1997 Mercury Villager ECU

268
*
[ER00815(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different than the original
equipment as this could damage the wheel or mounting
system. This damage could allow the wheels to come off
while the vehicle is being driven.
*
[ER00820(ALL)01/96]13.
Replace the wheel cover by pressing it into place. If you
have the standard wheel covers, you must align the notch in
the wheel cover with the tire's valve stem and align the
recess in the back of the wheel cover with one of the lug
nuts. If you have the optional aluminum wheel, press the
center wheel cap into place after matching up the design of
the wheel cap to the wheel.
[ER00825(ALL)01/96]14.
Make sure the jack is securely fastened. When you replace
the jack in the jack storage compartment, place the base
against the square-shaped fastening bracket and open the
jack slightly so that the jack is snug against the fastening
brackets.
*
[ER00830(ALL)01/96]15.
Store the flat tire under the vehicle just as you would store
the spare tire. Refer to the section onStowing the Spare Tire
in this chapter.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

Roadside Emergencies
269
[ER00835(ALL)01/96]
24 pica art:0040178-C
Storing the jack
[ER00840(ALL)01/96]16.
Make sure the lug wrench is secured back into the tool kit
and store it next to the jack.
[ER00845(ALL)01/96]17.
Unblock the wheels.
*
[ER00850(ALL)01/96]
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles
(800 km) of operation, after any wheel change, or any time the
lug nuts are loosened.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

277
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC01300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
*
[MC01400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC01500(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
*
[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
*
[MC01800(ALL)03/96]
n
When possible, we design parts that can be replaced without
tools.
[MC01900(ALL)03/96]
n
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The Maintenance
Schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
*
[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.
*
[MC02250(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
279
*
[MC03400(ALL)01/96]
If you must work under the hood while the engine is
on:
[MC03450(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC03700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
*
[MC03750(ALL)01/96]
n
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.
%*
[MC03800(ALL)02/96
]
Opening the Hood
[MC03900(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the hood release handle, located below the fuse panel
door.
[MC04000(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040189-C
Hood release handle location
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
281
*
[MC04400(ALL)01/96]
To close the hood:
*
[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.
*
[MC04600(ALL)01/96]2.
Try to lift the hood after closing it to be sure it is securely
latched.
%*
[MC14600(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC14750(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC14850(ALL)01/96]
one third page
art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC15000(ALL)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC15100(ALL)01/96]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[MC15200(ALL)02/96]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC15300(ALL)01/96
]
n
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
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Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
283
%*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC15700(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC15800(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[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).
*
[MC16100(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[MC16200(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[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
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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

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