1997 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

308
*
[MC28900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When using snow tires, make sure they are the same size
and grade as the tires you normally use on your vehicle.
*
[MC29000(ALL)01/96]
Do not use chains when using a temporary spare. For full size
tires, use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. When you use the tire chains:
*
[MC29100(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure the chains are the right size for your tires. Use
only SAE Class ªSº chains. Other types may damage your
vehicle.
*
[MC29200(ALL)01/96]
n
Put chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC29300(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[MC29400(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC29500(ALL)01/96]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
*
[MC29600(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
309
%*
[MC35000(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC35050(ALL)05/96]
Removing the tethered fuel cap
[MC35100(ALL)05/96]1.
Open the fuel door on the driver's side of the vehicle.
[MC35150(ALL)05/96]2.
Slowly unscrew the cap counterclockwise, using caution to
minimize the possibility of fuel spraying.
[MC35200(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040219-C
The tethered fuel cap
*
[MC35250(ALL)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
%*
[MC35300(ALL)01/96
]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
*
[MC35350(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until
it stops before completely removing the cap.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

310
*
[MC35400(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[MC35450(ALL)01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal condition. It may be
caused by:
*
[MC35500(ALL)01/96]
n
too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions. Service stations
sometimes sell winter grade fuel in the summer.
*
[MC35550(ALL)01/96]
n
pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high altitudes.
*
[MC35600(ALL)01/96]
n
extended periods of idling with the engine RPM increased
above the normal idle range.
*
[MC35650(ALL)01/96]
n
parking the vehicle in full sunlight for extended periods on
extremely hot days.
*
[MC35700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
*
[MC35750(ALL)01/96]
Before you fill your vehicle with fuel, extinguish all lit
cigarettes, other smoking materials, and any open flames.
*
[MC35800(ALL)01/96]
To fill the tank properly:
*
[MC35850(ALL)01/96]1.
Remove the fuel cap. Proceed to add fuel to the tank only if
your vehicle is on level ground.
[MC35900(ALL)01/96]2.
Make sure you pump unleaded fuel and put the nozzle all
the way inside the fuel filler pipe. The fuel tank is normally
full after three automatic shutoffs of the nozzle.
*
[MC35950(ALL)01/96]3.
If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle, clean it off
immediately. The fuel may dull or soften the paint if you do
not wash it off.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
311
[MC36000(ALL)04/96]4.
Replace the fuel cap tightly when you are finished. Turn it
clockwise until you hear at least three clicks. The ratcheting
mechanism allows the fuel cap to be sealed without
overtightening.
*
[MC36050(ALL)01/96]5.
Push the fuel door closed.
%*
[MC36100(ALL)01/96
]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC36155(ALL)05/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is
prohibited by law and could damage your vehicle. The damage
may not be covered by your warranty.
*
[MC36160(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel containing
manganese-based additives such as MMT. Additionally, vehicles
certified to California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are
designed to operate on California reformulated gasolines. If
California reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on non-California fuels.
However, even though your engine will perform adequately on
other gasolines, the performance of the emission control devices
and systems may be adversely affected. Repair of damage
caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not designed for
may not be covered by your warranty.
%*
[MC36250(ALL)04/96
]
Octane recommendation
*
[MC36310(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend gasolines
labeled as ªregularº in high altitude areas that are sold with
octane ratings of 86 or even less.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

312
*
[MC36350(ALL)02/96]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
*
[MC36410(ALL)05/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly.
However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on
the recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
*
[MC36420(ALL)05/96]
Fuel Quality
*
[MC36430(ALL)05/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation
problems, try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists,
see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[MC36460(ALL)05/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
issued a gasoline specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of your vehicle. We
recommend the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA
specification if they are available.
*
[MC36470(ALL)05/96]
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
%*
[MC36550(ALL)04/96
]
Gasolines for clean air
*
[MC36620(ALL)05/96]
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality,
including reformulated gasolines that contain oxygenates such as
a maximum of 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no
more than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives to protect
the fuel system.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
313
%*
[MC36750(ALL)01/96
]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive Fuels
*
[MC36800(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if
misused or mishandled.
*
[MC36850(ALL)05/96]
n
Turn vehicle off when refueling.
*
[MC36900(ALL)08/95]
n
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are extremely
flammable.
*
[MC36950(ALL)08/95]
n
Do not siphon any fuel by mouth.
*
[MC37000(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Gasoline or gasoline blended with methanol can cause
blindness and possible death when swallowed. If any
fuel is swallowed, call a physician or poison control
center immediately.
*
[MC37050(ALL)08/95]
n
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling.
*
[MC37100(ALL)08/95]
n
If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with soap and water.
[MC37150(ALL)01/96]
n
If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if
worn), flush with water for 15 minutes, and seek medical
attention.
*
[MC37200(ALL)01/96]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small amounts of
carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-term exposure to unleaded
gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
*
[MC37250(ALL)01/96]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism, vapor or skin contact
with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of
adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

314
%*
[MC37300(ALL)01/96
]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[MC37350(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
*
[MC37400(ALL)01/96]
You may need to crank the engine several times before the fuel
system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
%*
[MC37450(ALL)03/96
]
Fuel Economy
*
[MC37500(ALL)01/96]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle,
and can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per
100 Kilometers (L/100K).
*
[MC37550(ALL)01/96]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your vehicle's break-in
period. This would not be an accurate estimate of how much
fuel your vehicle will normally use.
*
[MC37600(ALL)01/96]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[MC37650(ALL)01/96]1.
Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer
reading.
*
[MC37700(ALL)01/96]2.
Every time you buy fuel, record the amount (in gallons or
liters) purchased.
*
[MC37750(ALL)01/96]3.
After at least 3-5 tankfuls, fill the fuel tank and record the
final odometer reading.
*
[MC37800(ALL)01/96]4.
Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy:
*
[MC37850(ALL)01/96]
n
English: MPGU(total miles driven)V(gallons used)
[MC37900(ALL)01/96]
n
Metric: L/100kUMultiply the number of liters used by 100
and divide the answer by the number of kilometers
travelled.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
315
*
[MC37950(ALL)01/96]
Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates
*
[MC38000(ALL)05/96]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve
the fuel economy shown.
*
[MC38050(ALL)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC38100(ALL)01/96]
n
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[MC38150(ALL)01/96]
n
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[MC38200(ALL)01/96]
n
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[MC38250(ALL)01/96]
n
Sudden stops
*
[MC38300(ALL)01/96]
n
Extended engine idling
*
[MC38350(ALL)01/96]
n
Using speed control in hilly terrain
[MC38400(ALL)01/96]
n
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
*
[MC38425(ALL)01/96]
n
Underinflated tires
[MC38450(ALL)01/96]
n
Heavy loads
[MC38475(ALL)01/96]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996