1997 Mercury Villager air condition

Seating and Safety Restraints
153
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[SS13430(ALL)05/96]
Determining If System Is Operational
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[SS13440(ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a readiness
light and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system
is operating normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
%*
[SS13450(ALL)05/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
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[SS13460(ALL)05/96]
n
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SS13470(ALL)05/96]
n
the readiness light will not light immediately after ignition is
turned on,
%*
[SS13480(ALL)05/96]
n
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
*
[SS13500(ALL)05/96]
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Air
Bag Supplemental Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system
may not function properly in the event of a collision.
*
[SS13525(ALL)05/96]
Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag Equipped Vehicles
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[SS13550(ALL)05/96]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.
File:06vxssn.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 10:54:22 1996

216
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[TO09065(ALL)01/96]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If there is no fuel,
you can try to start your vehicle again.
*
[TO09070(ALL)03/96]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
*
[TO09100(ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[TO09200(ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[TO09300(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO09400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
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[TO09500(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
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[TO09600(ALL)01/96]
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your vehicle is raised for service
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[TO09700(ALL)01/96]
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the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO09800(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in an accident
*
[TO09900(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
*
[TO10000(ALL)01/96]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch
(2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to
bring in outside air.
File:08vxton.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:53:35 1996

Driving
233
%*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[GF16900(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[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

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.
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[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

240intake button to select the fresh air position to stop the air
conditioner compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short
time.
*
[GF21700(ALL)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
[GF21800(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
*
[GF21900(ALL)01/96]2.
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
[GF22000(ALL)01/96]3.
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
[GF22100(ALL)01/96]4.
Apply the parking brake by pressing the main brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot while depressing the
parking brake pedal with your left foot.
*
[GF22200(ALL)01/96]5.
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
*
[GF22300(ALL)01/96]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
[GF22400(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
*
[GF22500(ALL)03/96]2.
Start the engine.
*
[GF22600(ALL)01/96]3.
Shift the gearshift lever into gear and release the parking
brake.
[GF22700(ALL)01/96]4.
Release the main brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to
free the wheel chocks.
[GF22800(ALL)01/96]5.
Apply the main brake pedal and hold while another person
retrieves the chocks.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

302
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[MC23800(ALL)03/96]
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Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
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[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

312
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[MC36350(ALL)02/96]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
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[MC36410(ALL)05/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly.
However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on
the recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
*
[MC36420(ALL)05/96]
Fuel Quality
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[MC36430(ALL)05/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation
problems, try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists,
see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[MC36460(ALL)05/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
issued a gasoline specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of your vehicle. We
recommend the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA
specification if they are available.
*
[MC36470(ALL)05/96]
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
%*
[MC36550(ALL)04/96
]
Gasolines for clean air
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[MC36620(ALL)05/96]
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality,
including reformulated gasolines that contain oxygenates such as
a maximum of 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no
more than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives to protect
the fuel system.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

318
%*
[MC38590(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38595(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies that additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC38602(ALL)03/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready condition consist
of a minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving as
described below.
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[MC38607(ALL)03/96]
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20 minutes of driving in stop and go city-type traffic with at
least four idle periods.
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[MC38612(ALL)03/96]
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10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
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[MC38617(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the engine must be
warmed up and at operating temperature. Once started, the
vehicle must not be turned off during the above driving modes.
If the vehicle owner is unable to meet the I/M requirements by
using these driving patterns, an authorized service center can
perform a detailed OBD II drive cycle as it would any other
type of repair work.
%*
[MC38700(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC38800(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
*
[MC38900(ALL)01/96]
n
headlamps
*
[MC38950(ALL)01/96]
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high-mount brakelamp
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[MC39000(ALL)01/96]
n
tail lamps
*
[MC39100(ALL)01/96]
n
brakelamps
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996