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![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals Maintenance and Care
283
%*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC15700(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals Maintenance and Care
283
%*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC15700(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-279.png)
Maintenance and Care
283
%*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC15700(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[MC15800(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC15900(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
[MC16000(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[MC16100(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[MC16200(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[MC16300(ALL)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[MC16400(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040218-A
Engine oil dipstick
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![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 284
[MC16500(ALL)01/96]6.
Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªLº line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªH,º engine damage or hi Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 284
[MC16500(ALL)01/96]6.
Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªLº line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªH,º engine damage or hi](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-280.png)
284
[MC16500(ALL)01/96]6.
Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªLº line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªH,º engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from
the engine.
*
[MC16600(ALL)01/96]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
%*
[MC16650(ALL)01/96
]
Adding engine oil
*
[MC16700(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[MC16800(ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[MC16900(ALL)01/96
]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[MC17200(ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for additional
information.
[MC17300(ALL)04/96]
Follow these directions to change the engine oil and oil filter:
[MC17400(ALL)04/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up.
[MC17500(ALL)04/96]2.
Protect yourself from engine heat and the engine oil being
drained.
[MC17600(ALL)04/96]3.
Remove the oil pan drain plug(s)andoil filter.
[MC17700(ALL)04/96]4.
Drain the oil into a container until flow from the drain plug
hole(s) and the filter mounting area slows to a drip.
[MC17800(ALL)04/96]5.
Install the drain plug(s) and a new engine oil filter according
to directions on the package.
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[MC17900(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: SeeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts and Lubrication
Specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter
for the appropriate oil filter and Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals Maintenance and Care
285
*
[MC17900(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: SeeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts and Lubrication
Specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter
for the appropriate oil filter and](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-281.png)
Maintenance and Care
285
*
[MC17900(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: SeeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts and Lubrication
Specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter
for the appropriate oil filter and engine oil refill
quantity.
[MC18000(ALL)04/96]6.
Remove the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) to
prevent oil contamination of the engine ventilating system
while refilling.
[MC18100(ALL)04/96]7.
Refill the engine with a CERTIFIED engine oil of the
preferred viscosity. Start the engine and check for leaks.
Follow directions inChecking and adding engine oilto be sure
the engine is filled to the proper level.
*
[MC18150(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC18200(ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
%*
[MC18220(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC18240(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level indicator in
the master cylinder which lights the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument panel when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC18260(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake pads wear.
*
[MC18280(ALL)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic brake fluid reservoir on
the master cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
*
[MC18300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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Maintenance and Care
287
[MC18423(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040205-C
Brake fluid master cylinder reservoir
%*
[MC18425(ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
[MC18435(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel, or when the warning light indicates low washer
fluid. The reservoir for washer fluid is located in the engine
compartment. This reservoir contains the fluid for both the
windshield and liftgate washers.
*
[MC18440(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for
the engine coolant.
*
[MC18445(ALL)05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
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Maintenance and Care
289
%*
[MC18475(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC18500(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC18550(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
[MC18600(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter.
Check the level of the engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant
reservoir, located in the engine compartment. The coolant
should stay between the MIN and MAX marks. It will be closer
to MAX when the engine is warm and closer to MIN when the
engine is cold. To locate the coolant reservoir, see the diagram
of your vehicle's engine underEngine Compartmentin the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
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290
*
[MC18700(ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
[MC18800(ALL)01/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0040197-C
Engine coolant recovery reservoir
*
[MC18900(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC19000(ALL)05/96]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and water to the engine coolant recovery reservoir Ð DO NOT
ADD DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only
in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50
mixture of coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
*
[MC19025(ALL)05/96]
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir the
next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough
of a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid
level to the fill line on the reservoir.
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![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 292
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[MC19500(ALL)05/96]
Recycled Engine Coolant
*
[MC19550(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced
by Ford-approved proces Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 292
*
[MC19500(ALL)05/96]
Recycled Engine Coolant
*
[MC19550(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced
by Ford-approved proces](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-288.png)
292
*
[MC19500(ALL)05/96]
Recycled Engine Coolant
*
[MC19550(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced
by Ford-approved processes. Not all coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A,
and use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
*
[MC19600(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC19700(ALL)05/96]
Coolant Refill Capacity
*
[MC19750(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can
hold, seeRefill capacities for fluidsin the Index.
*
[MC19775(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add more than a quart (liter) of engine coolant per
month.
*
[MC19800(ALL)05/96]
Severe Winter Climate
*
[MC19850(ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than-34ÊF [-36ÊC]),
it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above
50%. Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that the coolant
will not freeze at the temperature level in which you drive
during winter months. Never increase the engine coolant
concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
[MC20550(ALL)01/96]
Checking hoses
*
[MC20600(ALL)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for deterioration,
leaks and loose clamps before adding or replacing engine
coolant. Make whatever repairs or replacements are necessary
using Motorcraft parts or their equivalents.
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[MC20650(ALL)05/96
]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC20700(ALL)01/96]
To have your engine coolant drained, see your Ford dealer or
refer to the procedure in the Service M Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals Maintenance and Care
293
%*
[MC20650(ALL)05/96
]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC20700(ALL)01/96]
To have your engine coolant drained, see your Ford dealer or
refer to the procedure in the Service M](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-289.png)
Maintenance and Care
293
%*
[MC20650(ALL)05/96
]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC20700(ALL)01/96]
To have your engine coolant drained, see your Ford dealer or
refer to the procedure in the Service Manual.
%*
[MC20800(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC20810(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC20820(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC20830(ALL)04/96]1.
Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid
reaches normal operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when the engine
coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is near
the center of the NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC20840(ALL)01/96]2.
While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and
forth several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is
installed at this time.
*
[MC20850(ALL)01/96]3.
Then turn the engine off.
*
[MC20860(ALL)01/96]4.
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir.
File:11vxmcn.ex
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