1998 Mercury Villager ESP

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.
NOTE: Always use Motorcraft MERCONtor equivalent
MERCONtautomatic transmission fluid when you
refill your automatic transmission fluid.
Battery
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery normally does not
require additional water during its life of service. However, for
severe service usage or in high temperature climates, check your
battery electrolyte level, at least every 24 months or 24,000
miles (40,000 km). Keep the electrolyte in each cell up to the ``level''
indicator. Do not overfill the battery cells. For longer,
trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry.
Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire
brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
Maintenance and Care
293

150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C, and
they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not include
cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
304

Emission Control System
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which enables
your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
WARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel system, the interior
floor covering, or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Malfunctions in the engine or exhaust system can result in
excessive exhaust system temperatures. Under extreme conditions
(for example, towing a trailer up a steep hill on a very hot day
with a malfunctioning engine or exhaust system), high exhaust
system temperatures could be damaging.
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
mUse only unleaded fuel.
mAvoid running out of fuel.
mNever turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
mHave the services listed in yourMaintenance Schedulebooklet
performed according to the specified schedule.
Maintenance and Care
313

Cleaning Your Vehicle
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with a
mild detergent.
DO NOT:
mWash your vehicle with hot water
mWash your vehicle while it sits in direct sunlight
mWash your vehicle while the body is hot
Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint,
especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as necessary
to keep it clean.
Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical
industrial fallout.
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in
paint materials or workmanship and therefore, is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual improvement
in customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this reason, Ford has
authorized their dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner,
the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by environmental fallout
within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) of purchase,
whichever comes first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford representative.
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and protect the
finish.
Maintenance and Care
329

The CAMVAP program is a straight-forward and relatively
speedy alternative to resolve a disagreement when all other efforts
to produce a settlement have failed. This procedure is without
cost to you and is designed to eliminate the need for lengthy and
expensive legal proceedings.
In the CAMVAP program, impartial third-party Arbitrators
conduct hearings at mutually convenient times and places in an
informal environment. These impartial Arbitrators review the
positions of the parties, make decisions and, where appropriate,
render awards to resolve disputes. CAMVAP decisions are
fast, fair and final as the arbitrator's award is binding on both
you and Ford of Canada.
CAMVAP services are available in all territories and provinces,
except Quebec. For more information, without charge or obligation,
call your CAMVAP Provincial Administrator directly at
1-800-207-0685.
Getting Help Outside the U.S. and Canada
Before you export your vehicle to a foreign country, contact the
appropriate foreign embassy or consulate to make sure local
regulations do not prevent you from registering your vehicle.
Officials at the embassy can also help you decide whether you
should import your vehicle to that country.
Officials at the embassy or consulate can tell you where to get
unleaded fuel. If you cannot get unleaded fuel or can get only fuel
with an anti-knock index that is lower than your vehicle needs,
contact a district or customer assistance center before you leave the
U.S. or Canada.
Use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without a proper conversion
may damage the effectiveness of your emissions control system and
may cause engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford
Motor Company is not responsible for any damage that is caused
by use of improper fuel.
Customer Assistance
353

NOTE: Mobile communication systems, particularly if not
properly installed, may adversely affect the operation
of the vehicle. For example, such systems, when operated,
may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In addition,
such systems may themselves be damaged, or their
operation affected, by the operation of the vehicle.
(Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers,
and other transmitters whose power output is 5
watts or less, ordinarily will not affect vehicle operation.)
NOTE: Because Ford has no control over the operation or
manufacture of such systems or their installation, Ford
cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects
or damage if this equipment is used.
358