1998 Mercury Villager engine

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
233

Trailer Towing Tips
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at
the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point so
the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or automatically
controlled, when approaching a stop.
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out on
the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km), stop
in a protected area and double-check your hitch and electrical
connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness.
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in Park (P) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, press the air intake selector
button to select the fresh air position to stop the air conditioner
compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short time.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. However,
if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the
trailer's wheels as follows:
Driving
237

1. Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
2. Have another person place the wheel chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making sure
the chocks are holding.
4. Apply the parking brake by pressing the main brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot while depressing the
parking brake pedal with your left foot.
5. Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
To start, after being parked on a grade:
1. Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift the gearshift lever into gear and release the parking
brake.
4. Release the main brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to
free the wheel chocks.
5. Apply the main brake pedal and hold while another person
retrieves the chocks.
238

To use the hazard flasher:
1. Push the HAZARD switch; you will see the turn signal arrows
flash.
2. To stop the hazard flashers, push the HAZARD switch again.
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered.
The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel pump when
your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeWhat to do if engine does not startin the Index.
Hazard flasher switch location
242

Engine Compartment Main Fuse Panel
Engine fuse block location
Engine compartment main fuse panel
250

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
Roadside Emergencies
263

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.
268

To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your vehicle
to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the order
they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
Preparing Your Vehicle
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to use
a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you connect
them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt batteries
in series or a 24-volt generator set).
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set the
parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the engine
cooling fan and other moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
5. Turn on the heater blower in both vehicles. Turn off all other
switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent possible
damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
Roadside Emergencies
269