1997 Mercury Villager check engine

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

300
[MC21600(ALL)03/96]
The air filter should not be cleaned and reused. Replace it
according to the maintenance intervals shown in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. When replacing the filter, unclip the four
clamps and remove the filter. Wipe the inside of the air filter
housing with a damp cloth when replacing the filter.
*
[MC21700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start
the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
%*
[MC22300(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
*
[MC22400(ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper
blades.
*
[MC22500(ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
*
[MC22600(ALL)01/96]
To reach the wiper blades easily, turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY and turn your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to OFF. Moving the
wipers manually may damage them.
*
[MC22700(ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[MC22800(ALL)01/96]
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them,
you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When
replacing the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
317
*
[MC38555(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not remove the floor carpet in your vehicle. Emission
controls cause high exhaust temperatures under the floor.
*
[MC38560(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke and loss of oil
pressure. Also watch for the charge warning light, the check
engine light, or the temperature warning light. These sometimes
indicate that the emission system is not working properly.
*
[MC38565(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
%*
[MC38570(ALL)01/96
]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service of the emission
control devices or systems in your new Ford Motor Company
vehicle or engine may be performed at your expense by any
automotive repair establishment or individual using automotive
parts equivalent to those with which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC38575(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases
vehicles, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or
prevent it from working. In some of the United States and in
Canada, vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control
device is removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38580(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
*
[MC38585(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emissions control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

318
%*
[MC38590(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38595(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies that additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC38602(ALL)03/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready condition consist
of a minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving as
described below.
*
[MC38607(ALL)03/96]
n
20 minutes of driving in stop and go city-type traffic with at
least four idle periods.
*
[MC38612(ALL)03/96]
n
10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
*
[MC38617(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the engine must be
warmed up and at operating temperature. Once started, the
vehicle must not be turned off during the above driving modes.
If the vehicle owner is unable to meet the I/M requirements by
using these driving patterns, an authorized service center can
perform a detailed OBD II drive cycle as it would any other
type of repair work.
%*
[MC38700(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC38800(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
*
[MC38900(ALL)01/96]
n
headlamps
*
[MC38950(ALL)01/96]
n
high-mount brakelamp
*
[MC39000(ALL)01/96]
n
tail lamps
*
[MC39100(ALL)01/96]
n
brakelamps
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

388
Child safety seats (continued)
in rear outboard seat................ 156
in rear seat..................... 156
tether anchorage hardware.............. 163
Chime
headlamps on.................... 17
key in ignition.................... 17
safety belt...................... 11
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing............... 254
see also fuses.................... 245
Cleaning your vehicle
chrome and aluminum parts............. 333
engine compartment................. 334
exterior...................... 332
exterior lamps................... 333
fabric....................... 335
headlamps..................... 333
instrument panel.................. 333
instrument panel lens................ 335
interior....................... 335
plastic parts.................... 333
polishing...................... 332
rustproofing.................... 333
safety belts..................... 335
tail lamps..................... 333
upholstery and interior trim............. 335
washing...................... 332
waxing....................... 332
wheels....................... 334
Climate control system
air conditioning.................... 56
heating........................ 56
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

389
Index
Clock.......................... 40
Cold engine starting.................. 212
Combination lap and shoulder belts.........131, 133
Controls, mirrors................... 110
Convenience kit in cargo area.............. 257
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding................ 289
drain and flush................... 293
preparing for storage................ 338
specifications.................... 343
temperature gauge................ 18,23
warnings...................... 289
Cooling fan...................... 278
Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada....... 356
D
Daytime running light system.............. 77
Defrost
rear window..................... 74
windshield...................... 56
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid............... 295
engine oil..................... 283
power steering fluid................. 293
Disabled vehicle (see Towing).............. 274
Dispute Settlement Board................ 352
Doors
door ajar warning light................ 15
lubricant specifications................ 343
Driving under special conditions
heavy load..................... 229
towing a trailer................... 230
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

390
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers................... 254
fuses........................ 245
relays....................... 255
Electronic sound system
antenna....................... 84
tuning the radio................... 33
warranty and service information............ 52
Emergencies, roadside
assistance..................... 349
battery acid spills................270, 299
fuel........................ 313
towing....................... 274
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 221
Emission control system
catalytic converter.................. 316
emissions warranty................. 316
Engine
check engine warning light.............. 12
does not start.................... 213
fuel injected engine, starting............. 211
fuel pump shut-off switch.............. 214
preparing to start.................. 211
service points.................... 345
starting...................... 211
starting after a collision............... 244
storing your vehicle................. 336
Engine block heater.................. 214
Engine coolant
checking and adding................ 289
disposal....................278, 297
drain and flush................... 293
preparing for storage................ 338
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

391
Index
Engine coolant (continued)
proper solution.................278, 297
recovery reservoir................289, 345
specifications.................... 343
temperature gauge................ 18,23
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description.................... 18,23
mechanical...................... 18
Engine coolant temperature gauge:electronic........ 23
Engine fan...................... 278
Engine:idle speed control................ 213
Engine knocking.................... 311
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter.............. 283
checking and adding................ 283
check oil warning light................ 14
dipstick...................... 283
disposal....................278, 297
engine oil pressure warning light............ 14
filter, specifications................. 341
low oil warning light................. 14
specifications.................... 281
synthetic oil.................... 281
ªbreak-inº oils.................... 5
viscosity...................... 281
Entry system
illuminated...................... 83
keyless....................... 114
Exhaust fumes..................... 216
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996