1997 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

292
*
[MC19500(ALL)05/96]
Recycled Engine Coolant
*
[MC19550(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced
by Ford-approved processes. Not all coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A,
and use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
*
[MC19600(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC19700(ALL)05/96]
Coolant Refill Capacity
*
[MC19750(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can
hold, seeRefill capacities for fluidsin the Index.
*
[MC19775(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add more than a quart (liter) of engine coolant per
month.
*
[MC19800(ALL)05/96]
Severe Winter Climate
*
[MC19850(ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than-34ÊF [-36ÊC]),
it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above
50%. Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that the coolant
will not freeze at the temperature level in which you drive
during winter months. Never increase the engine coolant
concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
[MC20550(ALL)01/96]
Checking hoses
*
[MC20600(ALL)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for deterioration,
leaks and loose clamps before adding or replacing engine
coolant. Make whatever repairs or replacements are necessary
using Motorcraft parts or their equivalents.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
293
%*
[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
*
[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.
*
[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
*
[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

296
[MC20990(ALL)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
When the vehicle has not been driven, and outside temperature
is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level should be between the
notches on the dipstick.
[MC21000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the transaxle fluid
level is below the bottom notch on the dipstick.
[MC21010(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040202-B
Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
%*
[MC21020(ALL)01/96
]
Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC21030(ALL)01/96]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick. Before adding any
fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.
*
[MC21040(ALL)01/96]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (0.25 liter) increments through the filler
tube to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
297
%*
[MC21050(ALL)05/96
]
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.
*
[MC21060(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Always use Motorcraft MERCONHor equivalent
MERCONHautomatic transaxle fluid when you refill
your automatic transaxle fluid.
%*
[MC21310(ALL)01/96]
Battery
[MC21315(ALL)05/96]
The Motorcraft low-maintenance battery requires periodic
service as detailed below. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep
the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
*
[MC21320(ALL)05/96]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[MC21325(ALL)01/96]
Battery replacement
[MC21330(ALL)05/96]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement while
under warranty, it may be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed.
[MC21335(ALL)05/96]
Check the electrolyte level of each cell (there are six) at least
every 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Keep the
electrolyte level between the MAX and MIN lines that are on
the side of the battery (you will have to remove the battery
cover to see the fill lines on the battery). Do not overfill the
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

298battery cells. When operating at ambient temperatures above
90ÊF (32ÊC),check the electrolyte level more frequently.
[MC21340(ALL)05/96]
If the level of the electrolyte in a cell of the battery is low, add
distilled water until the proper level in each cell is restored.
Plain tap water will work; but if it is ªhard waterº having a
high mineral or alkali content, the life of the battery may be
reduced and the frequency of maintenance required on the
battery will increase.
%*
[MC21345(ALL)01/96
]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC21350(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
*
[MC21355(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040201-A
Battery recycling symbol
*
[MC21360(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
*
[MC21365(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
299
%*
[MC21370(ALL)05/96
]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[MC21375(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[MC21380(ALL)02/96
]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
[MC21420(ALL)04/96]
Air Filter
[MC21500(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040278-A
Air filter housing
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996