1998 Mercury Villager service

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.
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Brakes
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the high-mount
brake lamp should illuminate.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or
intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied.
Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake
applications in the morning; however they may be heard at any
time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental
conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If
a ``metal-to-metal'', ``continuous grinding'' or ``continuous
squeal'' sound is present while braking, the brake linings may be
worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Front Disc Brakes
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic lubrication of the caliper slide rails
and inspection for pad wear.
Rear Drum Brakes
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes (If Equipped)
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from
completely locking up by automatically releasing and re-applying
the brakes. During ABS braking, slight brake pedal pulsations
may be felt on the driver's foot. These pulsations represent the
rapid cycling of the ABS valves. The pedal pulsations are
considered normal ABS operation, and will stop when normal
braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to a stop.
Driving
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During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a
noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the
pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation
coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on
loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates
proper functioning of the vehicle's anti-lock brake system. If
the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder while braking,
felt mainly in the steering wheel, the vehicle most likely needs
service.
The ABS system has self-check capabilities. The system turns on
the ABS warning light each time you start the engine. After
the engine is started and the ABS warning light turns off, the system
performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches 4 mph
(6 km/h). A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS system
performs a self test. This is a normal part of the self test
feature. If a malfunction is found during this check, the ABS
warning light will come on.
You should always be careful when braking, even if your vehicle
has the ABS system. Heavy braking on roads with loose
surfaces such as snow or gravel, or roads with severe pavement
irregularities could also cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
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.
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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.
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS providing that the radio is installed according to the radio
manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have had a
mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light comes
on (at any time other than immediately after turning the key
to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect the
installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other than during
maximum braking, have your mobile radio installation
checked.
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ``Low''
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking brake
several times. If the condition has not improved, you should
have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal.
However, if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more
frequent, return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
WARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
Driving
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The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
Steering Your Vehicle
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the
engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes
more effort.
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running. This
can damage the power steering pump.
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large potholes,
sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision involving
the front end, have the front suspension and
steering checked for possible damage.
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Vehicle/Trailer Loads
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg)
provided the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the GVWR
shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. With the
optional trailer tow package, your vehicle can tow a trailer up to
3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg).
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Always use
the proper equipment for the type of trailer you tow.
mStay within the load limits when you tow.
mCarefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use and install the proper equipment. See
Preparing to Towin this section.
mUse extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
mService your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
Vehicle Loading Information
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not volume,
so you cannot necessarily use all the available space.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire sizes, wheel sizes
and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the
assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. The
certification label is located on the pillar in the driver's door
opening.
Driving
227

Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will suffer
and service concerns may arise.
The following is a typical example of a Safety Compliance
Certification Label and an explanation of how this information
should be used:
NOTE: The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and rear
GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The
GAWR of the front and rear axles exceed the GVWR
when added together.
There are no numbers on the sample Safety Compliance
Certification Label shown. Refer to the actual numbers on your
vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label.
Understanding Loading Information
There are five terms that are used to describe a vehicle's ability
to carry a load:
mBase Curb Weight
The Safety Compliance Certification Label
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Trailer Tow Module (If equipped)
The trailer tow module on your vehicle (if equipped) allows
turn/stop lamp control on a trailer being towed by your vehicle.
The trailer tow package includes:
mtrailer tow module which is protected by the vehicle stop
lamp fuse
mone SAE J1239 specified connector
mone extension harness within the rear bumper
mheavy duty battery
mfull size spare
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your vehicle,
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Driving While You Tow
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer. Never
drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in hilly
country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can brake
gradually.
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
This is caused by the decrease of vehicle speed 5 mph (8 km/h)
lower than set speed.
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into 2
(Second) or 1 (First) gear.
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need to
be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet in the Owner's portfolio.
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