1998 Mercury Villager maintenance

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle since your vehicle does not use up
transmission fluid. However, if the transaxle is not working
properly (for example, slipping or shifting slowly), or you notice
some sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
It is best to check the transmission fluid level at normal operating
temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without having
to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above 50É F (10É C).
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period
at high speeds or in city traffic during hot weather, or
if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to
cool before checking.
Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking brake
and leave the engine running.
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
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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.
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
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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
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.
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.
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Air Filter
The air filter should not be cleaned and reused. Replace it according
to the maintenance intervals shown in theMaintenance Schedule
booklet. When replacing the filter, unclip the four clamps and
remove the filter. Wipe the inside of the air filter housing with
a damp cloth when replacing the filter.
WARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start the
engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
Air filter housing
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Wiper Blades
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
To reach the wiper blades easily, turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY and turn your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to OFF. Moving the
wipers manually may damage them.
Wiper blade replacement
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them, you
may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When replacing
the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part or
equivalent.
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Tires
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
Always follow these precautions:
mUse an accurate tire pressure gauge.
mStay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
mMake sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
mAdjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on
the Tire Pressure Decal, located in the glove compartment.
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
WARNING
Always obey posted speed limits. If you drive too fast for
road conditions, you could lose control of your vehicle.
Under some circumstances, driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may damage vehicle
components, creating a risk of component failure and a
potential loss of vehicle control. Any time you lose control
of your vehicle, it may result in injury.
At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than
3 miles (5 km). You can find the proper cold tire pressure on
the Tire Pressure Decal, located in the glove compartment.
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WARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Tire Inspection and Maintenance
Inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or other
objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes
or cuts that may permit air to leak from the tire and make the
necessary repairs.
Inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If
you suspect internal damage to the tire, have it removed and
checked. You may need to repair or replace it.
Tire Rotation
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different jobs,
they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following
diagram.
In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
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After each rotation, adjust individual tire pressure as specified
on the Tire Pressure Decal. Tighten wheel lug nuts to the required
torque specification and retighten again after 500 miles (800
km).
If your vehicle has the optional full-size spare tire, you may
rotate the spare tire into the rotation pattern.
WARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not
follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle.
If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, you may remove the full-
size spare tire from the wheel and remount it on an
aluminum wheel to rotate the spare tire into your vehicle's
rotation pattern.
Replacing the Tires
Replace tires that show wear bands. When your tire shows a
wear band, it has only 1/16 of an inch (1.59 mm) of tread left.
Rotating the tires
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