1998 Mercury Villager charging

WARNING
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the
fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle
components, possibly causing a fire.
Charging System Light
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and
that you need to have the electrical system checked.
This light illuminates every time you turn your ignition key to the
ON or START position. The light should go off when the
engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
The oil pressure light is represented by an oil can symbol. It
indicates the engine's oil pressure, not oil level. However, if your
engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. The oil
pressure light will flash if the oil pressure drops below the normal
operating level. When you turn the key to the ON position, the
light will illuminate.
Charging system light
14

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

and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done cleaning them,
and apply a small quantity of grease to the top of each battery
terminal to help prevent corrosion.
Battery Replacement
If your original equipment battery requires replacement while
under warranty, it will be replaced with a Motorcraft service
battery, identical in design technology. Like the original
equipment battery, it should not require water addition during its
normal life of service; however, for severe service usage or in
high temperature climates, check your battery electrolyte level, at
least every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40 000 km). Do not
overfill the battery cells.
NOTE: If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is
re-installed after the battery is replaced.
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low, you can add plain
tap water to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water
(water with a high mineral or alkali content). If possible, however,
try to only fill the battery cells with distilled water. If the
battery needs water often, have the charging system checked.
Help Us Protect Our Environment
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
Battery recycling symbol
294

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
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.
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.
Maintenance and Care
295

Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..............223
fluid, adding.......................291
B
Backing up.........................222
Battery
acid, treating emergencies............268, 294, 295
charging system warning light..............14
disconnecting......................272
proper disposal, recycling................294
voltage gauge.......................14
when storing your vehicle................335
Brake fluid.........................282
brake warning light....................9
checking and adding...................282
description........................282
specifications....................283, 339
Brakes...........................215
adjustment........................215
anti-lock.........................215
applying the brakes...................218
brake warning light....................9
fluid, checking and adding................282
fluid, refill capacities...................282
fluid, specifications.................283, 339
front disc........................215
if brakes do not grip well..............217, 218
lubricant specifications..................339
master cylinder.....................282
new brake linings.....................5
noise........................215, 217
parking.........................218
power braking......................215
374

servicing......................217, 282
stopping distances....................218
trailer..........................235
when storing your vehicle................335
Brights (high beams).....................17
Bulbs, replacing.......................316
halogen.........................316
headlamps........................316
specifications.......................322
C
Canada, customer assistance................352
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP)....352
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)........153
Carbon monoxide in exhaust................212
Cargonet ..........................111
Catalytic converter.....................313
Chains, tires........................305
Changing a tire.......................254
Charging system warning light................14
Child safety restraints....................151
child safety belts.....................166
child safety seats.....................153
Child safety seats......................153
and air bags.......................153
attaching with tether straps...............160
automatic locking mode (retractor)..........136, 153
in front seat.......................153
in rear outboard seat...................153
in rear seat........................153
tether anchorage hardware................160
Childproof locks......................100
Index
375

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