
OVERDRIVE OFF/ON button is located at the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift lever in any one of
several positions.
[GF09500(ALL)05/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040163-G
The steering column gearshift lever positions
*
[GF09600(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
*
[GF09700(ALL)01/96]
Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position,
gradually release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
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