2000 Mercury Villager tow

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment,
the front wheels (drive wheels) must be placed on a dolly to prevent
damage to the transmission.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company provides a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
185

Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADES
Refer toWindshield Wiper Bladesin this section for more information
on rear wiper blades.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Maintenance and care
208

Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
Maintenance and care
220

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.
Cleaning non-painted plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Cleaning mirrors
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover such as Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover (B7A-19520±AA).
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
²Never apply anything to the drive belt (including belt dressing).
Maintenance and care
229

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.3L V6 engine
Engine air filter element FA-1121
Cabin air filter FP-27
Fuel filter FG-993
Battery (standard) BXT-35
Battery
1BH-65DC
Oil filter FL-2007
PCV Valve EV-217
Spark plugs
2AGSP-32FP
1Standard for Canada. Included with trailer tow package and rear A/C.
2Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Capacity
Engine oil (includes
filter change)Motorcraft SAE 5W-30
Super Premium Motor
Oil4.0L (4.2 quarts)
Brake fluid High Performance
DOT 3 Motor Vehicle
Brake FluidFill to line on reservoir
Power steering fluid Motorcraft MERCONt
AT FFill to line on reservoir
Automatic transaxle
fluidMotorcraft MERCONt
AT F8.3L (8.8 quarts)
Engine coolant
1Premium Engine
Coolant10.6L (11.2 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 75.7L (20.0 gallons)
Windshield washer
fluidUltra-Clear Windshield
Washer ConcentrateFill to line on reservoir
1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
Capacities and specifications
233

Ford Extended Service Plan
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP
is an optional service contract which is backed by Ford Motor Company
or Ford Motor Service Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in
Canada). It provides the following:
²benefits during the warranty period depending on the plan you
purchase (such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain
maintenance and wear items)
²protection against repair costs after your Bumper to Bumper Warranty
expires
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford and Lincoln/
Mercury and Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans available in
various time, distance and deductible combinations which can be tailored
to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental coverage. (In Hawaii, rules vary. See your
dealer for details.)
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,000 participating Ford or Lincoln/Mercury and Ford of
Canada dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Please contact
your dealer for further information. Since this information is subject to
change, please ask your dealer for complete details about Ford Extended
Service Plan coverage options.
Getting the service you need
At home
Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada have authorized dealerships to
service your vehicle. When you need warranty repairs your selling dealer
would like you to return to it for that service, but you may also take your
vehicle to another Ford Motor Company or Ford of Canada dealership
authorized for warranty repairs. Certain warranty repairs require special
training though, so not all dealers are authorized to perform all warranty
repairs. That means that depending on the warranty repair needed, the
vehicle may need to be taken to another dealer. If a particular dealership
can not assist you, then contact the Customer Assistance Center.
Customer assistance
238

low washer fluid .......................12
oil pressure .................................9
overdrive off ..............................12
safety belt ...................................9
service engine soon ..................11
speed control ............................86
turn signal indicator .................10
Load limits .................................160
GAWR ......................................160
GVWR ......................................160
trailer towing ..........................160
Locks
childproof ..................................92
doors ..........................................91
Lubricant specifications ....234,235
Lumbar support, seats .............115
Message center .................17,18,19
Mirrors .........................................98
cleaning ...................................229
heated ........................................93
side view mirrors (power) .......92
Moon roof ..................................101
Motorcraft parts .................217,233
Octane rating ............................216
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................189
Overdrive ..............................89,159
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................103
Parking brake ............................153
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....233
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................172
Power door locks ........................91
Power steering ..........................154
fluid, checking and adding ....198
fluid, refill capacity ................233
fluid, specifications ..........234,235
Radio ............................................40
Relays .................................168,175
Remote entry system ........102,103
illuminated entry ....................103locking/unlocking doors ..102,103
panic alarm .............................103
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................105
replacing the batteries ...........104
Roof rack ...................................165
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ......126,127,128,129,130
Safety defects, reporting ..........250
Safety
restraints .......126,127,128,129,130
cleaning the
safety belts .......................132,232
extension assembly ................131
for adults ...................127,128,129
for children .............................137
lap belt ....................................130
warning light
and chime ........................9,12,131
Safety seats for children ..........138
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............126
Seats ..........................................112
child safety seats ....................138
cleaning ............................231,232
memory seat ...........................115
Servicing your vehicle ..............186
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................233,235
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................234,235
Speed control ..............................82
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ..147,148,149
jump starting ..........................180
Steering wheel
controls ......................................86
tilting .........................................89
Tachometer .................................13
Tires ......................175,208,209,210
changing ....................175,176,178
checking the pressure ............210
Index
254

replacing ..................................211
rotating ....................................210
snow tires and chains ............212
tire grades ...............................209
treadwear ................................209
Towing ................................162,210
trailer towing ..........................162
wrecker ....................................185
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............155
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
lubricant specifications ..........235
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................198
lubricant specifications ..........234
Trip odometer .............................15
Turn signal .............................10,87
Vehicle dimensions ...................235Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................237
Vehicle loading ..........................160
Ventilating your vehicle ...........151
Warning chimes ......................12,13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................193
Water, Driving through .............159
Windows
power .........................................90
rear wiper/washer .....................88
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers ..........................88
checking and adding fluid .....193
checking and cleaning .....207,208
liftgate reservoir .....................193
operation ...................................87
replacing wiper blades ...........208
Wrecker towing .........................185
Index
255