1997 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

226
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[GF10000(ALL)05/96]
Driving
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[GF10100(ALL)01/96]
When to use D (Overdrive)
[GF10150(ALL)01/96]
Overdrive is the normal driving position. When the gearshift
lever is placed in (D) Overdrive, and the Overdrive Off button
has not been pressed, the vehicle will automatically upshift to
second, third and fourth gears. The transaxle will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is reached.
[GF10200(ALL)01/96]
When to use D (Drive Ð with the Overdrive Off button
activated)
[GF10250(ALL)01/96]
You will notice that there is only one drive position on your
gearshift selection indicator (instead of Drive and Overdrive).
You will find a button labeled OVERDRIVE OFF/ON located on
the gearshift lever. Push in the button on the end of the lever
and the O/D OFF light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
With the O/D OFF light illuminated, the transaxle will operate
in first, second and third gears and will not shift into fourth
gear. Operating in Drive (O/D OFF) provides more engine
braking than Overdrive for descending hills, or city driving.
[GF10300(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040164-C
The OVERDRIVE OFF/ON button
[GF10350(ALL)01/96]
To return the transaxle to the normal Overdrive operation, press
the OVERDRIVE OFF/ON button again. Use this button to
select Overdrive or Overdrive Off whenever you drive your
vehicle.
[GF10400(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Overdrive will not engage until the engine has fully
warmed up.
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Driving
227
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[GF10450(ALL)01/96]
The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the
vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when
the vehicle was last shut off.
[GF10500(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle is on an extremely slippery surface, the
Electronic Transaxle Control Module may receive a signal
indicating a rapid increase or decrease in wheel speed. If the
module detects this condition, it will limit the transaxle
operation to Third gear and Reverse. This reduces tire slippage
and protects the transaxle. The transaxle will operate normally
in Reverse, but will lack power during acceleration in Drive. If
this happens, stop your vehicle as soon as possible and turn the
ignition off for 3 seconds. Restart the vehicle. If the condition
still exists, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
*
[GF10550(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off
repeatedly when the vehicle is started, there is a
transaxle electronic system malfunction. Contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
*
[GF10600(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF10650(ALL)01/96]
Use Second (2) when driving on slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on downgrades. This position
provides Second gear operation only. Do not exceed 68 mph
(110 km/h) in this position.
*
[GF10670(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF10700(ALL)01/96]
Use First (1) to provide maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts from First can be made by manually
shifting to Second (2) or Overdrive (D). First (1) gear provides
only first gear operation. If you select First while driving at
higher speeds, the transaxle will shift to Second (2), and then
shift back to First (1) after the vehicle decelerates to the proper
speed. Do not exceed 35 mph (56 km/h) in this position.
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228
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[GF10750(ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[GF11000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
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[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.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
229
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[GF11900(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
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[GF12000(ALL)01/96]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
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[GF12100(ALL)01/96]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
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[GF12200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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[GF12300(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg)
provided the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the
GVWR shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
With the optional trailer tow package, your vehicle can tow a
trailer up to 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg).
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230
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[GF12500(ALL)05/96]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
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[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
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[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
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[GF12800(ALL)01/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
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[GF12900(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
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[GF13000(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
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[GF13100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
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[GF13700(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading Information
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[GF13800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all the available space.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire sizes, rim sizes
and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the
assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The certification label is located on the pillar in the driver's
door opening.
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[GF13900(ALL)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
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Driving
231
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[GF14000(ALL)01/96]
The following is a typical example of a Safety Compliance
Certification Label and an explanation of how this information
should be used:
[GF14100(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040166-D
The Safety Compliance Certification Label
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[GF14200(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and
rear GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The
GAWR of the front and rear axles exceed the GVWR
when added together.
[GF14300(ALL)01/96]
There are no numbers on the sample Safety Compliance
Certification Label shown. Refer to the actual numbers on your
vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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[GF14500(ALL)01/96]
Understanding Loading Information
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[GF14600(ALL)01/96]
There are five terms that are used to describe a vehicle's ability
to carry a load:
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[GF14700(ALL)01/96]
n
Base Curb Weight
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[GF14800(ALL)01/96]
n
Payload
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[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
n
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
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232
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[GF15000(ALL)01/96]
n
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
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[GF15100(ALL)01/96]
n
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
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[GF15200(ALL)01/96]
n
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
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[GF15300(ALL)01/96]
Base Curb Weight
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[GF15400(ALL)01/96]
The base curb weight is the weight of the vehicle including fuel,
coolants, lubricants, emergency tools and spare wheel and tire.
It also includes any equipment that is standard. It does not
include passengers, cargo or optional equipment installed by
factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer.
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[GF15500(ALL)01/96]
Payload
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[GF15600(ALL)01/96]
Maximum payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight
of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle is
designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus
the base curb weight.
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[GF15700(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
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[GF15800(ALL)01/96]
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
*
[GF15900(ALL)01/96]
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
%*
[GF16000(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[GF16100(ALL)01/96]
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your Villager. The GVWR is
the maximumallowableweight of the vehicle when fully
loaded including passengers, cargo and all equipment.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
233
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[GF16200(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
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[GF16300(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[GF16400(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on each axle system.
*
[GF16500(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is why
it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[GF16600(ALL)01/96]
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific tire pressure.
*
[GF16700(ALL)01/96]
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
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[GF16800(ALL)01/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
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[GF16900(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
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[GF17000(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996