1998 Mercury Villager engine

A chime will sound if any of the exterior lamps are on when the
driver door is opened.
Daytime Running Light (DRL) System (Canadian
vehicles only)
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns the high beam
headlamps on, with a reduced light output, when:
mthe engine is running
mthe vehicle has a fully released parking brake
mthe headlamp system is in the OFF or first (parking lamps)
position
NOTE: You may notice that the lights flicker when the engine
is turned on or off. This is a normal condition.
The headlamp knob
78

Ignition
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
Your vehicle's ignition has four positions. They are:
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.
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.
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.
START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts
so that you don't damage the starter. The key should return
to the ON position when you release it.
The ignition positions
86

Fuel-Injected Engines
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 Engine
in this chapter for details about when to use the accelerator
while you start your vehicle.
Starting Your Vehicle
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
WARNING
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.
Before you start your vehicle, always:
1. Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety
belts. SeeSafety beltsin the Index for more details.
2. Make sure the headlamps and other accessories are turned off
when starting.
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is set before you turn the key.
4. Observe the warning lights on the instrument cluster to make
sure they work. Refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Starting Your Engine
To start your engine:
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
Starting
207

2. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key to
ON.
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is
parked.
4. Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the engine
starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly because it may be binding.
For a cold engine:
mAt temperatures10É F (-12É C) and below:If the engine does
not start infifteen (15) secondson the first try, turn the key
to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood
the engine, then try again.
mAt temperaturesabove 10É F (-12É C):If the engine does not
start infive (5) secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the
engine, then try again.
For a warm engine:
mDo not hold the key in the START position for more thanfive
(5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within five
(5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF position. Wait
a few seconds after the starter stops, then try again.
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds.Keep
your foot on the brake pedaland release the parking brake. Put
the gearshift lever in gear, slowly release the brake pedal and
drive away in the normal manner.
208

NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake
pedal.
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
4. Release the ignition key when the engine starts.
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may
have been activated. For directions on how to reset the switch
seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however,
slow down after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed
checked.
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have the
vehicle checked.
WARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
Starting
209

WARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures, use
an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option). If your
vehicle does not have this option, it is available thru your dealer.
Engine Block Heater (Canada only)
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a
region where temperatures reach ±10É F (±23É C) or below. An
engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the heater-defrost
system to respond more quickly.
WARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before you
start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours
will not damage the engine, so you can leave it plugged in all night
to start your vehicle the following morning.
What To Do If The Engine Does Not Start
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start even after
a small collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial
jolt. Refer to theRoadside emergenciessection for more information.
210

Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle.
The fuel pump shut-off switch reset button is located below the
hood release handle.
WARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
1. Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the fuel pump shut-off
reset button down. If the red button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical or electrical problem.
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
Fuel pump shut-off switch reset button location
Starting
211

5. 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.
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous
effects.
WARNING
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.
WARNING
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.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
myour vehicle is raised for service
mthe sound of the exhaust system changes
myour vehicle has been damaged in an accident
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
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.
212