1997 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 102

To open the sliding door from inside or outside of the vehicle, pull the handle toward the rear of the vehicle. The door will stay open if you slide it all the way back until the catch at the bottom of the door engages. To release the catch and close the door, pull the handle toward the front of the vehicle. Be sure it is fully closed. Childproof Lock for the Sliding Door Your vehicle has a childproof lock for the sliding door. If you set the childproof lock, the sliding door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle. This lock will keep children from opening the door from the inside; the door can still be opened from the outside if the door is unlocked. 100