2002 Mercury Villager engine

2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the L and H marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the L
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the L and H range.
•Oil levels above the H mark may cause engine damage. Some oil must
be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
LH
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213

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the H
mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Motor oil displaying the API certification trademark will meet all
requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C205–A.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
It is recommended that you replace the engine oil drain plug washer
each time the engine oil is changed.
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214

Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
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“level indicator”.
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.
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.
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215

•Always 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.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which
equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding Engine Coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•enables calibrated gages to function properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
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217

When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the“cold fill level”or within the“cold
fill range”as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
•Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Use only Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4–A (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or a premium engine coolant that meets
Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
•DO NOT USE Motorcraft Extended Life Engine Coolant VC-2
(or CXC-209 in Canada) (orange in color) meeting Ford
specification WSS-M97B44–D.
•DO NOT USE a DEX-COOLengine coolant or an equivalent
engine coolant that meets Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D.
Maintenance and Specifications
218

•DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
•DO NOT USE supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle.
These additives may harm your engine’s cooling system.
•DO NOT MIX recycled coolant and conventional coolant
together in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine’s cooling system.
•The use of an improper coolant may harm engine and cooling
system components and may void the warranty of your vehicle’s
engine cooling system. If you are unsure which type of coolant
your vehicle requires, contact your local dealer.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
reservoir. If engine coolant is sprayed onto the windshield, it
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a50/50 mixtureof engine coolant and
distilled water to the engine coolant reservoir, until the coolant is at the
“cold fill level”or within the“cold fill range”as listed in the engine
coolant reservoir (depending upon application).
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Engine coolant concentrations above 60% or below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
Plain water may be added in an emergency, but youmustreplace it with
a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle the
next few times (with the engine cool). If necessary, add a50/50
mixtureof engine coolant and distilled water to the engine coolant
reservoir until the coolant level is at the“cold fill level”or within the
“cold fill range”as listed on the reservoir (depending upon application).
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
To avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from being released from
the engine cooling system, never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is running or hot. Failure to follow this warning may result
in damage to the engine’s cooling system and possible severe personal
injury.
Maintenance and Specifications
219

If you must remove the radiator cap, follow these steps to avoid personal
injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets Ford
specification WSS-M97B51–A1. Use of a recycled engine coolant which
does not meet the Ford G05 specification may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than–36°C[–34°F]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
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220

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer 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.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
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221