1997 Mercury Villager maintenance

Maintenance and Care
289
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[MC18475(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
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[MC18500(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Engine Coolant
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[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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Maintenance and Care
291
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[MC19100(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine
is running or hot.
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[MC19200(ALL)05/96]
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow these steps
to avoid personal injury caused by escaping steam or engine
coolant:
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[MC19225(ALL)05/96]1.
Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it
cool.
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[MC19250(ALL)05/96]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap.
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise to the first stop.
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[MC19275(ALL)05/96]3.
Step back while the pressure releases.
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[MC19280(ALL)05/96]4.
When you are sure that all the pressure has been released,
use the cloth to press the cap down, turn it counterclockwise,
and remove it.
[MC19300(ALL)05/96]
Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or an equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford Premium
Engine Coolant is an optimized formula that will protect all
metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford cooling systems for 4
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
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[MC19400(ALL)05/96]
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use
supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle. These additives
may harm your engine cooling system.The use of an improper
coolant may void the warranty of your vehicle's engine cooling
system.
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Maintenance and Care
293
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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 Manual.
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[MC20800(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
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[MC20810(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
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[MC20820(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC20850(ALL)01/96]3.
Then turn the engine off.
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[MC20860(ALL)01/96]4.
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir.
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Maintenance and Care
295
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[MC20910(ALL)01/96]
If you must check the power steering fluid when it is cold,
make sure that the fluid reaches at least the minimum (MIN)
mark. The reading will only be accurate if the fluid temperature
is approximately 70Ê to100ÊF (21Ê to 38ÊC).
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[MC20920(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[MC20930(ALL)05/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle since your vehicle does not use up
transaxle fluid. However, if the transaxle is not working
properly (for example, slipping or shifting slowly), or you notice
some sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
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[MC20940(ALL)01/96]
It is best to check the transaxle fluid level at normal operating
temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without
having to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
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[MC20950(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.
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[MC20960(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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[MC20970(ALL)01/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking
brake and leave the engine running.
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[MC20980(ALL)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
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Maintenance and Care
297
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[MC21050(ALL)05/96
]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
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[MC21060(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Always use Motorcraft MERCONHor equivalent
MERCONHautomatic transaxle fluid when you refill
your automatic transaxle fluid.
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[MC21310(ALL)01/96]
Battery
[MC21315(ALL)05/96]
The Motorcraft low-maintenance battery requires periodic
service as detailed below. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep
the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
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[MC21320(ALL)05/96]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
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[MC21325(ALL)01/96]
Battery replacement
[MC21330(ALL)05/96]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement while
under warranty, it may be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed.
[MC21335(ALL)05/96]
Check the electrolyte level of each cell (there are six) at least
every 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Keep the
electrolyte level between the MAX and MIN lines that are on
the side of the battery (you will have to remove the battery
cover to see the fill lines on the battery). Do not overfill the
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298battery cells. When operating at ambient temperatures above
90ÊF (32ÊC),check the electrolyte level more frequently.
[MC21340(ALL)05/96]
If the level of the electrolyte in a cell of the battery is low, add
distilled water until the proper level in each cell is restored.
Plain tap water will work; but if it is ªhard waterº having a
high mineral or alkali content, the life of the battery may be
reduced and the frequency of maintenance required on the
battery will increase.
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[MC21345(ALL)01/96
]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
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[MC21350(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
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[MC21355(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040201-A
Battery recycling symbol
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[MC21360(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
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[MC21365(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
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Maintenance and Care
299
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[MC21370(ALL)05/96
]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
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[MC21375(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
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[MC21380(ALL)02/96
]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
[MC21420(ALL)04/96]
Air Filter
[MC21500(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040278-A
Air filter housing
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300
[MC21600(ALL)03/96]
The air filter should not be cleaned and reused. Replace it
according to the maintenance intervals shown in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. When replacing the filter, unclip the four
clamps and remove the filter. Wipe the inside of the air filter
housing with a damp cloth when replacing the filter.
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[MC21700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start
the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
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[MC22300(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
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[MC22400(ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper
blades.
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[MC22500(ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
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[MC22600(ALL)01/96]
To reach the wiper blades easily, turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY and turn your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to OFF. Moving the
wipers manually may damage them.
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[MC22700(ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
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[MC22800(ALL)01/96]
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them,
you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When
replacing the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996