1998 Mercury Villager brake

Using This Guide
To fully appreciate all of the features and options of your new
vehicle, we recommend that you thoroughly read through this
guide now and refer to it when you have specific needs or
questions. For your own safety and the safety of your passengers,
it is important that you completely understandallperformance
and care proceduresbeforeoperating this vehicle. For example,
without reading further, would you know:
mWhat to do if you get a flat tire? (Refer toFlat tirein the
Index)
mWhat it means if the O/D OFF light is illuminated on your
instrument panel? (Refer toOverdrivein the Index)
mHow to engage the childproof safety lock on the sliding door?
(Refer toChildproof locksin the Index)
mThat your automatic transaxle will not shift out of PARK (P)
until you apply the brake pedal? (Refer toGearshiftin the
Index)
Ford's Commitment to You
At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous
commitment to achieve the best result possible. It is dedication to
learning what you want, determination to develop the right
concept, and execution of that concept with care, precision, and
attention to detail. In short, excellence means being the standard by
which others are judged.
Our Guiding Principles
mQuality comes first.For your satisfaction, the quality of our
products and services must be our number one priority.
mYou are the focus of everything we do.Our work must be
done with you in mind, providing better products and
services than our competition.
Introduction
1

This information is subject to change. Ask your dealer for
complete details about Ford ESP coverage.
Break-In Period for Your Villager
Your new vehicle will go through an adjustment or break-in
period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving. During
the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.
mChange your speed often as you drive.Do not drive at one
speed for a long time.
mUse only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends.See
Engine oilin the Index. Do not use special ªbreak-inº oils.
mAvoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle has new brake
linings, you should take these steps:
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can anticipate when to
stop.
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles (160
km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway
driving.
Things to Know About Using This Guide
Congratulations on the purchase of your new vehicle. This guide
has information about the equipment and the options for your
new vehicle. You may not have bought all of the options available
to you. If you do not know which information applies to your
vehicle, talk to your dealer.
Introduction
5

Indicator Lights and Chimes
Brake System Warning Light
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that the
parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
The BRAKE light normally illuminates when you turn the ignition
key to the ON position to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is
running and after you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
WARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
Brake system and parking brake light
Instrumentation
9

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light (If Equipped)
To check the anti-lock brake warning light, turn the ignition key
to the ON position. The ABS warning light should glow
momentarily.
NOTE: If it does not glow at all or stays on for a long time,
have your vehicle's electrical system checked
immediately.
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.
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains operational.
Anti-lock brake system warning light
10

A chime will sound if any of the exterior lamps are on when the
driver door is opened.
Daytime Running Light (DRL) System (Canadian
vehicles only)
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns the high beam
headlamps on, with a reduced light output, when:
mthe engine is running
mthe vehicle has a fully released parking brake
mthe headlamp system is in the OFF or first (parking lamps)
position
NOTE: You may notice that the lights flicker when the engine
is turned on or off. This is a normal condition.
The headlamp knob
78

Accelerating With the Speed Control Operating
To pass another vehicle while the speed control is activated, press
the accelerator pedal. When you release the pedal, the vehicle
will return to the previously set speed.
Driving Uphill or on a Steep Grade
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed when going up or
down steep hills. If this happens, drive without the speed control.
When driving uphill, especially with a heavy load, you may
notice your speed decreasing, even if you have the speed control
set. If the speed drops more than 5 mph (8 km/h), it is
normal for the automatic speed control feature to be cancelled.
You may need to help your vehicle maintain the desired speed by
driving without the speed control when driving up steep
grades.
Cancelling the Speed Control
To cancel the preset speed, follow one of these three methods:
mPush the CANCEL button on the left side of the steering wheel;
the CRUISE light will go out.
mTap the brake pedal; the CRUISE light will go out.
mPress the main OFF switch to the left of the steering wheel.
Both the CRUISE CONT. ON switch indicator and the
CRUISE light in the instrument cluster will go out.
If you unintentionally press the brake pedal while pushing the
RES/ACCEL button to reset the cruising speed, press the OFF
switch once and then reactivate the system by pressing the
CRUISE CONT. ON switch.
The speed control will automatically be canceled if the vehicle
slows down approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) below the set speed.
94

Resetting the Speed Control
To reset at a higher speed, use one of the following methods:
mPress the accelerator pedal. When the speedometer indicates
the desired speed, push and release the COAST/SET button.
mPush and hold the RES/ACCEL button. When the vehicle attains
the speed you desire, release the switch.
mPush, then quickly release the RES/ACCEL button. Each time
you do this, the set speed will increase by about 1 mph (1.6
km/h).
To reset at a lower speed, use one of the following methods:
mLightly tap the brake pedal. When the speedometer indicates
the desired speed, push the COAST/SET button and release
it.
mPush and hold the COAST/SET button. Release the button
when the vehicle slows down to the desired speed.
mPush, then quickly release the COAST/SET button. Each time
you do this, the set speed will decrease by about 1 mph (1.6
km/h).
Resuming a Set Speed
To resume the preset speed, push and release the RES/ACCEL
button. The vehicle will resume the last set speed as long as the
vehicle is traveling at a speed over 30 mph (48 km/h).
Information About the Speed Control System
If the speed control system malfunctions, it will cancel
automatically. The CRUISE indicator in the instrument cluster
will then blink to warn the driver.
Controls and Features
95

Combination Lap and Shoulder Belts
While your vehicle is in motion, the combination lap and
shoulder belt adjusts to your movement. However, if you brake
hard, turn hard, or if your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph (8
km/h) or more, the lap and shoulder belt locks and helps to
reduce your forward movement.
After you get into your vehicle, close the door and lock it. Then
adjust the seat to the position that suits you best.
To fasten the belt, pull the combination lap and shoulder belt
from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of the belt crosses
your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted. If it
is, remove the twist. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle
until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue
is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on tongue.
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandImportant Safety Belt
Informationat the beginning of this chapter.
Fastening the front seat combination lap and shoulder belt
Seating and Safety Restraints
131