1997 Mercury Villager service

277
Maintenance and Care
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[MC01300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC01400(ALL)01/96]
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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[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
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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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[MC01800(ALL)03/96]
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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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[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.
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Maintenance and Care
293
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[MC20650(ALL)05/96
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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.
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[MC20800(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
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[MC20810(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
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[MC20820(ALL)01/96
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Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC20850(ALL)01/96]3.
Then turn the engine off.
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[MC20860(ALL)01/96]4.
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir.
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Maintenance and Care
297
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[MC21050(ALL)05/96
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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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[MC21060(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Always use Motorcraft MERCONHor equivalent
MERCONHautomatic transaxle fluid when you refill
your automatic transaxle fluid.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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
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Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

306
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[MC27600(ALL)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on
this vehicle. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (254-305 mm) or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
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[MC27700(ALL)01/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire quality grades:The
U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly as the
government has written it.
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[MC27800(ALL)01/96
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Treadwear
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[MC27900(ALL)01/96]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
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[MC28000(ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
[MC28100(ALL)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C,
and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
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[MC28200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
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310
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[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.
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[MC35450(ALL)01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal condition. It may be
caused by:
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[MC35500(ALL)01/96]
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too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions. Service stations
sometimes sell winter grade fuel in the summer.
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[MC35550(ALL)01/96]
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pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high altitudes.
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[MC35600(ALL)01/96]
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extended periods of idling with the engine RPM increased
above the normal idle range.
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[MC35650(ALL)01/96]
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parking the vehicle in full sunlight for extended periods on
extremely hot days.
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[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.
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[MC35750(ALL)01/96]
Before you fill your vehicle with fuel, extinguish all lit
cigarettes, other smoking materials, and any open flames.
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[MC35800(ALL)01/96]
To fill the tank properly:
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[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.
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[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.
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312
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[MC36350(ALL)02/96]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
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[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.
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[MC36420(ALL)05/96]
Fuel Quality
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC36550(ALL)04/96
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Gasolines for clean air
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[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.
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316
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[MC38500(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
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[MC38505(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
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[MC38510(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
[MC38515(ALL)05/96]
Malfunctions in the engine or exhaust system can result in
excessive exhaust system temperatures. Under extreme
conditions (for example, towing a trailer up a steep hill on a
very hot day with a malfunctioning engine or exhaust system),
high exhaust system temperatures could be damaging.
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[MC38525(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
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[MC38530(ALL)01/96]
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Use only unleaded fuel.
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[MC38535(ALL)01/96]
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Avoid running out of fuel.
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[MC38540(ALL)01/96]
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Never turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
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[MC38545(ALL)03/96]
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Have the services listed in yourMaintenance Schedulebooklet
performed according to the specified schedule.
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[MC38550(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
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Maintenance and Care
317
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[MC38555(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not remove the floor carpet in your vehicle. Emission
controls cause high exhaust temperatures under the floor.
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC38570(ALL)01/96
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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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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