1998 Mercury Villager maintenance

Cleaning the Engine
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than
normal.
mExtreme care must be used if a power washer is used to clean
the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate sealed
parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
mIn order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block, do not
spray a hot engine with cold water.
mThe alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water
damage.
mNever wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
Maintenance and Care
331

Vehicle Storage
Maintenance Tips
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of
time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance
recommendations to keep your vehicle in good operating condition.
General
mStore your vehicle in a dry, ventilated place.
mProtect from sunlight, if possible.
mWhen your vehicle is stored outside, it will require regular
maintenance to protect against rust and damage.
Body
mWash your vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar
or mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housings and
underside of front fenders.
mTouch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
mCover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of
auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when your vehicle is washed.
mLubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
mCover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
mKeep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Maintenance and Care
333

Cooling system
mProtect your vehicle against freezing temperatures.
Battery
mCheck and recharge the battery as necessary.
mKeep connections clean and covered with a light coat of
grease.
Brakes
mMake sure the brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
mMaintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
mMake sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under
the vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
mLubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
Maintenance and Care
335

Should you need to arrange for roadside assistance yourself, Ford
Motor Company will reimburse the reasonable cost. To obtain
information about reimbursement call 1-800-241-FORD (in Canada
call 1-800-665-2006).
If You Have a Service Concern
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealerships to service your vehicle. This section tells you how
to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
Service/Maintenance Concerns (U.S. or Canada)
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your selling dealer who
wants to ensure your continued satisfaction. You may,
however, take your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your dealer will be able to
resolve your concern.
If you are not satisfied with the service you received from your
dealership's service department, talk to the service manager at the
dealership. If you still are not satisfied, talk to the owner or
general manager of the dealership. In most cases, you will have
your concern resolved at this level.
If you are away from home when your vehicle needs to be
serviced, or if you need more help than the dealer gave you, contact
the Ford Customer Assistance Center to find an authorized
dealership that may be able to help you.
346

mthe file number assigned to your application
mthe toll-free phone number of the DSB's independent
administrator
Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company representative are
asked to submit statements at this time.
To review your case properly, the Board needs the following
information:
mlegible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair
orders relevant to the case
mthe year, make, model and Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) listed on your vehicle ownership license
mthe date of repair(s) and mileage at the time of occurrence(s)
mthe current mileage
mthe name of the dealer who sold or serviced the vehicle
ma brief description of your unresolved concern
ma brief summary of the action taken with the dealer and Ford
Motor Company
mthe names (if known) of all the people you contacted at the
dealership
ma description of the action you expect to resolve your concern
Should your case NOT qualify for review, a letter of
explanation will be mailed to you.
Oral presentations
If the involved vehicle is within 36 months and 36,000 miles of
the warranty start date, you have the right to make an oral
presentation before the Board. Indicate your choice to do so
on the application. Oral presentations may also be requested by
the Board.
350

Lights, warning and indicator
airbag ..........................11
brake............................9
charging system......................14
check engine.......................12
door ajar.........................15
engine oil pressure....................14
hazard warning light.................77,241
high beam........................17
low fuel..........................17
lowoil ..........................14
low washer fluid.....................17
oil pressure........................14
safety belt.........................11
service engine soon....................12
turn signal indicator....................87
Load limits.........................226
GAWR ..........................226
GVWR..........................226
trailer towing......................233
Lubricant specifications...................339
Lug nuts..........................258
anti-theft.........................261
tightening sequence.................258, 265
Luggage rack........................239
M
Maintenance (see Servicing).................275
Maintenance (see servicing).................275
Map pockets........................126
Master cylinder, brakes...................282
Message center
low washer fluid.....................17
Methanol in fuel......................310
384

for children.......................151
for infants......................151, 153
for pregnant women.................123, 129
head...........................121
lap and shoulder belts................129, 131
maintenance.......................144
proper use........................129
replacement.......................144
warning light and chime.................11
Safety seats for children...................153
and air bags.....................136, 153
attaching with tether straps...............160
automatic locking mode (retractor)..........136, 153
in front seat.......................153
in rear outboard.....................153
in rear seat........................153
tether anchorage hardware................160
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)...............129
Seats............................121
child safety seats.....................153
cleaning upholstery...................332
head restraints......................121
Serial number (VIN)....................352
Service concerns......................346
Servicing your vehicle...................275
precautions when servicing................276
servicing when you tow.................272
Shift positions (see Gearshift)................221
Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints)......129, 131
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints)..........131, 137
Side mirrors........................109
adjusting......................109, 110
Snow tires and chains....................305
Spare tire..........................254
Index
387

Tail lamps
bulb replacement..................316, 322
cleaning.........................330
Temperature control (see Climate control)..........56
Tether anchor installation (see Child restraints).......160
Tilt steering wheel......................91
Tires ............................299
changing.........................254
checking the pressure..................299
cleaning.........................330
inspection and maintenance.............299, 300
replacing.........................301
rotating.........................300
snow tires and chains..................305
spare tire.........................255
storing your vehicle...................335
tire grades......................301, 303
treadwear......................301, 303
wear bands.......................301
wheel and tire matching.................303
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing).............227
Towing your vehicle....................272
using wheel dollies....................272
withatowtruck .....................272
Trailer Towing.......................227
Trailer towing
tips...........................236
trailer brakes.......................235
trailer lamps.......................235
Transaxle
automatic operation...................221
fluid, checking and adding (automatic)..........291
lubricant specifications..................339
Transaxle control switch..................223
Index
389