6th Jun 2011, 21:10

I had the same problem with the gas smell. Changing the gas cap fixed it.

28th Jun 2011, 06:56

It sounds like motor and transmission mounts have to be replaced. I had the same hard starts unless I apply the gas very gently at start. Check for cracks in the rubber of the mounts. There are 3 motor mounts and 1 transmission mount. The last one you can replace from the top. You just have to pull the battery and the battery pan to have easier access to it. I hope that helps!

29th Sep 2011, 09:32

I had the same problem with my 1997 Villager. I changed the distributor, and it runs fine now. I hope that helps.

4th Nov 2011, 11:45

Need to replace the fuel pump.

26th Mar 2012, 18:16

Here's hoping 29 January 2007 is still monitoring; Please tell me more about MIG welding the nuts to your broken-off studs. I have a TIG welder, though it looks mighty tight to get it in there. I'll probably pull the head first. Did you use a way oversize nut, and just weld the middle in solid, starting with the end of the stud?

20th Jul 2012, 01:26

Just repaired that on mine. It's a part that connects directly to the transmission... We got our part at a pick a part place for 10 bucks, and it was easy to put in...

16th Oct 2012, 20:38

Have a well maintained 96 Villager with 178K on it, with no other problems except that the shifter indicator on the dash panel no longer lights up, and I have to constantly turn the map light on to know what gear I'm in.

Does anyone know if and how the bulb is replaceable? I checked the user manual, and it does not mention the instrument panel cluster lights.

To note: My model is the LS with the electronic digital dashboard.

Also to note: Among the things that keep my Villager running so well is keeping up with routine maintenance; oil changes, transmission fluid changes, regular cooling system service (1 or 2 times per year depending), power steering/brakes service (once a year).

1st Nov 2012, 21:25

I would try your replacing all your spark plugs; that is what I had to do when I through my timing belt!! Good luck.

1st Jul 2013, 15:46

Hi...

I'm owner of a Mercury of the same year, and I have the same problem with the bad idle. Same as you, I replace the TPS sensor many times without success. I took the van to the Mercury dealer to get a diagnosis of this, and they came up with the same TPS, knock sensor, oxygen sensor, and another sensor that I don't remember.

My question is, did you find any solution for this problem? It really make me think that the problem must be something else...

Thank you in advance.

1st Sep 2013, 02:42

The rear blower problem is nothing more than a burned trace on that circuit board. Re-solder and it will be as good as new.

18th Jan 2014, 13:21

My recommendation would be to find a new mechanic that is easy to communicate with, who will take the time to explain to what is going on, and is reasonably priced and does not charge Doctor's rates for labor.

I'm on my second MV, and the first was a 96 that I got 220K out of. Would have kept it longer, but the rocker panels and pinch weld seals were rotted out, as the result of careless mechanics improperly placing the lifts on it when they worked on it.

20th Mar 2014, 21:04

Try checking Inertia switch by your left knee (red button).

6th Jul 2014, 07:17

Did you know your Mercury Villager Van is actually a Nissan engine?

23rd Jul 2014, 06:37

Hi there. I too have the same vehicle with the same problem. Did you find any solution to this problem? I thank you for your time to share this knowledge with me.

Sincerely, Dan. thewoodguy.dk@gmail.com

20th Jan 2015, 01:53

I stored my 95 Villager for 3 years after my wife passed. Now it bangs into first gear if I don't ease into the throttle. I've driven the hell out of this vehicle and it's the most reliable car I have ever owned. It always starts no matter how long it sits. Looking for a newer vehicle, but still keeping old faithful LOL. Just wishing there was a solution to the hard shifts.

briankappus@Yahoo.com

20th Jan 2015, 10:25

Have you ever had a transmission flush done on the van?

It's usually a good idea every 20,000km or so, especially if it sits, fluid gets sticky and dry, and also metal shavings sometimes. Try a transmission flush and see what happens before you get the transmission rebuilt.

5th Feb 2015, 02:17

Hi guys, I had the same problem before for my van, a 95 Mercury Villager. The problem is not from the TPS sensor; we found that the problem in the air sensor, and just turned it by a little bit of an angle, and up to now it's working fine.

Good luck.

7th Apr 2015, 20:49

It is the TPS causing that. It costs $65 at AutoZone.

31st May 2015, 06:19

The peeling on the roof and the hood of the car is due to the fact that is not being waxed, and therefore does not have any real protection from the sun beaming down on the car.

23rd Aug 2015, 18:01

Easy. Remove the cluster and change the black twist socket bulb (194 type).

7th Oct 2015, 00:47

Hi, it's great that you mentioned the Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest are same car. I just bought a 96 Mercury Villager. The guy says it has a Nissan Quest motor and it won't start. What kind of battery do I buy? One for a Nissan Quest or one for the Mercury? Anything helps. Thanks.

7th Oct 2015, 14:31

You have a Mercury Villager. You buy a battery for a Mercury Villager.

That was easy.

28th May 2016, 20:39

EGR hose may be worn. I had the same problem.