1997 Mercury Villager tow

Starting
215
*
[TO09020(ALL)03/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle.
[TO09025(ALL)01/96]
The fuel pump shut-off switch reset button is located below the
hood release handle.
[TO09030(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040048-C
Fuel pump shut-off switch reset button location
*
[TO09035(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
*
[TO09040(ALL)01/96]
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
*
[TO09045(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[TO09050(ALL)03/96]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[TO09055(ALL)01/96]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the fuel pump shut-off
reset button down. If the red button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical or electrical problem.
*
[TO09060(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
File:08vxton.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:53:35 1996

228
*
[GF10750(ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
*
[GF10760(ALL)09/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
*
[GF10800(ALL)01/96]
Parking
*
[GF10850(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels
from turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park)
position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push it toward the
instrument panel.
[GF10870(ALL)01/96]
The gearshift is securely latched in Park (P) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
*
[GF10900(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[GF11100(ALL)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
[GF11110(ALL)01/96]
To gain extra acceleration in Drive (D) (when passing another
vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear - third, second
or first.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
229
%*
[GF11900(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
*
[GF12100(ALL)01/96]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
*
[GF12200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF12300(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg)
provided the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the
GVWR shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
With the optional trailer tow package, your vehicle can tow a
trailer up to 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg).
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

230
%*
[GF12500(ALL)05/96]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF12800(ALL)01/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[GF12900(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[GF13000(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[GF13100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
*
[GF13700(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading Information
*
[GF13800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all the available space.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire sizes, rim sizes
and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the
assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The certification label is located on the pillar in the driver's
door opening.
*
[GF13900(ALL)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
233
%*
[GF16200(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[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
235
[GF17830(ALL)05/96]
Load Calculation Ð Trailers
[GF17840(ALL)01/96]
The trailer towing table shows the maximum allowable trailer
weight and maximum GCWR for vehicles with and without the
trailer towing package.
[GF17850(ALL)01/96]
For a particular vehicle, the allowable trailer weight may be
lower depending upon the vehicle's actual gross vehicle weight.
(GVW is the weight of the vehicle including passengers,
equipment, cargo.)
[GF17860(ALL)01/96]
You must determine the appropriate trailer weight for your
vehicle at its particular GVW while adhering to GVWR, GAWR,
GCWR and maximum trailer weight ratings.
[GF17870(ALL)01/96]
n
Fill the fuel tank.
[GF17875(ALL)01/96]
n
Load the vehicle as it would be loaded when towing a
trailer (including cargo, trailer hitch, etc.).
[GF17880(ALL)01/96]
n
Weigh the vehicle to determine its GVW. Do not exceed
GVWR and GAWR.
[GF17885(ALL)01/96]
n
Obtain the appropriate GCWR from the trailer towing table.
[GF17890(ALL)01/96]
n
Subtract the loaded vehicle weight (GVW) from the GCWR.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can pull
given its particular GVW.
%*
[GF18000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing table
[GF18050(ALL)01/96]
eight pica
chart:0040244-BFile:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

236
*
[GF18080(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
[GF18090(ALL)01/96]
To determine actual GCW, weigh the total vehicle and trailer
and also weigh the trailer separately to verify its weight.
*
[GF18200(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF18300(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
*
[GF18500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF18600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[GF18700(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF18800(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[GF18900(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF19000(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
[GF19100(ALL)01/96]
An optional trailer towing package is available for towing
trailers up to 3,500 lbs. (1587 kg). Use a frame-mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
237
*
[GF19200(ALL)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
*
[GF19300(ALL)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
*
[GF19400(ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
*
[GF19500(ALL)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
%*
[GF19600(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF19700(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
*
[GF19800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF19900(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
*
[GF20000(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
*
[GF20100(ALL)01/96]
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two circuits (right
hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination stop/turn light
bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add more
than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996