1997 Mercury Villager light

Driving
227
*
[GF10450(ALL)01/96]
The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the
vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when
the vehicle was last shut off.
[GF10500(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle is on an extremely slippery surface, the
Electronic Transaxle Control Module may receive a signal
indicating a rapid increase or decrease in wheel speed. If the
module detects this condition, it will limit the transaxle
operation to Third gear and Reverse. This reduces tire slippage
and protects the transaxle. The transaxle will operate normally
in Reverse, but will lack power during acceleration in Drive. If
this happens, stop your vehicle as soon as possible and turn the
ignition off for 3 seconds. Restart the vehicle. If the condition
still exists, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
*
[GF10550(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off
repeatedly when the vehicle is started, there is a
transaxle electronic system malfunction. Contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
*
[GF10600(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF10650(ALL)01/96]
Use Second (2) when driving on slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on downgrades. This position
provides Second gear operation only. Do not exceed 68 mph
(110 km/h) in this position.
*
[GF10670(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF10700(ALL)01/96]
Use First (1) to provide maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts from First can be made by manually
shifting to Second (2) or Overdrive (D). First (1) gear provides
only first gear operation. If you select First while driving at
higher speeds, the transaxle will shift to Second (2), and then
shift back to First (1) after the vehicle decelerates to the proper
speed. Do not exceed 35 mph (56 km/h) in this position.
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
233
%*
[GF16200(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF16300(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[GF16400(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on each axle system.
*
[GF16500(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is why
it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[GF16600(ALL)01/96]
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific tire pressure.
*
[GF16700(ALL)01/96]
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[GF16800(ALL)01/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
*
[GF16900(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[GF17000(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
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

Driving
239
[GF20700(ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
[GF20800(ALL)03/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet in the Owner's portfolio.
*
[GF20900(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[GF21000(ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF21100(ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[GF21200(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF21300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[GF21400(ALL)01/96]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
*
[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in Park (P) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, press the air
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

Roadside Emergencies
271
*
[ER01400(ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
%*
[ER01500(ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[ER01600(ALL)02/96]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[ER01700(ALL)02/96]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[ER01800(ALL)02/96]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER01900(ALL)02/96]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[ER02000(ALL)01/96]5.
Turn on the heater blower in both vehicles. Turn off all other
switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent possible
damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996