1999 Mercury Villager brakes

Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
For towing trailers up to 907 kg (2 000 lb), use a weight carrying hitch
and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue load through the
underbody structure. For towing trailers up to 1 588 kg (3 500 lb) use a
frame-mounted weight distributing hitch which transfers a portion of the
trailer tongue load to the front axle system.
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a hitch
which attaches to the axle. Follow the towing instructions of a reputable
rental agency.
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure all
mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent noxious
gases or water from entering.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Driving
168

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the fluid level in the reservoir for the master cylinder
fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder runs dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
197

Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing vehicle. Use
tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507±BA), Lacquer
Touch-up Paint (#ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or Exterior Acrylic Spray
Lacquer (#ALAZ-19500±XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line.
Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with
your vehicle's specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on
the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
The brushes used in some automatic car washes may damage the finish
on your wheels. Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
Maintenance and care
231

Accessory delay ..........................90
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................131
and child safety seats ............133
description ..............................131
disposal ....................................135
driver air bag ..........................133
indicator light ......................6,135
operation .................................133
passenger air bag ...................133
Air cleaner filter .........204,205,235
Air conditioning ..........................21
automatic temperature
control system ..........................29
Air filter, cabin ..........................207
Anti-theft system ......................104
arming the system ..................104
disarming a triggered
system .....................................105
disarming an untriggered
system .....................................105
Automatic transaxle .................160
driving with .............................161
fluid, refill capacities ..............235
fluid, specification ..................237
Battery .......................................205
acid, treating emergencies .....205
charging system warning
light ..............................................6
jumping a disabled battery ....185
maintenance-free ....................205
replacement, specifications ...235
servicing ..................................205
Brakes ........................................157
anti-lock ............................157,158
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ........................8,158
brake warning light ....................7
fluid, checking and adding ....197
fluid, refill capacities ..............235
fluid, specifications ..........236,237
lubricant specifications ...236,237parking ....................................158
shift interlock ..........................160
Break-in period .............................2
Capacities for refilling fluids ....235
Cargo cover ...............................108
Cargo net ............................107,108
CD changer .................................76
Child safety restraints ..............136
child safety belts ....................136
child safety seats ....................137
Child safety seats ......................137
attaching with tether straps ..141
built-in child seat ...................137
in front seat ............................138
in rear seat .......................138,141
tether anchorage hardware ...143
Cleaning your vehicle ...............230
built-in child seat .....148,151,234
engine compartment ..............232
exterior .............................231,233
exterior lamps .........................233
instrument panel ....................233
interior ..............................233,234
mirrors .....................................234
plastic parts ............................232
safety belts ..............................234
washing ....................................230
waxing .....................................231
wheels ......................................231
windows ..................................234
wiper blades ............................233
Clock ..................................47,59,71
Console
overhead ...............................97,98
Controls ........................93,94,95,96
power seat ...............................111
steering column ........................85
Coolant ...............................198,201
checking and adding ..............199
refill capacities .................201,235
specifications ...................236,237
Customer Assistance ................241
Index
255

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................165
calculating ...............................165
definition .................................165
driving with a heavy load ......165
location ....................................165
Hazard flashers .........................171
Head restraints .........................110
Headlamps ...................................19
aiming ......................................230
autolamp system .......................20
bulb specifications ..................229
daytime running lights .............19
flash to pass ..............................20
high beam ..............................7,20
turning on and off ....................19
warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................21
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................21
Hood ..........................................192
Ignition ................................237,238
positions of the ignition ...........81
Infant seats (see Safety seats) 137
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................224
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................233
cluster ..........................................6
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................19
location of components ..............6
Jump-starting your vehicle ......185
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............10
positions of the ignition ...........81
Lamps
autolamp system .......................20
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................229
cargo lamps ...............................19
daytime running light ...............19headlamps .................................19
headlamps, flash to pass ..........20
instrument panel, dimming .....19
interior lamps ...........................99
replacing
bulbs ............225,226,227,228,229
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................86
Liftgate ......................................106
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag ..........................................6
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .......8,158
brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................6
cruise indicator ...........................8
door ajar ......................................7
high beam ...................................7
low fuel ........................................8
low washer fluid .......................10
oil pressure .................................7
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................9
speed control ............................85
turn signal indicator ...................8
Load limits .................................165
GAWR ......................................165
GVWR ......................................165
trailer towing ..........................165
Locks
childproof ..................................90
doors ..........................................90
Lubricant specifications ....236,237
Message center ......................15,16
Mirrors .........................................97
cleaning ...................................234
heated ........................................92
side view mirrors (power) .......91
Moon roof ..................................100
Motorcraft parts .................220,235
Octane rating ............................219
Odometer .....................................13
Index
257