1998 Mercury Villager wheel

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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Stopping Distances
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
Applying the Brakes
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique. Push
on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This allows
the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing down, which
lets you steer properly. In the event of a sudden stop with ABS
equipped vehicles, do not pump the brakes. Pumping the brakes
during an anti-lock stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will
increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also cause
brake damage.
WARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.
Using the Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of the brake pedal. To set the
parking brake, press the brake pedal with your right foot and
hold it while you push the parking brake pedal down firmly with
your left foot.
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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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The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the
vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when
the vehicle was last shut off.
If your vehicle is on an extremely slippery surface, the Electronic
Transaxle Control Module may receive a signal indicating a
rapid increase or decrease in wheel speed. If the module detects
this condition, it will limit the transaxle operation to Third
gear and Reverse. This reduces tire slippage and protects the
transaxle. The transaxle will operate normally in Reverse, but will
lack power during acceleration in Drive. If this happens, stop
your vehicle as soon as possible and turn the ignition off for 3
seconds. Restart the vehicle. If the condition still exists, contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE: If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off
repeatedly when the vehicle is started, there is a
transaxle electronic system malfunction. Contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
When to use 2 (Second)
Use Second (2) when driving on slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on downgrades. This position provides
Second gear operation only. Do not exceed 68 mph (108 km/h)
in this position.
When to use 1 (First)
Use First (1) to provide maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts from First can be made by manually shifting
to Second (2) or Overdrive (D). First (1) gear provides only first
gear operation. If you select First while driving at higher speeds, the
transaxle will shift to Second (2), and then shift back to First
(1) after the vehicle decelerates to the proper speed. Do not exceed
35 mph (56 km/h) in this position.
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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
225

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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