2000 Mercury Villager transmission fluid

Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
O/D off
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive controlin theControls
and Featureschapter, has been
pushed turning the transmission overdrive function OFF. When the light
is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode, refer to
theDrivingchapter for transmission function and operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control
Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
Low washer fluid
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the START position and
when the windshield washer fluid is
low.
Safety belt warning chime
Sounds to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position and the driver's door is opened.
O/D
OFF
Instrumentation
12

Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transaxle is submerged
may allow water into the transaxle and cause internal damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum total weight of
the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum combined
weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the
trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the
vehicle is designed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
²Maximum Trailer Weight:maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
Driving
160

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.3L V6 engine
1. Power distribution box
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Relay box
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
9
45678
1011123
Maintenance and care
188

²refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
198

properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
HOT
Maintenance and care
199

The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft Part Numbersin theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
HOT
HOT
HOT
Maintenance and care
200

Clock ..................................48,60,71
Console ......................................101
overhead ....................................98
Controls
power seat ...............................113
steering column ........................86
Coolant
checking and adding ..............194
refill capacities .................197,233
specifications ...................234,235
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................82
Customer Assistance ................166
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................245
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................238
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............244
Getting roadside assistance ...166
Getting the
service you need ....................238
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................249
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................241
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............244
Defrost
rear window ..............................40
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................198
engine oil .................................189
Doors
door ajar warning .......................9
lubricant specifications ..........234
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................159
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................180Emission control system ..........220
Engine ........................................235
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................11
cleaning ...................................229
coolant .....................................194
idle speed control ...................201
lubrication
specifications ...................234,235
refill capacities ........................233
service points ..........................188
starting after a collision .........167
Engine block heater .................150
Engine oil ..................................189
checking and adding ..............189
dipstick ....................................189
filter, specifications .........191,233
recommendations ...................191
refill capacities ........................233
specifications ...................234,235
Exhaust fumes ..........................150
Floor mats .................................102
Fluid capacities .........................233
Fuel ............................................212
calculating fuel economy .......217
cap ...........................................214
capacity ...................................233
choosing the right fuel ...........215
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................220
detergent in fuel .....................216
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................212,214,217
filter, specifications .........217,233
fuel pump shut-off switch .....167
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........217
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating ....................216,235
quality ......................................216
running out of fuel .................217
Index
252

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