1998 Mercury Villager tow

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
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N (Neutral)
In N (Neutral), the transaxle is not locked. Your vehicle will roll
freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the parking brake
or brakes are on.
Parking
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park) position,
pull it toward you, push it completely counterclockwise against the
stop, and then push it toward the instrument panel.
The gearshift is securely latched in Park (P) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
Forced Downshifts
To gain extra acceleration in Drive (D) (when passing another
vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear - third,
second or first.
Driving
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Driving Through Water
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the
depth is unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and
if the ignition system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water
may also enter your engine's air intake and cause severe damage
to your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable,
proceed very slowly. Never drive through water that is higher
than the bottom of wheel rims.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not
stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
Driving With a Heavy Load
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the driver's
door pillar, provides important information regarding the
weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
WARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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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
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Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which
is the maximum weight allowed on each axle system.
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is
why it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle places severe stress on components and can
lead to shortened vehicle life or vehicle damage.
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific maximum
load at a specific tire pressure.
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight of
your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR specified
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This includes full fuel
tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as well as the cargo
load.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and passengers).
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Load Calculation Ð Trailers
The trailer towing table shows the maximum allowable trailer
weight and maximum GCWR for vehicles with and without the
trailer towing package.
For a particular vehicle, the allowable trailer weight may be
lower depending upon the vehicle's actual gross vehicle weight.
(GVW is the weight of the vehicle including passengers,
equipment, cargo.)
You must determine the appropriate trailer weight for your
vehicle at its particular GVW while adhering to GVWR, GAWR,
GCWR and maximum trailer weight ratings.
mFill the fuel tank.
mLoad the vehicle as it would be loaded when towing a trailer
(including cargo, trailer hitch, etc.).
mWeigh the vehicle to determine its GVW. Do not exceed
GVWR and GAWR.
mObtain the appropriate GCWR from the trailer towing table.
mSubtract the loaded vehicle weight (GVW) from the GCWR. This
is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can pull given its
particular GVW.
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Trailer towing table
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your vehicle
accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift the
load or remove cargo accordingly.
To determine actual GCW, weigh the total vehicle and trailer and
also weigh the trailer separately to verify its weight.
Trailers
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
WARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
WARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross
trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transaxle damage, structural
damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Driving
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Preparing to Tow
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all
towing equipment is properly installed on your vehicle. If you
are not certain that you are using the right equipment in the proper
manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
Hitches
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
For towing trailers up to 3,500 lb. (1,587 kg), use a frame-mounted
weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lb. (907 kg).
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach to
the axle.
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent
exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
Safety chains
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer. Cross
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning
corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
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