1998 Mercury Villager service indicator

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

A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following: the readiness light will either flash or stay lit, or it will
not light.
WARNING
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have
the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
Service Engine Soon Warning Light
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the
engine's emission control system. This system is commonly known
as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). This OBD II
system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle
continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II
system also assists the service technician in properly servicing
your vehicle.
TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it
comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine's
emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may
illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The
vehicle will usually be driveable and will not require towing.
Supplemental air bag readiness light
12

Turn Signal Lever
You can use the turn signal lever on the left side of the steering
column to:
moperate the turn signals.
mturn the headlamps to high beam.
mflash the headlamps.
mturn the windshield wipers and washer on/off.
Turn Signals
Move the lever up to signal a right turn. Move it down to signal
a left turn. The corresponding indicator light in the
instrument cluster will flash.
If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move the lever back
to the center (off) position.
For lane changes, move the lever far enough to signal but not to
latch. The lever will return to the off position when you
release it.
If the turn indicator light in the instrument panel does not
illuminate or remains on (does not flash) when you signal a turn,
the turn signaling system needs service. Have this condition
corrected as soon as possible, and use the accepted hand signals
until the turn signal system is repaired.
The turn signal lever
Controls and Features
87

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

NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
NOTE: Always use Motorcraft MERCONtor equivalent
MERCONtautomatic transmission fluid when you
refill your automatic transmission fluid.
Battery
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery normally does not
require additional water during its 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). Keep the electrolyte in each cell up to the ``level''
indicator. Do not overfill the battery cells. For longer,
trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry.
Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire
brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
Maintenance and Care
293

A
Accessory position on the ignition..............86
Air bag supplemental restraint system...........144
and child safety seats..................153
description.....................144, 146
driver air bag....................144, 146
indicator light.......................11
operation........................146
passenger air bag....................146
service and information labels..............146
tone generator....................149, 149
Air cleaner filter
location.........................341
Alcohol
in fuel..........................310
Antenna, radio (see Electronic sound system).......29,84
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...............285
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description........................215
noise...........................215
see also Brake......................215
warninig light.......................9
Anti-theft lug nuts and key.................261
Anti-theft system
triggering........................116
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board)...........348
Assistance (see Customer assistance)............345
Audio system (see Electronic sound system).........29
Automatic transaxle
driving with.......................221
fluid, adding....................291, 292
fluid, checking......................291
fluid, specification....................339
Index
373

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