1996 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 326

NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot weather, or if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before checking. Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running. Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level. When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been driven, and outside temperature is above 50˚F (10˚C), the fluid level should be between the notches on the dipstick. WARNING Your vehicle should not be driven if the transaxle fluid level is below the bottom notch on the dipstick. 332