2001 Mercury Villager maintenance

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.
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.
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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.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
CHANGING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT
1. Release the four clamps that
secure the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves
of the air filter housing.
3. Remove the air filter element
from the air filter housing.
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4. Install a new air filter element. Be
careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unmetered
air to enter the engine if not
properly seated.
5. Replace the air filter housing
cover and secure the four clamps.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
maintenance-free battery which
normally does not require additional
water during its life of service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
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If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compunds.Wash hands after handling.
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. During the first few hundred kilometers
(miles) of operation, it is normal for your transaxle to have abrupt shifts.
The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power from the battery.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal shifting will resume
within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation.
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If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ODOR AND PARTICULATE AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
The odor and particulate air filtration system is designed to reduce the
concentration of objectionable exterior odors as well as airborne particles
such as dust, spores and pollen in the air being supplied to the interior
of the vehicle. The extent of EXTERIOR odor reduction depends on the
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odor itself and the perceptional threshold of the individual. The odor and
particulate filtration system gives the following benefits to customers:
²Improves the customer's driving comfort by reducing odor and particle
concentration
²Improves the interior compartment cleanliness
²Protects the climate control components from particle deposits
The filter is located just in front of the windshield under the cowl grille
on the passenger side of the vehicle.
To replace the filter, perform the following procedure:
1. Remove both windshield wiper
arms.
²Lift the wiper arm away from the
windshield surface until the wiper
arm is perpendicular to the
windshield surface.
²Rotate the small retaining clip at
the base of the wiper arm
counterclockwise while holding
the wiper arm.
²Lift and remove the wiper arm
while holding the retaining clip
outward. Note the LH and RH
wiper arms.
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2. Remove the six (6) screws (B) from the cowl grille (A) at the base of
the windshield.
3. Open the hood.
4. Remove the four (4) plastic screws (C) from the forward edge of the
cowl leaf screen under the hood.
²Remove the four (4) screw anchors by pushing upward on the screw
anchor.
5. Disconnect the windshield washer
hose at the Y connector at the rear
corner of the engine compartment.
6. Lift the cowl grille from the vehicle.
7. Locate the cabin air filter on the passenger side of the vehicle.
A
B
C
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8. Remove four (4) screws from the top surface of the cabin air filter top
cover.
9. Remove the cover.
10. Remove the filter element by
pulling forward on the top surface of
the filter and lifting.
11. Install the new filter (A)
element into the filter retaining
frame (B). Ensure that you insert
the three retaining tabs in the
bottom of the filter frame.
12. Reinstall the filter top cover and
the four (4) screws.
13. Reconnect the washer hose.
14. Position the cowl grille in place.
A
B
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