1997 Mercury Villager checking oil

14
%*
[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
[IS03300(ALL)05/96]
The oil pressure light is represented by an oil can symbol. It
indicates the engine's oil pressure, not oil level. However, if
your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure.
The oil pressure light will flash if the oil pressure drops below
the normal operating level. When you turn the key to the ON
position, the light will illuminate.
[IS03400(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0040060-A
Oil pressure light
[IS03500(ALL)01/96]
The light should turn off after a few seconds. If the light stays
on or illuminates when the engine is running Ð you have lost
oil pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
*
[IS03550(ALL)05/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS03600(ALL)04/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS03700(ALL)03/96]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
[IS03800(ALL)01/96]3.
Check the oil level following the instructions on checking
and adding engine oil in this owner guide. (SeeEngine oilin
the index.) Make sure your vehicle is on level ground.
[IS03900(ALL)01/96]4.
If the level is low, add as much oil as necessary before you
drive your vehicle again. Do not drive your vehicle if the oil
pressure light is on, even if the oil level is correct. For more
information about adding oil, seeEngine oil, checking and
addingin the Index.
File:03vxisn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:45:36 1996

Maintenance and Care
283
%*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC15700(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[MC15800(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC15900(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
[MC16000(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[MC16100(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[MC16200(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[MC16300(ALL)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[MC16400(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040218-A
Engine oil dipstick
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 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

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

391
Index
Engine coolant (continued)
proper solution.................278, 297
recovery reservoir................289, 345
specifications.................... 343
temperature gauge................ 18,23
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description.................... 18,23
mechanical...................... 18
Engine coolant temperature gauge:electronic........ 23
Engine fan...................... 278
Engine:idle speed control................ 213
Engine knocking.................... 311
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter.............. 283
checking and adding................ 283
check oil warning light................ 14
dipstick...................... 283
disposal....................278, 297
engine oil pressure warning light............ 14
filter, specifications................. 341
low oil warning light................. 14
specifications.................... 281
synthetic oil.................... 281
ªbreak-inº oils.................... 5
viscosity...................... 281
Entry system
illuminated...................... 83
keyless....................... 114
Exhaust fumes..................... 216
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996

397
Index
Mirrors (continued)
side view mirrors (manual).............. 110
side view mirrors (power).............. 111
Motorcraft parts.................... 341
O
Octane rating..................... 311
Odometer
description...................... 20
trip odometer..................... 20
Oil filter....................... 284
Oil (see Engine oil).................. 281
Oil viscosity...................... 281
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system.......... 318
Overdrive....................... 226
Overseas offices.................... 357
P
Parking brake
operation...................... 221
warning light..................... 9
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)............... 341
PCV valve, specifications................ 341
Power door locks................... 102
Power features
door locks..................... 102
mirrors....................... 110
windows...................... 107
Power steering
dipstick...................... 293
driving with power steering............. 223
fluid, checking and adding.............. 293
fluid, specifications................. 343
servicing...................... 223
Prop rod, hood.................... 279
File:vxixn.ex
Update:Fri Jun 14 07:38:49 1996