1997 Mercury Villager parking brake

Maintenance and Care
279
*
[MC03400(ALL)01/96]
If you must work under the hood while the engine is
on:
[MC03450(ALL)01/96]
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC03700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
*
[MC03750(ALL)01/96]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
%*
[MC03800(ALL)02/96
]
Opening the Hood
[MC03900(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the hood release handle, located below the fuse panel
door.
[MC04000(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040189-C
Hood release handle location
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

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
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
295
*
[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).
%*
[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.
*
[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).
*
[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.
%*
[MC20960(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

338
*
[MC72000(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or
expected storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions
on the label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed
to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[MC72100(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will
protect the fuel system's inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow
the instructions packaged with the product.
%*
[MC72200(ALL)01/96
]
Cooling system
*
[MC72300(ALL)01/96]
n
Protect your vehicle against freezing temperatures.
%*
[MC72400(ALL)01/96
]
Battery
*
[MC72500(ALL)01/96]
n
Check and recharge the battery as necessary.
*
[MC72600(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of
grease.
%*
[MC72700(ALL)01/96
]
Brakes
*
[MC72800(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure the brakes and parking brake are fully released.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

387
Index
Brakes (continued)
lubricant specifications................ 343
master cylinder................... 285
new brake linings................... 5
noise........................ 219
parking...................... 221
servicing....................220, 285
stopping distances.................. 221
trailer....................... 237
when storing your vehicle.............. 338
Brights (high beams)................... 17
Bulbs, replacing
halogen...................... 319
headlamps..................... 319
specifications.................... 325
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 356
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) . . . 356
Carbon monoxide in exhaust.............. 216
Cargo net....................... 112
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)...... 156
Catalytic converter................... 316
Chains, tires...................... 307
Changing a tire.................... 256
Charging system warning light.............. 13
Childproof locks.................... 100
Child safety restraints
child safety belts.................. 169
child safety seats.................. 156
Child safety seats
and air bags.................... 156
attaching with tether straps............. 163
automatic locking mode (retractor)........138, 156
in front seat.................... 156
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

390
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers................... 254
fuses........................ 245
relays....................... 255
Electronic sound system
antenna....................... 84
tuning the radio................... 33
warranty and service information............ 52
Emergencies, roadside
assistance..................... 349
battery acid spills................270, 299
fuel........................ 313
towing....................... 274
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 221
Emission control system
catalytic converter.................. 316
emissions warranty................. 316
Engine
check engine warning light.............. 12
does not start.................... 213
fuel injected engine, starting............. 211
fuel pump shut-off switch.............. 214
preparing to start.................. 211
service points.................... 345
starting...................... 211
starting after a collision............... 244
storing your vehicle................. 336
Engine block heater.................. 214
Engine coolant
checking and adding................ 289
disposal....................278, 297
drain and flush................... 293
preparing for storage................ 338
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

397
Index
Mirrors (continued)
side view mirrors (manual).............. 110
side view mirrors (power).............. 111
Motorcraft parts.................... 341
O
Octane rating..................... 311
Odometer
description...................... 20
trip odometer..................... 20
Oil filter....................... 284
Oil (see Engine oil).................. 281
Oil viscosity...................... 281
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system.......... 318
Overdrive....................... 226
Overseas offices.................... 357
P
Parking brake
operation...................... 221
warning light..................... 9
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)............... 341
PCV valve, specifications................ 341
Power door locks................... 102
Power features
door locks..................... 102
mirrors....................... 110
windows...................... 107
Power steering
dipstick...................... 293
driving with power steering............. 223
fluid, checking and adding.............. 293
fluid, specifications................. 343
servicing...................... 223
Prop rod, hood.................... 279
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996