1998 Mercury Villager warning

WARNING
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Jump-Starting Your Battery
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.
WARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always shield
your face and eyes. Make sure that you can breathe
fresh air.
WARNING
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.
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes, and
clothing.
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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Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery. (You can connect either
jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you use the
same cable for both positive terminals.) Most jumper cables
have a red cable and a black cable. The red cable is generally
used for the positive terminals and the black for the
negative cable of the booster battery and ground on the engine
of the disabled vehicle.
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the booster battery.
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the negative (±)
terminal of the booster battery Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
4. Connect the other end of the second cable to a good metallic
surface on the engine or frame of the disabled vehicle.
WARNING
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative
(±) terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may
cause an explosion of the gases that surround the battery.
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NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
mYour vehicle is equipped with an automatic cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without warning. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
mDo not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
mNever get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a jack.
If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
mKeep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away from
the battery and all fuel-related parts.
If you plan to work under the hood while the engine is off:
WARNING
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.
WARNING
Always remove the key from the ignition after you turn
off the engine.
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If you must work under the hood while the engine is running:
mSet the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park). This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
WARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and
do not remove it while the engine is running.
mAvoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught
in moving parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
Opening the Hood
1. Pull the hood release handle, located below the fuse panel
door.
Hood release handle location
Maintenance and Care
277

Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain
into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in Park,9P9.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dip
stick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then
remove it again.
mIf the oil level isbetween the L and H marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL
mIf the level is below the L mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the L-H range
WARNING
Oil level above the H mark may cause engine damage.
Some oil must be removed from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
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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.
WARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
Brake Fluid
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.
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.
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.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15
minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken
internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention
immediately.
282

If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the filler cap from
the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with Ford
High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or DOT 3
equivalent fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
WARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low Ð below the
seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir Ð have the
brake system inspected.
WARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
Brake fluid master cylinder reservoir
Maintenance and Care
283