Page 236 of 389
![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 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 moun Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 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 moun](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-235.png)
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
Page 237 of 389
![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 238
*
[GF20200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 238
*
[GF20200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-236.png)
238
*
[GF20200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
[GF20210(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Tow Module (If equipped)
[GF20220(ALL)01/96]
The trailer tow module on your vehicle (if equipped) allows
turn/stop lamp control on a trailer being towed by your
vehicle.
[GF20230(ALL)01/96]
The trailer tow package includes:
[GF20240(ALL)01/96]
n
trail or tow module which draws power from the vehicle
stop lamp fuse
[GF20250(ALL)01/96]
n
one SAE J1239 specified connector
[GF20260(ALL)01/96]
n
one extension harness within the rear bumper
[GF20270(ALL)01/96]
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your vehicle,
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
%*
[GF20300(ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF20400(ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
*
[GF20500(ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
*
[GF20600(ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996
Page 240 of 389
Driving
241
%*
[GF22960(ALL)01/96]
Four Season Roof Rack (If equipped)
[GF22970(ALL)01/96]
Always load your luggage as far back as it will safely go on the
four season roof rack. Do not load more than 100 pounds
(45 kg). Be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or its Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR front and rear). The GVWR and GAWR are located on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label (located on the
driver's door pillar).
[GF22980(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040114-D
The four season roof rack
[GF22990(ALL)01/96]
The front and rear cross-bars can be adjusted forward and
backward. Place your luggage between the bars, adjust the bars,
and secure the luggage with rope to the bars. There are also
adjustable loops on the side bars for the rope attachment.
*
[GF23000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Be sure that items on the roof rack are securely fastened.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996
Page 249 of 389
Roadside Emergencies
251
[ER00244(ALL)01/96]4.
Use the fuse puller tool to remove the blown fuse and
replace the fuse with one that has the right amperage rating
(see the fuse panel cover for amperage ratings).
*
[ER00246(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
*
[ER00248(ALL)01/96]5.
Put the fuse panel cover back on.
*
[ER00250(ALL)04/96]
Even after you replace a fuse, it may continue to blow if you do
not find what caused the overload. If the fuse continues to
blow, have your electrical system checked.
*
[ER00252(ALL)01/96]
The following chart indicates the colors and amperage ratings of
standard fuses.
[ER00254(ALL)01/96]
twelve pica
chart:0040237-AFile:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996
Page 254 of 389
![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 256
%*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
Changing a Flat Tire
*
[ER00505(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
stee Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 256
%*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
Changing a Flat Tire
*
[ER00505(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
stee](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-253.png)
256
%*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
Changing a Flat Tire
*
[ER00505(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER00510(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[ER00515(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a temporary spare tire (unless you ordered the
optional full-size spare tire). This spare tire is smaller than a
regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can. This
spare tire is marked with the words TEMPORARY USE ONLY
so that you can easily identify it.
*
[ER00520(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[ER00525(ALL)01/96]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[ER00530(ALL)01/96]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances
*
[ER00535(ALL)01/96]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal
*
[ER00540(ALL)01/96]
n
tow a trailer
*
[ER00545(ALL)01/96]
n
use tire chains
*
[ER00550(ALL)01/96]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel
*
[ER00555(ALL)01/96]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996
Page 257 of 389
Roadside Emergencies
259
*
[ER00615(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040173-B
Removing the spare tire retainer
*
[ER00620(ALL)01/96]
Stowing the spare tire
[ER00625(ALL)05/96]1.
To raise the tire to the stowed position, lay the tire on the
ground with the inboard side facing up. Install the retainer
through the wheel center and slide the tire under the vehicle.
Fit the hex-shaped end of the lug wrench over the hex nut
in the floor of the cargo area. Turn the lug wrench clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original position underneath the
vehicle.
[ER00630(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The lug wrench ratchets when the tire is raised to the
stowed position. It will not allow you to over-tighten.
*
[ER00635(ALL)01/96]2.
Check for proper seating against the underbody supports
and retighten if necessary.
*
[ER00640(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Make sure the spare tire and jacking equipment are
stowed and secured in the proper storage location.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996
Page 258 of 389
![Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 260
%*
[ER00645(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[ER00650(ALL)01/96]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack properly placed
at the front or rear jacking points.
*
[ER00655(ALL)05/96]1 Mercury Villager 1997 Owners Manuals 260
%*
[ER00645(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[ER00650(ALL)01/96]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack properly placed
at the front or rear jacking points.
*
[ER00655(ALL)05/96]1](/manual-img/33/11174/w960_11174-257.png)
260
%*
[ER00645(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[ER00650(ALL)01/96]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack properly placed
at the front or rear jacking points.
*
[ER00655(ALL)05/96]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll and that
the tires and jack are on a level, solid surface. Put the
gearshift lever in P (Park). Set the parking brake and block
the wheel Ð in both directions Ð that is diagonally opposite
the tire that you are changing.
*
[ER00660(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving
or slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
*
[ER00665(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a
tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both
directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other
side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
*
[ER00670(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
[ER00675(ALL)05/96]2.
Get out the spare tire and jack. See previous section for
instructions on spare tire removal. The jack is located in the
rear storage compartment in the right door panel of the
cargo area. You will have to unfasten the jack before
removing it as shown in the illustration. The jack handle is
in the tool kit located behind the jack.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996
Page 263 of 389
Roadside Emergencies
265
[ER00735(ALL)01/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0040174-B
Placing the jack
[ER00740(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not jack on the running board.
*
[ER00745(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
*
[ER00750(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any part
of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do
not start the engine when your vehicle is on the jack.
The jack is only meant for changing the tire.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996