1997 Mercury Villager tow

316
%*
[MC38500(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC38505(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[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.
*
[MC38525(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
*
[MC38530(ALL)01/96]
n
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC38535(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC38540(ALL)01/96]
n
Never turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
*
[MC38545(ALL)03/96]
n
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance Schedulebooklet
performed according to the specified schedule.
*
[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.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
333
%*
[MC61100(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC61200(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do
not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
%*
[MC61300(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC61400(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with
a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for
routine cleaning.
*
[MC61500(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC61600(ALL)01/96
]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove oversprayed
rustproofing with a tar and road oil remover. If rustproofing is
not removed from plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC61700(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
*
[MC61800(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners to clean the lamps, as these may cause scratches or
crack the lamps.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

Maintenance and Care
335
%*
[MC64000(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Seats
*
[MC64100(ALL)01/96]
Leather
*
[MC64200(ALL)01/96]
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth.
For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a leather and
vinyl cleaner or a mild soap.
%*
[MC64300(ALL)05/96
]
Fabric
*
[MC64400(ALL)05/96]
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum
cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions
that come with the cleaner.
*
[MC64500(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a small, hidden
area of fabric. If the fabric's color or texture is
adversely affected by a particular cleaner, do not use
it.
%*
[MC65000(ALL)02/96
]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC65200(ALL)01/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is
recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach
or dye the belt because this may weaken it.
*
[MC66000(ALL)05/96]
Cleaning the Instrument Panel Lens
*
[MC66200(ALL)01/96]
Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth and a glass
cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, or
equivalent. Do not use paper towel or any abrasive cleaner to
clean the lens as these may cause scratches.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996

349
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00710(ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00715(ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators who put you in touch with the
help you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you throughout your
warranty period of 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km),
whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance
coverages beyond this period (available through Ford Auto Club
in the United States or Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers in
Canada), contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Additional Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00720(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00725(ALL)06/94]
n
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00730(ALL)06/94]
n
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00735(ALL)06/94]
n
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00740(ALL)06/94]
n
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00745(ALL)06/94]
n
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in mud or snow,
are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing
and repossession).
*
[HS00750(ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00755(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can be found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in your glove compartment. Complete
the card and place it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00760(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United States call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00765(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside assistance yourself,
Ford Motor Company will reimburse the reasonable cost. To
obtain information about reimbursement call 1-800-241-FORD (in
Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
File:14vxhsn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:59:49 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

396
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
charging system................... 13
check engine..................... 12
door ajar....................... 15
engine oil pressure.................. 14
hazard warning light............... 76,243
high beam...................... 17
low fuel....................... 16
lowoil........................ 14
low washer fluid................... 17
oil pressure...................... 14
rear ABS....................... 10
safety belt...................... 11
service engine soon.................. 12
turn signal indicator.................. 87
Load limits
GAWR....................... 229
GVWR....................... 229
trailer towing.................... 235
Lubricant specifications................ 343
Luggage rack..................... 241
Lug nuts
anti-theft...................... 263
tightening sequence...............260, 267
M
Maintenance (see Servicing).............. 277
Master cylinder, brakes................ 285
Message center, low washer fluid............. 17
Methanol in fuel................... 312
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 314
Mirrors
dual electric remote control............. 111
rearview...................... 110
side view mirrors.................. 110
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

399
Index
Safety restraints (continued)
replacement..................... 146
warning light and chime................ 11
Safety seats for children
and air bags..................138, 156
attaching with tether straps............. 163
automatic locking mode (retractor)........138, 156
in front seat.................... 156
in rear outboard.................. 156
in rear seat..................... 156
tether anchorage hardware.............. 163
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)............. 131
Seats
child safety seats.................. 156
cleaning upholstery................. 335
head restraints................... 123
Serial number (VIN).................. 356
Service concerns.................... 350
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing.............. 278
servicing when you tow............... 274
Shift positions (see Gearshift).............. 224
Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints).....131, 133
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints).........133, 139
Side mirrors
adjusting...................... 110
Snow tires and chains................. 307
Spare tire
changing the tire................256, 260
conventional spare................. 256
finding the spare.................. 257
removing the spare tire............... 257
storing the flat tire................. 257
temporary spare................... 256
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996