1998 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 17

Instrumentation Service Engine Soon warning light What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates Light turns on solid: This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. Examples are: 1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.) 2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel. 3. The fuel filler cap may not have been securely tightened. These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel filler cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required. If the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. 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. 13