1997 Mercury Villager steering

Starting
217
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[TO10100(ALL)01/96]
Read the sectionClimate Control Systemsfor instructions on
bringing fresh outside air into your vehicle. Refer to the Index.
*
[TO11000(ALL)03/96]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
[TO11100(ALL)01/96]
OFF/LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the
key from the ignition. The LOCK feature helps to protect your
vehicle from theft, because it also locks the steering wheel and
the gearshift lever when the key is removed.
%*
[TO11200(ALL)01/96]
If your key is stuck in the LOCK position, and you are unable
to turn it, move your steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
*
[TO11250(ALL)01/96]
To remove your key from the ignition:
*
[TO11300(ALL)01/96]1.
Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
*
[TO11400(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully.
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[TO11500(ALL)03/96]3.
Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
*
[TO11600(ALL)03/96]4.
Remove the key.
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[TO11700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When you leave your vehicle, place the gearshift lever in
P (Park). Set the parking brake fully, and shut off the
engine. Never park your vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do
not take these precautions, your vehicle may move
suddenly and injure someone.
*
[TO11800(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
File:08vxton.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:53:35 1996

Driving
223
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[GF09000(ALL)02/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
%*
[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[GF09110(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF09120(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[GF09130(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
*
[GF09140(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, have the front suspension
and steering checked for possible damage.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

224
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[GF09200(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Operation
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[GF09300(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF09400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift lever is on the steering column. The
OVERDRIVE OFF/ON button is located at the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift lever in any one of
several positions.
[GF09500(ALL)05/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040163-G
The steering column gearshift lever positions
*
[GF09600(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
*
[GF09700(ALL)01/96]
Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position,
gradually release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
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.
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[GF20900(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
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[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.
*
[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

256
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[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
Changing a Flat Tire
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[ER00505(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER00510(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
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[ER00515(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a temporary spare tire (unless you ordered the
optional full-size spare tire). This spare tire is smaller than a
regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can. This
spare tire is marked with the words TEMPORARY USE ONLY
so that you can easily identify it.
*
[ER00520(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[ER00525(ALL)01/96]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[ER00530(ALL)01/96]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances
*
[ER00535(ALL)01/96]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal
*
[ER00540(ALL)01/96]
n
tow a trailer
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[ER00545(ALL)01/96]
n
use tire chains
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[ER00550(ALL)01/96]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel
*
[ER00555(ALL)01/96]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

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.
%*
[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).
%*
[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
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

294
[MC20870(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040206-B
Power steering fluid reservoir
[MC20880(ALL)03/96]5.
If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small
amounts, continuously checking the level, until the fluid is
between the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) lines on
the reservoir. Do not overfill. To find out how much fluid
your vehicle's reservoir for the power steering fluid will
hold, seeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant
Specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
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[MC20890(ALL)01/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford Specification
ESW-M2C33-F, such as Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid,
E6AZ-19582-AA or an equivalent Type F Automatic Transaxle
Fluid with a Ford registration number (an 8-digit number
beginning with ª2Pº printed on the fluid container).
*
[MC20900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your
vehicle for a long period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering pump.
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
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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.
*
[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