1997 Mercury Villager warning lights

7
Instrumentation
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Warning Lights and Gauges
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The instrument panel (dashboard) on your vehicle is divided
into several different sections. The illustrations on the following
pages show the major parts of the instrument panel described in
this chapter. Some items shown may not be on all vehicles.
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In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped
together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a
cluster. Your vehicle may have a mechanical cluster or an
electronic cluster.
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If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the
diagrams on the following pages.
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Instrumentation
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The following warning lights and gauges are on the mechanical
cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed
are optional. The following section explains what each of these
indicators means.
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Indicator Lights and Chimes
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Brake System Warning Light
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The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
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6 pica art:0040050-A
Brake system and parking brake light
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The BRAKE light normally illuminates when you turn the
ignition key to the ON position to verify that the indicator bulb
is working. If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is
running and after you have released the parking brake fully,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
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RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
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Instrumentation
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The electronic cluster has all of the same warning lights as the
mechanical cluster, however, some of the gauges will be
electronic instead of analog. In addition, the electronic cluster
has a fuel computer for measuring fuel economy, distance to
empty and outside air temperature.
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
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This gauge shows you the temperature of the engine coolant
and is identified by a thermometer symbol. The letter H means
that the coolant is hot, C means that it is cold, and NORMAL
means that the coolant is within the normal operating range.
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The indicator bar on the graph will move into the normal
operating range as the engine warms up. When you are in
heavy traffic or stop-and-go driving in hot weather, the gauge
may read at the very top of the NORMAL range. This is
acceptable.
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However, if the indicator bar on the graph moves into the H
(hot) position, the engine is overheating and may cause engine
damage. If this happens, you should stop your vehicle as soon
as safely possible. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Check the
coolant level to be sure that it is at the proper level. If your
vehicle needs more coolant, seeEngine coolant, checking and
addingin the Index and read the section regarding adding
coolant.
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78
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RWARNING
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system will not
illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on
your headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a
collision.
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Lighting Up the Instrument Panel
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The instrument panel lights can be turned on by turning the
headlamp control knob to either the first or second position.
You can brighten or dim the instrument panel lights with the
DIM switch. The DIM switch is located near the headlamp
controls.
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Pushing and holding the right side of the switch will continue
to brighten the lights until the maximum brightness is reached.
Release the switch to maintain the desired brightness. The DIM
feature works similarly to dim the instrument panel lights when
the left side of the switch is pushed.
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7-1/2 pica art:0040076-B
The instrument panel brightness control
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Ignition
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Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
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Your vehicle's ignition has four positions. They are:
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13-1/2 pica
art:0040047-D
The ignition positions
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OFF/LOCK allows you to shut off the engine and all accessories
and locks the gearshift lever. Removing the key then locks the
steering wheel.
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ACCESSORY allows you to operate some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories while the engine is not running. For
example, you can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio,
windshield wipers, or operate the cigarette lighter without
starting the engine.
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ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights to make
sure they work before you start the engine. The key returns to
the ON position once the engine is started and remains in this
position while the engine runs.
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211
Starting
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Fuel-Injected Engines
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When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most important thing
to remember is to avoid pressing down on the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you
have problems getting your vehicle started. SeeStarting Your
Enginein this chapter for details about when to use the
accelerator while you start your vehicle.
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Starting Your Vehicle
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Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
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Before you start your vehicle, always:
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Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety
belts. SeeSafety beltsin the Index for more details.
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Make sure the headlamps and other accessories are turned
off when starting.
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Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is set before you turn the key.
[TO05400(ALL)03/96]4.
Test the warning lights on the instrument cluster to make
sure they work. Refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
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Starting Your Engine
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To start your engine:
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Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
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Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key
to ON.
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216
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Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If there is no fuel,
you can try to start your vehicle again.
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Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
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Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
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RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
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RWARNING
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
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Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
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n
your vehicle is raised for service
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the sound of the exhaust system changes
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your vehicle has been damaged in an accident
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Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
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If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch
(2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to
bring in outside air.
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Jump-Starting Your Battery
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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.
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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.
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RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
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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.
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RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
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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.
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Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996