1998 Mercury Villager wiper blades

WARNING
Always warm up the windshield with the defroster before
you use the washer fluid. In freezing weather, the
washer solution may freeze on the windshield and obscure
your vision.
For information about refilling the washer fluid or replacing your
windshield wiper blades, seeWindshield washer fluid and Wipers
in the Index.
Gearshift Lever
The gearshift lever on your vehicle is mounted on the steering
column. On the end of the gearshift lever is the Overdrive On/Off
button. To learn about the operation of the gearshift lever and
the Overdrive On/Off button, see theDrivingchapter.
Gearshift lever location
90

Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than
plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons,
washer fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as
methanol should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below
32É F [0É C]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol
antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
Engine Coolant
Checking the Engine Coolant
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from overheating
in the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level
of the engine coolant at least once a month, but preferably each time
you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant reservoir, located in
the engine compartment. The coolant should stay between the MIN
and MAX marks. It will be closer to MAX when the engine is
warm and closer to MIN when the engine is cold. To locate the
coolant reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine
underEngine Compartmentin theCapacities and Specifications
chapter.
Maintenance and Care
285

Wiper Blades
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
To reach the wiper blades easily, turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY and turn your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to OFF. Moving the
wipers manually may damage them.
Wiper blade replacement
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them, you
may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When replacing
the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part or
equivalent.
Maintenance and Care
297

To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and into the
lock position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin to release the blade and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it from the arm.
3. Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
Replacing the wiper blades
298

Wheel dollies (see Towing).................272
Wheels...........................303
anti-theft lugnuts.....................261
cleaning.........................330
covers..........................258
inspection and maintenance...............299
lug nuts.........................258
replacement.......................303
Windows..........................106
manual windows, operating...............106
power windows, operating................106
Windshield
washing..........................89
Windshield washer fluid and wipers.............89
checking and replacing wiper blades...........297
low washer fluid light...................17
operation.........................89
reservoir.........................284
specifications.......................284
variable interval wipers..................89
Windshield wipers and washer................89
Wrecker towing.......................272
Index
391