1998 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

If you have optional cast-aluminum wheels, remove the wheel
cap to gain access to the lug nuts. Insert the tapered end of the jack
handle behind the notch in the wheel cap and gently pry it off.
To replace it, press it back on. You must line up the raised circle on
the back of the wheel cap with the indented area on the wheel
in order to press the wheel cap on.
4. Fit the hex-shaped end of the lug wrench over the wheel lug nuts
and loosen them one-half turn (counterclockwise). Do not
remove the wheel lug nuts until you raise the tire off the ground.
If your vehicle has the optional locking lug nuts, you must
use the lug nut removal tool provided with your vehicle's tool
kit.
Removing the optional wheel cap
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5. Fit the jack under the proper jacking point indicated by the notch
in the bottom of the door frame panel.
Anti-theft lug nut
The notches for the jack
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WARNING
Do not jack on the running board.
WARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
WARNING
To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any part
of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire.
Do not start the engine when your vehicle is on the jack.
The jack is only meant for changing the tire.
Placing the jack
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WARNING
Never raise your vehicle by using a bumper jack. The
bumper could be damaged or the jack could slip and you
could be injured.
6. Insert the jack handle into the jack, and then slide the tapered
end of the jack handle through one of the slots in the lug nut
wrench. All of these tools are needed to jack up a vehicle.
NOTE: If Ford Accessory Running Boards have been installed,
use the jack adapters supplied with the running boards
as described on the inside of the jack storage area
cover.
The jack and handle assembly
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7. Turn the lug nut wrench (attached to the jack handle)
clockwise to raise the vehicle off the ground.
8. Remove the wheel lug nuts with the lug nut wrench.
9. Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire.
10. Place the wheel lug nuts on the spare tire. Use the lug nut
wrench to screw the lug nuts snug against the wheel, but
do not tighten fully.
11. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
12. Use the wheel lug wrench to tighten lug nuts in the
appropriate sequence. Re-check for complete tightness.
The lug nuts should be tightened to 72-87 ft-lb (98-118 N²m).
Lug nut tightening sequence
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WARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different than the original
equipment as this could damage the wheel or mounting
system. This damage could allow the wheels to come
off while the vehicle is being driven.
13. Replace the wheel cover by pressing it into place. If you have
the standard wheel covers, you must align the notch in the
wheel cover with the tire's valve stem and align the recess in the
back of the wheel cover with one of the lug nuts. If you
have the optional aluminum wheel, press the center wheel
cap into place after matching up the design of the wheel cap
to the wheel.
14. Make sure the jack is securely fastened. When you replace
the jack in the jack storage compartment, place the base
against the square-shaped fastening bracket and open the jack
slightly so that the jack is snug against the fastening
brackets.
15. Store the flat tire under the vehicle just as you would store
the spare tire. Refer to the section onStowing the Spare Tire
in this chapter.
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16. Make sure the lug wrench is secured back into the tool kit and
store it next to the jack.
17. Unblock the wheels.
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800
km) of operation, after any wheel change, or any time the lug nuts
are loosened.
Storing the jack
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Jump-Starting Your Battery
Your vehicle's battery may discharge if you leave the lights or
any electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start from a booster
battery to start your vehicle.
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
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.
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.
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