1997 Mercury Villager warning light

222
[GF08600(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040281-A
The parking brake
*
[GF08700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the
parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park
(P). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your
vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is
running. If you do not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
[GF08800(ALL)01/96]
To release the parking brake, press the brake pedal with your
right foot and hold it while you lift up on the parking brake
release handle.
*
[GF08900(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

228
*
[GF10750(ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
*
[GF10760(ALL)09/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
*
[GF10800(ALL)01/96]
Parking
*
[GF10850(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels
from turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park)
position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push it toward the
instrument panel.
[GF10870(ALL)01/96]
The gearshift is securely latched in Park (P) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
*
[GF10900(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[GF11100(ALL)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
[GF11110(ALL)01/96]
To gain extra acceleration in Drive (D) (when passing another
vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear - third, second
or first.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
237
*
[GF19200(ALL)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
*
[GF19300(ALL)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
*
[GF19400(ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
*
[GF19500(ALL)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
%*
[GF19600(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF19700(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
*
[GF19800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF19900(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
*
[GF20000(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
*
[GF20100(ALL)01/96]
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two circuits (right
hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination stop/turn light
bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add more
than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

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

270
[ER00870(ALL)01/96]
Jump-Starting Your Battery
*
[ER00875(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's battery may discharge if you leave the lights or
any electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start from a booster battery
to start your vehicle.
*
[ER00900(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.
*
[ER01000(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
%*
[ER01100(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.
%*
[ER01200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[ER01210(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.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
285
*
[MC17900(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: SeeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts and Lubrication
Specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter
for the appropriate oil filter and engine oil refill
quantity.
[MC18000(ALL)04/96]6.
Remove the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) to
prevent oil contamination of the engine ventilating system
while refilling.
[MC18100(ALL)04/96]7.
Refill the engine with a CERTIFIED engine oil of the
preferred viscosity. Start the engine and check for leaks.
Follow directions inChecking and adding engine oilto be sure
the engine is filled to the proper level.
*
[MC18150(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC18200(ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
%*
[MC18220(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC18240(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level indicator in
the master cylinder which lights the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument panel when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC18260(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake pads wear.
*
[MC18280(ALL)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic brake fluid reservoir on
the master cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
*
[MC18300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
287
[MC18423(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040205-C
Brake fluid master cylinder reservoir
%*
[MC18425(ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
[MC18435(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel, or when the warning light indicates low washer
fluid. The reservoir for washer fluid is located in the engine
compartment. This reservoir contains the fluid for both the
windshield and liftgate washers.
*
[MC18440(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for
the engine coolant.
*
[MC18445(ALL)05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
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