🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercury

Model:

Villager

Year:

1999

Body Style:

Minivan

Platform:

Nissan VQ33 (VQ33DE)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1999 Mercury Villager was positioned as a comfortable and practical family minivan, competing with models like the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ford Windstar. It offered a good balance of passenger space, cargo utility, and a smooth ride.

Competition:

Key competitors for the 1999 model year included the aforementioned Chrysler/Dodge twins, the Chevrolet Venture/Pontiac Trans Sport/Oldsmobile Silhouette (GM minivans), and the Honda Odyssey. The Villager, a product of Ford's collaboration with Nissan, stood out with its distinctive styling and Nissan-sourced powertrain.

Features:

The 1999 Villager was known for its comfortable interior, versatile seating arrangements, optional all-wheel drive (on some trims), and the reliable Nissan VQ33 V6 engine. Available features often included power sliding doors, rear entertainment systems, and premium audio.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

VQ33DE V6 Engine: Maintenance, diagnostics, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, emissions, ignition, engine mechanical, engine performance.

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (RE4F04A): Overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, torque converter, gear selection, control systems.

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Axles, CV joints, differential, driveshafts, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and Rear Suspension: Struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, sway bars, bushings, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Braking System: Disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power Steering System: Steering rack, power steering pump, fluid specifications, steering column, linkage.

Electrical:

Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, mirrors, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant R134a, blower motor, climate controls, cabin air filter replacement.

Body And Interior:

Body and Interior: Doors, latches, hinges, windows, seats, trim panels, headliner, dashboard, instrument cluster, exterior body panels, bumpers, collision repair information.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, circuit testing, sensor testing, actuator testing.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension repairs, steering system repairs, electrical component replacement, HVAC system repair.

Installation:

Component replacement procedures for all major systems, accessory installation guidelines.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic to advanced repair procedures, including full engine and transmission overhauls, detailed diagnostic flowcharts, and torque specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Likely a searchable PDF or dedicated software application with bookmarking and hyperlinking capabilities for easy navigation.

Quality:

High-resolution digital content suitable for on-screen viewing and printing of individual pages.

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

VQ33DE

Engine Type:

SOHC V6

Displacement:

3.3 Liters (3275 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

94.5 mm x 79.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque:

197 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Induction:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 depending on climate)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ford Super Premium Engine Coolant (Orange) or equivalent, meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.5 Quarts (9.9 Liters)

Timing Drive:

Timing Chain

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

RE4F04A (Nissan)

Type:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Available

Overdrive:

Yes

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III/Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 Quarts (3.3 Liters) for dry fill, 9.5 Quarts (9.0 Liters) total capacity

📐 Dimensions

Length:

197.4 inches (5014 mm)

Width:

74.8 inches (1900 mm)

Height:

67.8 inches (1722 mm)

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches (2850 mm)

Front Track:

63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Rear Track:

62.6 inches (1590 mm)

Seating Capacity:

7 Passengers

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 23.4 cubic feet (0.66 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 78.5 cubic feet (2.22 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume Max:

Approx. 140.7 cubic feet (3.98 cubic meters)

Curb Weight:

4,189 - 4,396 lbs (1899 - 1994 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 5,700 lbs (2585 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

4 Stars (1999 model)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

4 Stars (1999 model)

NHTSA Side Driver:

Not rated (or 3 Stars for specific configurations)

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:

Not rated (or 3 Stars for specific configurations)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable (1999 model)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front seats, 3-point belts for rear seats.

Child Seats:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system may be present on rear seats in later production or optional.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Various audio systems were available, including AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, and optional premium sound systems with amplifiers and multiple speakers.

Rear Entertainment:

Optional rear-seat video system with a flip-down screen and headphone jacks.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

OBD Ii:

Equipped with OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) for emissions and engine performance monitoring, requiring a compatible scan tool.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Tire Rotation:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months.

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plugs:

Replace at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using NGK Platinum or Iridium spark plugs (e.g., NGK PFR5G-11).

Transmission Fluid:

Change fluid and filter every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Coolant Flush:

Flush and replace coolant every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron III/Mercon

Head Gaskets:

While the VQ33DE is generally robust, some Nissan/Infiniti vehicles with this engine have reported head gasket issues, especially at higher mileages. This manual would detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Transmission Shifting:

Occasional reports of delayed or harsh shifting in the RE4F04A transmission, potentially related to valve body issues or fluid degradation. Manual covers diagnostic procedures.

Power Sliding Doors:

The power sliding door mechanisms can experience wear and tear, leading to slow operation or failure. The manual will provide troubleshooting for these systems.

Evaporative Emissions System Evap:

Common EVAP system faults (e.g., P0442, P0455) can arise from cracked hoses or faulty vent valves. The manual will have specific diagnostic steps.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercury Brand:

Mercury was Ford Motor Company's mid-priced automotive brand, established in 1939 to fill a gap between Ford and Lincoln. It was known for offering stylish and well-equipped vehicles.

Villager Genesis:

The Mercury Villager was developed in partnership with Nissan, utilizing Nissan's Quest minivan platform. It was first introduced for the 1993 model year.

1999 Update:

The 1999 model year represented the second generation of the Villager (and Nissan Quest), which debuted in 1999. It featured a revised exterior and interior design, improved aerodynamics, and the new 3.3L VQ33DE engine.

Production Location:

Avon Lake, Ohio, USA (at the Ford/Nissan joint venture plant)

Production Years:

1993-2002 (for Mercury Villager)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Family Car Awards:

The Villager and its Nissan Quest counterpart often received positive mentions in family vehicle reviews for their practicality and comfort, though specific individual awards for the 1999 model may be less documented compared to its competitors.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports evaluations for the 1999 Villager generally highlighted its comfortable ride and strong powertrain, but also noted potential reliability concerns, particularly with electrical components and the transmission, depending on the specific year and maintenance history.