1998 Mercury Villager Owner's Manuals

Six-way power seat controls
Six-way power seat controls location
Seating and Safety Restraints
125

Storage Compartments
Underseat Storage Compartment (If equipped)
The underseat storage compartment is located underneath the
front passenger seat. It can be opened by pulling it toward the
instrument panel.
The underseat storage compartment
126

Front Seat Cupholders
The front seat cupholders are located on the side of the
passenger's seat. Find the indented ledge and pull it down, away
from the side of the seat, toward the driver seat. When the
cupholder is not in use, push the cupholders into the cover and
lift the cover into its fully stored position.
NOTE: Do not place heavy objects in the cupholders.
Using the front seat cupholders
Seating and Safety Restraints
127

Rear Seat Cupholders (available on some models)
Your vehicle may have the following types of cupholders:
mtwo second row cupholders attached to the captain seats (if
equipped)
mtwo third row cupholders on the left side and one cupholder
on the right side (if equipped)
mone cupholder built into the side trim panel (without rear
radio controls)
WARNING
Objects stored on the ledges below the rear side windows
can become dangerous projectiles during a sudden stop
or collision. Put small objects only in the storage
compartments.
Third Row Seat Storage Compartment (If equipped)
Your vehicle may come equipped with a folding cupholder/storage
tray/storage compartment built into the passenger's side of the
third row seat. Find the indented ledge on the right of the
cupholder and pull it up to reveal the storage compartment.
Power Point Electrical Outlet (If equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a 12 volt power point outlet
located just below the rear seat audio controls. The power
point can be used in place of the cigarette lighter for optional
electrical accessories.
NOTE: Do not plug the cigarette lighter into this power point
electrical outlet. Use the cigarette lighter.
128

Important Safety Belt Information
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and your passengers
in case of a collision. In most states and in Canada, the law
requires their use.
Safety belts provide best restraint when:
mthe seatback is upright
mthe occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
mthe lap belt is snug and low on the hips
mthe shoulder belt is snug against the chest
mthe knees are straight forward
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt, a warning light
may come on and a chime may sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning
Light and Chimein theInstrumentationchapter.
See the following sections in this chapter for directions on how to
properly use these safety belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for
Childrenin this chapter for special instructions about using safety
belts for children.
WARNING
Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the
lap belt snug and low across the hips.
Seating and Safety Restraints
129

WARNING
Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety
belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one
tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the
shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear
the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing it around
your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a
single belt for more than one person.
WARNING
Never drive or ride with a twisted or jammed safety belt.
If you cannot untwist or unjam the safety belt, see the
nearest qualified technician immediately.
WARNING
Children should always ride with the seatback in the fully
upright position.
WARNING
Lock the doors of your vehicle before driving to lessen the
risk of the door coming open in a collision.
130

Combination Lap and Shoulder Belts
While your vehicle is in motion, the combination lap and
shoulder belt adjusts to your movement. However, if you brake
hard, turn hard, or if your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph (8
km/h) or more, the lap and shoulder belt locks and helps to
reduce your forward movement.
After you get into your vehicle, close the door and lock it. Then
adjust the seat to the position that suits you best.
To fasten the belt, pull the combination lap and shoulder belt
from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of the belt crosses
your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted. If it
is, remove the twist. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle
until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue
is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on tongue.
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandImportant Safety Belt
Informationat the beginning of this chapter.
Fastening the front seat combination lap and shoulder belt
Seating and Safety Restraints
131

Third-row passengers should be aware that the proper safety
belt for their seating position is slightly behind their seat. They should not
use the second-row safety belts which are in front of the third seat.
Unfastening the combination lap and shoulder belts Ð front and rear outboard seating
positions
132