1998 Mercury Villager engine oil

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

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

The light should turn off after a few seconds. If the light stays on or
illuminates when the engine is running, your vehicle has lost oil
pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine damage.
If your vehicle loses engine oil pressure:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
3. Check the oil level following the instructions on checking and
adding engine oil in this owner guide. (SeeEngine oilin the
index.) Make sure your vehicle is on level ground.
4.
If the level is low, add as much oil as necessary before you drive
your vehicle again. Do not drive your vehicle if the oil pressure
light is on, even if the oil level is correct. For more information about
adding oil, seeEngine oil, checkingin the Index.
Door Ajar Warning Light
If the ignition switch is in the ON position and any door or the
liftgate is not completely closed, the light will illuminate.
Oil pressure light
Door ajar warning light
Instrumentation
15

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 close the hood:
1. Remove the prop rod from the slotted hole in the hood. Place
the rod in its retaining clip and close the hood with enough
force to make it latch. Be sure to oil the hood latch every six
months to maintain smooth operation.
2. Try to lift the hood after closing it to be sure it is securely
latched.
Engine Oil Recommendations
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or
engine treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain
conditions, lead to engine damage which is not covered by
your warranty.
Maintenance and Care
279

Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain
into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in Park,9P9.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dip
stick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then
remove it again.
mIf the oil level isbetween the L and H marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL
mIf the level is below the L mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the L-H range
WARNING
Oil level above the H mark may cause engine damage.
Some oil must be removed from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
280

Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for additional
information.
Follow these directions to change the engine oil and oil filter:
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up.
2. Protect yourself from engine heat and the engine oil being
drained.
3. Remove the oil pan drain plug(s)andoil filter.
4. Drain the oil into a container until flow from the drain plug
hole(s) and the filter mounting area slows to a drip.
5. Install the drain plug(s) and a new engine oil filter according
to directions on the package.
NOTE: SeeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts and Lubrication
Specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter
for the appropriate oil filter and engine oil refill quantity.
6. Remove the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) to
prevent oil contamination of the engine ventilating system while
refilling.
Engine oil dipstick
Maintenance and Care
281

7. Refill the engine with a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Start the engine and check for leaks. Follow
directions inChecking and adding engine oilto be sure the
engine is filled to the proper level.
WARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
Brake Fluid
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level indicator in the
master cylinder which lights the BRAKE warning light on the
instrument panel when the brake fluid level is low.
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic brake fluid reservoir on the
master cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the MAX
mark.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15
minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken
internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention
immediately.
282