1998 Mercury Villager stop start

3. Using the ªSEEKº function with a cassette tape
While in the tape mode, push the right (
) side of the
ªSEEKº button to seek forward to the next selection on the
tape. Push the left (
) side of the ªSEEKº button to seek the
previous tape selection. The ªTAPEº display blinks.
NOTE: If you want to restart a currently playing tape selection,
press the left (
) side of the ªSEEKº button after
three seconds into the current selection.
4. Using the ªSCANº button to scan cassette selections
Press the ªSCANº button to enter the scan mode (display
blinks ªSCº) to begin the forward scan mode on the tape
currently playing, stopping on each tape selection for a
five-second sampling.
The scan mode continues to the other side of the tape after
one side of the tape has been played completely.
To stop the scan mode on the presently sampled tape selection,
press the ªSCANº button again, or press ªTAPE,º ªCDº (if
equipped), ªTUNE,º or ªSEEK.º
Reversing the direction
The alternate track of the tape can be selected anytime by
pressing the ªSIDE 1-2º button.
How to eject the tape
To stop the tape and eject the cassette, press the ªEJº button. The
tape cartridge can be ejected with radio power (and/or
ignition) on or off.
38

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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WARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures, use
an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option). If your
vehicle does not have this option, it is available thru your dealer.
Engine Block Heater (Canada only)
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a
region where temperatures reach ±10É F (±23É C) or below. An
engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the heater-defrost
system to respond more quickly.
WARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before you
start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours
will not damage the engine, so you can leave it plugged in all night
to start your vehicle the following morning.
What To Do If The Engine Does Not Start
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start even after
a small collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial
jolt. Refer to theRoadside emergenciessection for more information.
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5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If there is no
fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous
effects.
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.
WARNING
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
myour vehicle is raised for service
mthe sound of the exhaust system changes
myour vehicle has been damaged in an accident
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5
cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to bring
in outside air.
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Shift-lock Safety Feature
Your vehicle has a special shift-lock safety feature which prevents
you from shifting out of P (Park) without the brake pedal
depressed. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park) position, the
ignition must be in the ON position and your foot must be
pressing on the brake pedal.
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position with
the brake pedal depressed:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn it to the first position (OFF).
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate
procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown
and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please refer
to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin this Owner Guide
for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
WARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
Backing Up
Before shifting into or out of R (Reverse), you should always
come to a complete stop.
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The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the
vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when
the vehicle was last shut off.
If your vehicle is on an extremely slippery surface, the Electronic
Transaxle Control Module may receive a signal indicating a
rapid increase or decrease in wheel speed. If the module detects
this condition, it will limit the transaxle operation to Third
gear and Reverse. This reduces tire slippage and protects the
transaxle. The transaxle will operate normally in Reverse, but will
lack power during acceleration in Drive. If this happens, stop
your vehicle as soon as possible and turn the ignition off for 3
seconds. Restart the vehicle. If the condition still exists, contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE: If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off
repeatedly when the vehicle is started, there is a
transaxle electronic system malfunction. Contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
When to use 2 (Second)
Use Second (2) when driving on slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on downgrades. This position provides
Second gear operation only. Do not exceed 68 mph (108 km/h)
in this position.
When to use 1 (First)
Use First (1) to provide maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts from First can be made by manually shifting
to Second (2) or Overdrive (D). First (1) gear provides only first
gear operation. If you select First while driving at higher speeds, the
transaxle will shift to Second (2), and then shift back to First
(1) after the vehicle decelerates to the proper speed. Do not exceed
35 mph (56 km/h) in this position.
224

Trailer Brakes
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
Trailer Lamps
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two circuits (right
hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination stop/turn light
bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add more than
one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
WARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating
can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire.
Driving
235

Trailer Towing Tips
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at
the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point so
the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or automatically
controlled, when approaching a stop.
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out on
the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km), stop
in a protected area and double-check your hitch and electrical
connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness.
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in Park (P) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, press the air intake selector
button to select the fresh air position to stop the air conditioner
compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short time.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. However,
if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the
trailer's wheels as follows:
Driving
237