1998 Mercury Villager engine

When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the
fluid level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
When the vehicle has not been driven, and outside temperature
is above 50É F (10É C), the fluid level should be between the notches
on the dipstick.
WARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the transmission
fluid level is below the bottom notch on the dipstick.
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick. Before adding any
fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (0.25 liter) increments through the filler
tube to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Engine compartment main fuse panel
292

Air Filter
The air filter should not be cleaned and reused. Replace it according
to the maintenance intervals shown in theMaintenance Schedule
booklet. When replacing the filter, unclip the four clamps and
remove the filter. Wipe the inside of the air filter housing with
a damp cloth when replacing the filter.
WARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start the
engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
Air filter housing
296

mDrive slowly. If you can hear the cables rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the cables. If you
continue to hear the cables rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
mAvoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
mRemove tire cables at the first opportunity after using them on
snow and ice. Do not use the cables on dry roads.
Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
Filling the Fuel Tank
Removing the tethered fuel filler cap
1. Open the fuel door on the driver's side of the vehicle.
2. Slowly unscrew the cap counterclockwise, using caution to
minimize the possibility of fuel spraying.
If the Service Engine Soon warning light comes on and stays
on when you start the engine, the fuel cap may not be properly
seated. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel cap and replace it, being
careful to align the cap properly.
The tethered fuel filler cap
306

If you lose the fuel filler cap, replace it with an authorized
Motorcraft or equivalent part.
WARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to
work improperly in a collision.
WARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the cap.
NOTE: If you replace your fuel filler cap with an aftermarket
fuel filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for
any damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal condition. It may be
caused by:
mtoo volatile a fuel for the weather conditions. Service stations
sometimes sell winter grade fuel in the summer.
mpulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high altitudes.
mextended periods of idling with the engine RPM increased
above the normal idle range.
mparking the vehicle in full sunlight for extended periods on
extremely hot days.
WARNING
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
Maintenance and Care
307

Before you fill your vehicle with fuel, extinguish all lit cigarettes,
other smoking materials, and any open flames.
To fill the tank properly:
1. Remove the fuel filler cap. Proceed to add fuel to the tank
only if your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Make sure you pump unleaded fuel and put the nozzle all the
way inside the fuel filler pipe. The fuel tank is normally full
after three automatic shutoffs of the nozzle.
3. If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle, clean it off
immediately. The fuel may dull or soften the paint if you do
not wash it off.
4. Replace the fuel cap tightly when you are finished. Turn it
clockwise until you hear at least three clicks. The
ratcheting mechanism allows the fuel cap to be sealed without
overtightening.
5. Push the fuel door closed.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited
by law and could damage your vehicle. The damage may not
be covered by your warranty.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel containing
manganese-based additives such as MMT. Additionally, vehicles
certified to California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are
designed to operate on California reformulated gasolines. If
California reformulated gasoline is not available when you refuel,
your vehicle can be operated on non-California fuels. However,
even though your engine will perform adequately on other
308

gasolines, the performance of the emission control devices and
systems may be adversely affected. Repair of damage caused by
using a fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may not
be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendation
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend gasolines
labeled as ªregularº in high altitude areas that are sold with
octane ratings of 86 or even less.
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly.
However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions
on the recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel Quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation
problems, try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists,
see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
issued a gasoline specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of your vehicle.
We recommend the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA
specification if they are available.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
Typical octane rating label
Maintenance and Care
309

with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of
adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
Running Out of Fuel
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
You may need to crank the engine several times before the fuel
system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle, and
can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per 100
Kilometers (L/100K).
Do not calculate fuel economy during your vehicle's break-in
period. This would not be an accurate estimate of how much fuel
your vehicle will normally use.
To calculate fuel economy:
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer
reading.
2. Every time you buy fuel, record the amount (in gallons or
liters) purchased.
3. After at least 3-5 tankfulls, fill the fuel tank and record the
final odometer reading.
4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy:
mEnglish: MPG = (total miles driven)4(gallons used)
Maintenance and Care
311

mMetric: L/100k = Multiply the number of liters used by 100
and divide the answer by the number of kilometers
travelled.
Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA fuel
economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve the
fuel economy shown.
The following decrease fuel economy:
mLack of regular, scheduled maintenance
mRapid acceleration and excessive speed
mDriving with your foot on the brake
mSudden stops
mExtended engine idling
mUsing speed control in hilly terrain
mExtended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
mUnderinflated tires
mHeavy loads
mAftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
312