1998 Mercury Villager engine

Tachometer
The tachometer tells you how fast the engine is running by
indicating approximate engine revolutions per minute.
Driving with the pointer in the red zone may cause engine
damage.
Instrumentation
21

The electronic cluster has all of the same warning lights as the
mechanical cluster, however, some of the gauges will be electronic
instead of analog. In addition, the electronic cluster has a fuel
computer which displays fuel economy, distance to empty and
outside air temperature.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows you the temperature of the engine coolant and
is identified by a thermometer symbol. The letter H means
that the coolant is hot, C means that it is cold, and NORMAL
means that the coolant is within the normal operating range.
The indicator bar on the graph will move into the normal operating
range as the engine warms up. When you are in heavy traffic
or stop-and-go driving in hot weather, the gauge may read at the
very top of the NORMAL range. This is acceptable.
However, if the indicator bar on the graph moves into the H
(hot) position, the engine is overheating and may be damaged. If
this happens, you should stop your vehicle as soon as safely
possible. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Check the coolant level
to be sure that it is at the proper level. If your vehicle needs
more coolant, seeEngine coolantin the Index and read the section
regardingadding coolant.
Instrumentation
23

Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel you
have in the fuel tank. The number of bars illuminated in the display
indicates how much fuel is left. An accurate reading may be
obtained when the vehicle is on smooth, level ground.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Fuel gauge
24

Turning on the heat
Heat will be available when the engine has been running for a
sufficient time as indicated by the engine coolant temperature
gauge.
To heat the inside of your vehicle:
1. Press the function selector button for Floor.
2. Turn the temperature control knob toward the WARM (red) area.
3. Turn the fan speed knob to the speed of your choice. When
your vehicle warms up, you may want to set the fan speed
knob to a lower speed, or adjust the temperature control knob
to a lower setting to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Heating only climate control system panel
Controls and Features
59

Ventilating your vehicle with outside air
In mild weather, you can ventilate your vehicle with outside air.
If the outside temperature is less than 70É F (21É C), you can
add cool air to your vehicle without using air conditioning. You
will get better fuel economy this way.
The procedure for ventilating your vehicle with the standard
heating system or with the air conditioning system is the same.
Refer to the previous section for instructions on how to ventilate
with outside air.
Improving fuel economy
Whenever you turn on the air conditioning, your vehicle uses
more fuel because the air conditioning compressor is running. To
get better fuel economy while cooling your vehicle, do not use
the air conditioner on mild days. Instead, set the air intake selector
button in the outside air position and turn the temperature
control knob to the COOL position.
Operating tips
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the automatic transaxle gearshift selector lever in P
(Park) or in N (Neutral) to increase the engine idle speed. This
aids in engine cooling and air conditioner efficiency. If the engine
overheats, choose the outside air position and turn off the A/C
to stop the compressor for a short time.
When your vehicle's engine is operated at full throttle, the air
conditioner compressor will automatically be turned off to allow
maximum engine power. This may occur during passing or
when climbing steep grades. The compressor will return to normal
operation within a few seconds after full throttle is no longer
needed.
Controls and Features
65

NOTE: For maximum heating and cooling for front seat
passengers, set the rear fan switch to the OFF position.
Automatic Temperature Control System
The control for your Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) is
located at the center of the instrument panel above the radio. The
ATC operates only when the ignition key is turned to the ON
position and the engine is running.
To turn the ATC on, push the AUTOMATIC button or any of the
five airflow function selector buttons:
,,,,
or
.
To turn the ATC off, press the OFF button.
To change the temperature in the display window, select any
temperature between 65É F (18É C) and 85É F (29É C) using
the
TEMPbutton.
Rear seat climate control system panel
Controls and Features
67

When in AUTOMATIC and weather conditions require heat, air
is sent to the floor. However, a feature is included in the ATC to
prevent blowing cold air to the floor if the engine coolant is
not warm enough to provide heating. Within three or four minutes
(once the engine coolant is warm enough), the fan speed
gradually increases and airflow changes to the floor.
If specific conditions exist (such as window fogging), the five
override buttons allow specific airflow selection. The dial allows
you to adjust the fan speed to suit your needs.
Temperature Selection
TheTEMPbutton on the left side of the control panel is
for temperature selection. The
side lowers the set temperature,
and the
side raises the set temperature. Press and hold
either side of the button to rapidly change the temperature setting
in one degree increments to either 65É F (18É C) or 85É F (29É C).
Then, the set temperature jumps 5É F and stops at either 60É F
(16É C), which is maximum cooling, or 90É F (32É C), which is
maximum heating.
70

Liftgate Window Features
Rear Window Defogger (If equipped)
The defogger for the rear liftgate window clears frost, fog, or thin
ice from both the inside and outside of the rear window. The
defogger operates with the ignition in the ON position.
If your vehicle is equipped with heated rearview mirrors, they
activate when the rear window defogger is switched on.
The control switch is located on the instrument panel to the right
of the steering column.
Before using the defogger, clear away any snow that is on the rear
window and outside rearview mirrors. With the engine
running, push the defroster button.
After approximately 10 minutes, the defroster will turn off. If the
window or mirrors are still not clear, turn the defroster on
again.
Rear window defogger switch location
Controls and Features
75