1997 Mercury Villager warning

220
*
[GF07200(ALL)01/96]
You should always be careful when braking, even if your
vehicle has the ABS system. Heavy braking on roads with loose
surfaces such as snow or gravel, or roads with severe pavement
irregularities could also cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
*
[GF07300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
*
[GF07310(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is
disabled but normal brake function remains
operational.
[GF07350(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other than
during maximum braking, have your mobile radio installation
checked.
%*
[GF07400(ALL)03/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
*
[GF07500(ALL)01/96]
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking
brake several times. If the condition has not improved, you
should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
%*
[GF07600(ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more frequent,
return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
221
*
[GF07700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
%*
[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF07900(ALL)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
%*
[GF08000(ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
[GF08100(ALL)05/96]
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique.
Push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly. In the event of a sudden
stop with ABS equipped vehicles, do not pump the brakes.
Pumping the brakes during an anti-lock stop will diminish
braking effectiveness.
*
[GF08200(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This
will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
*
[GF08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
%*
[GF08400(ALL)05/96]
Using the Parking Brake
[GF08500(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of the brake pedal. To set the
parking brake, press the brake pedal with your right foot and
hold it while you push the parking brake pedal down firmly
with your left foot.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

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

224
%*
[GF09200(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Operation
%*
[GF09300(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF09400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift lever is on the steering column. The
OVERDRIVE OFF/ON button is located at the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift lever in any one of
several positions.
[GF09500(ALL)05/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040163-G
The steering column gearshift lever positions
*
[GF09600(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
*
[GF09700(ALL)01/96]
Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position,
gradually release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
225
[GF09800(ALL)01/96]
Shift-lock Safety Feature
[GF09810(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a special shift-lock safety feature which
prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) without the brake
pedal depressed. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position, the ignition must be in the ON position and your foot
must be pressing on the brake pedal.
*
[GF09820(ALL)01/96]
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position
with the brake pedal depressed:
*
[GF09830(ALL)01/96]1.
Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
*
[GF09840(ALL)01/96]2.
Apply the parking brake.
*
[GF09850(ALL)05/96]3.
Reinsert the ignition key and turn it to the first position
(OFF).
*
[GF09860(ALL)01/96]4.
Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[GF09870(ALL)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate
procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown
and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin this Owner
Guide for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
*
[GF09900(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
%*
[GF09950(ALL)01/96]
Backing Up
*
[GF09975(ALL)01/96]
Before shifting into or out of R (Reverse), you should always
come to a complete stop.
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
229
%*
[GF11900(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
*
[GF12100(ALL)01/96]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
*
[GF12200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF12300(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg)
provided the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the
GVWR shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
With the optional trailer tow package, your vehicle can tow a
trailer up to 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg).
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

236
*
[GF18080(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
[GF18090(ALL)01/96]
To determine actual GCW, weigh the total vehicle and trailer
and also weigh the trailer separately to verify its weight.
*
[GF18200(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF18300(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
*
[GF18500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF18600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[GF18700(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF18800(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[GF18900(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF19000(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
[GF19100(ALL)01/96]
An optional trailer towing package is available for towing
trailers up to 3,500 lbs. (1587 kg). Use a frame-mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996