Why would a 1996 Mercury Villager LS start knocking and pinging every time you start it?

Answer 1

If you start your villager and the knocking is at first but then quits its probably hla(hydrualic lash adjusters wich is normal!} if it persist it could still be the same thing but your oil pump could be lacking pressure.(but that would be more of a Kirby sewing machine sound.) other knocking and pinging noise could be your timing, or lack of fuel, maybe fuel filter, spark plugs, injecters, distributer cap, rotor,i would lean more towards timing though

AnswerHave you tried using a higher octane rated fuel? If not, try using "premium" rather than "regular" gasoline. If this doesn't help, take it in for repair. AnswerOwner Letter

October, 1996

Serial Number: 12345678901234567 96M89

Mr. John Sample 123 Main Street Anywhere, USA 12345

Ford Motor Company is providing a no-charge Service Program, Number 96M89, to owners of certain 1995 and 1996 Villagers.

Reason For This Program Ford Motor Company has learned through reports from dealers and customers and follow-up studies that engines in some Villagers may develop an abnormal engine noise. The noise is called "piston slap" and sounds like loud knocking when the engine is cold and just started. It is an annoyance sound and may go away as the engine warms.

If your Villager's engine develops the noise condition it will not cause any problem in the starting or operation of the engine. It is an annoying engine noise condition. We assure you that you can continue to drive your Villager until a service appointment can be scheduled with your dealer at your convenience.

What We Will Do Ford is providing additional warranty coverage for this condition only. If your Villager's engine should experience this condition, your dealer will verify the condition according to the instructions provided by Ford and, if necessary, replace the engine at no cost to you.

The no charge coverage for this condition is available for 7-years from the vehicle's warranty start date or for 100,000 miles of service, whichever comes first and is automatically transferred to all subsequent owners at no charge. This coverage extends the warranty more than twice the length of the original coverage. All other engine or vehicle concerns have the bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage (3 years/36,000 miles, whichever comes first).

Limited Supply Of Parts Currently there is a shortage of parts for this service, but we are working diligently to resolve the shortage. Ford requests your patience and understanding should your Villager's engine experience this noise condition and parts are not immediately available to perform the repair.

What You Should Do PLEASE KEEP THIS LETTER. If your Villager should exhibit the condition described above within the 7 years or 100,000 miles warranty extension, contact your dealer. Show the dealer this letter. The dealer will replace your Villager's engine after verification of the condition. If you should lose this letter, your dealer will still honor the provisions of this engine noise condition warranty extension.

Changed Address Or Sold The Villager Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed your address or sold the Villager.

We are taking this action as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain owner confidence in our products. We hope this program will confirm your continued satisfaction with your Ford-built product.

My 1994 Mercury Villager doesv that too. but over the last year it has been getting worse and im almost positive its the oil pump because i can hear the oil pump making clicking noises. then again the engine does have 229,000 on it. still running strong though! their pretty good engines as long as you take good care of them...