1998 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

This information is subject to change. Ask your dealer for
complete details about Ford ESP coverage.
Break-In Period for Your Villager
Your new vehicle will go through an adjustment or break-in
period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving. During
the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.
mChange your speed often as you drive.Do not drive at one
speed for a long time.
mUse only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends.See
Engine oilin the Index. Do not use special ªbreak-inº oils.
mAvoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle has new brake
linings, you should take these steps:
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can anticipate when to
stop.
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles (160
km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway
driving.
Things to Know About Using This Guide
Congratulations on the purchase of your new vehicle. This guide
has information about the equipment and the options for your
new vehicle. You may not have bought all of the options available
to you. If you do not know which information applies to your
vehicle, talk to your dealer.
Introduction
5

This guide describes equipment and gives specifications for
equipment that was in effect when this guide was approved for
printing. Ford may discontinue models or change
specifications or design without any notice and without incurring
obligation.
6

Warning Lights and Gauges
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.
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.
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the
diagrams on the following pages.
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.
Instrumentation
7

Mechanical cluster
8

Indicator Lights and Chimes
Brake System Warning Light
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.
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.
WARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
Brake system and parking brake light
Instrumentation
9

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light (If Equipped)
To check the anti-lock brake warning light, turn the ignition key
to the ON position. The ABS warning light should glow
momentarily.
NOTE: If it does not glow at all or stays on for a long time,
have your vehicle's electrical system checked
immediately.
WARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system
checked by a qualified service technician as soon as
possible.
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains operational.
Anti-lock brake system warning light
10

Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety
belt.
mIf the safety belt is not buckled when the ignition is turned to
the ON position, the chime will sound for four (4) to eight (8)
seconds and the light will remain on until the safety belt is
fastened.
mIf the safety belt is buckled while the light is on and the chime
is sounding, both the light and chime will turn off.
mIf the safety belt is buckled before the ignition is turned to the
ON position, the chime does not sound, and the warning light
will not illuminate.
Air Bag Readiness Light
The supplemental air bag system uses a readiness light to
indicate the condition of the system. If the system is functioning
properly, the light will illuminate for about six (6) seconds
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
If there is a problem with the system, the readiness light may fail
to illuminate, continue to flash, or remain on. If any of these
conditions occur, have the system serviced as soon as possible.
Unless the system is serviced, the supplemental air bag system may
not function properly in the event of a collision.
Safety belt warning light
Instrumentation
11

A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following: the readiness light will either flash or stay lit, or it will
not light.
WARNING
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have
the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
Service Engine Soon Warning Light
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the
engine's emission control system. This system is commonly known
as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). This OBD II
system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle
continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II
system also assists the service technician in properly servicing
your vehicle.
TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it
comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine's
emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may
illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The
vehicle will usually be driveable and will not require towing.
Supplemental air bag readiness light
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