1997 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

Roadside Emergencies
275
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art:0040179-B
Towing the vehicle
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When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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277
Maintenance and Care
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC01500(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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[MC01600(ALL)01/96]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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When possible, we design parts that can be replaced without
tools.
[MC01900(ALL)03/96]
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The Maintenance
Schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
[MC02150(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner's Manual.
[MC02225(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet be performed
for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert
for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that your
vehicle may need service. If you do notice something unusual,
see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service
parts that meet Ford Motor Company specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best performance in
your vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your
assurance that Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle.
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Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

278
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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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Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
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Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
[MC02450(ALL)01/96]
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Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without warning. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery
before working near the fan.
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Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
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Never get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a
jack. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
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Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
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If you plan to work under the hood while the engine is
off:
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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.
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RWARNING
Always remove the key from the ignition after you turn
off the engine.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
279
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If you must work under the hood while the engine is
on:
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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.
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RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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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.
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Opening the Hood
[MC03900(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the hood release handle, located below the fuse panel
door.
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13-1/2 pica
art:0040189-C
Hood release handle location
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280
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Go to the front of the vehicle and release the hood latch
under the hood in the front center of the vehicle.
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[MC04200(ALL)01/96]3.
Lift the hood and release the prop rod from its retaining
clip. Place the end of the prop rod in the prop rod hole
provided on the underside of the hood.
[MC04300(ALL)01/96]
24 pica art:0040190-C
The hood latch and prop rod
File:11vxmcn.ex
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Maintenance and Care
281
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To close the hood:
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[MC04500(ALL)01/96]1.
Remove the prop rod from the slotted hole in the hood.
Place the rod in its retaining clip and close the hood with
enough force to make it latch. Be sure to oil the hood latch
every six months to maintain smooth operation.
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[MC04600(ALL)01/96]2.
Try to lift the hood after closing it to be sure it is securely
latched.
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Engine Oil Recommendations
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We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
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one third page
art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
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Neveruse:
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ªNon-Detergentº oils
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Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
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Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
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282
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Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity arePREFERREDfor
your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel
economy and engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
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10-1/2 pica
art:0040196-B
Selecting the right viscosity for your climate
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Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
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NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock may be experienced. It
is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft
oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
283
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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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.
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Checking the engine oil level:
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[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).
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[MC16100(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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[MC16200(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
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[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