1997 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

234
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[GF17100(ALL)01/96]
Calculating the Payload for Your Vehicle
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[GF17200(ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
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[GF17300(ALL)01/96]1.
Obtain the GVWR and GAWR from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[GF17500(ALL)01/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0040002-C
Safety Compliance Certification Label location
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[GF17600(ALL)01/96]2.
Fill the fuel tank.
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[GF17700(ALL)01/96]3.
Weigh your vehicle without cargo.
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[GF17800(ALL)01/96]4.
Subtract vehicle actual weight from the GVWR to find out
how much more weight your vehicle can carry.
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[GF17810(ALL)01/96]5.
Weigh the vehicle again once it is loaded to make sure that
the GVWR and front and rear GAWR's are not exceeded.
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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
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[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.
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[GF18200(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
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[GF18300(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
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[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.
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[GF18700(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[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
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[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).
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Driving
237
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[GF19200(ALL)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
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[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.
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[GF19400(ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
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[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
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[GF19700(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
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[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
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[GF20000(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
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[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.
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238
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[GF20200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
[GF20210(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Tow Module (If equipped)
[GF20220(ALL)01/96]
The trailer tow module on your vehicle (if equipped) allows
turn/stop lamp control on a trailer being towed by your
vehicle.
[GF20230(ALL)01/96]
The trailer tow package includes:
[GF20240(ALL)01/96]
n
trail or tow module which draws power from the vehicle
stop lamp fuse
[GF20250(ALL)01/96]
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one SAE J1239 specified connector
[GF20260(ALL)01/96]
n
one extension harness within the rear bumper
[GF20270(ALL)01/96]
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your vehicle,
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
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[GF20300(ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
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[GF20400(ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
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[GF20500(ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
*
[GF20600(ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
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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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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

240intake button to select the fresh air position to stop the air
conditioner compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short
time.
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[GF21700(ALL)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
[GF21800(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
*
[GF21900(ALL)01/96]2.
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
[GF22000(ALL)01/96]3.
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
[GF22100(ALL)01/96]4.
Apply the parking brake by pressing the main brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot while depressing the
parking brake pedal with your left foot.
*
[GF22200(ALL)01/96]5.
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
*
[GF22300(ALL)01/96]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
[GF22400(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
*
[GF22500(ALL)03/96]2.
Start the engine.
*
[GF22600(ALL)01/96]3.
Shift the gearshift lever into gear and release the parking
brake.
[GF22700(ALL)01/96]4.
Release the main brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to
free the wheel chocks.
[GF22800(ALL)01/96]5.
Apply the main brake pedal and hold while another person
retrieves the chocks.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
241
%*
[GF22960(ALL)01/96]
Four Season Roof Rack (If equipped)
[GF22970(ALL)01/96]
Always load your luggage as far back as it will safely go on the
four season roof rack. Do not load more than 100 pounds
(45 kg). Be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or its Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR front and rear). The GVWR and GAWR are located on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label (located on the
driver's door pillar).
[GF22980(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040114-D
The four season roof rack
[GF22990(ALL)01/96]
The front and rear cross-bars can be adjusted forward and
backward. Place your luggage between the bars, adjust the bars,
and secure the luggage with rope to the bars. There are also
adjustable loops on the side bars for the rope attachment.
*
[GF23000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Be sure that items on the roof rack are securely fastened.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996