1998 Mercury Villager parking brake

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
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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
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Fuel-Injected Engines
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most important thing to
remember is to avoid pressing down on the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you
have problems getting your vehicle started. SeeStarting Your Engine
in this chapter for details about when to use the accelerator
while you start your vehicle.
Starting Your Vehicle
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
WARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
Before you start your vehicle, always:
1. Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety
belts. SeeSafety beltsin the Index for more details.
2. Make sure the headlamps and other accessories are turned off
when starting.
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is set before you turn the key.
4. Observe the warning lights on the instrument cluster to make
sure they work. Refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Starting Your Engine
To start your engine:
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
Starting
207

2. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key to
ON.
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is
parked.
4. Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the engine
starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly because it may be binding.
For a cold engine:
mAt temperatures10É F (-12É C) and below:If the engine does
not start infifteen (15) secondson the first try, turn the key
to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood
the engine, then try again.
mAt temperaturesabove 10É F (-12É C):If the engine does not
start infive (5) secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the
engine, then try again.
For a warm engine:
mDo not hold the key in the START position for more thanfive
(5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within five
(5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF position. Wait
a few seconds after the starter stops, then try again.
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds.Keep
your foot on the brake pedaland release the parking brake. Put
the gearshift lever in gear, slowly release the brake pedal and
drive away in the normal manner.
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Read the sectionClimate Control Systemsfor instructions on
bringing fresh outside air into your vehicle. Refer to the Index.
Removing the Key From the Ignition
OFF/LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the
key from the ignition. The LOCK feature helps to protect your
vehicle from theft, because it also locks the steering wheel
and the gearshift lever when the key is removed.
If your key is stuck in the LOCK position, and you are unable to
turn it, move your steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely in the lock.
To remove your key from the ignition:
1. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
2. Set the parking brake fully.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key.
WARNING
When you leave your vehicle, place the gearshift lever in
P (Park). Set the parking brake fully, and shut off the
engine. Never park your vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do
not take these precautions, your vehicle may move
suddenly and injure someone.
WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
Starting
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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.
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS providing that the radio is installed according to the radio
manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have had a
mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light comes
on (at any time other than immediately after turning the key
to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect the
installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other than during
maximum braking, have your mobile radio installation
checked.
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ``Low''
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking brake
several times. If the condition has not improved, you should
have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal.
However, if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more
frequent, return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
WARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
Driving
217

Stopping Distances
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
Applying the Brakes
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique. Push
on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This allows
the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing down, which
lets you steer properly. In the event of a sudden stop with ABS
equipped vehicles, do not pump the brakes. Pumping the brakes
during an anti-lock stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will
increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also cause
brake damage.
WARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.
Using the Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of the brake pedal. To set the
parking brake, press the brake pedal with your right foot and
hold it while you push the parking brake pedal down firmly with
your left foot.
218

WARNING
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the
parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park (P).
Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle.
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. If
you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may
move unexpectedly and injure someone.
To release the parking brake, press the brake pedal with your
right foot and hold it while you lift up on the parking brake release
handle.
WARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
The parking brake
Driving
219