1998 Mercury Villager heating

Turning on the air conditioner
To cool your vehicle quickly in warm weather:
1. Press one of the function selector buttons (typically Panel, but
Panel/Floor, Floor or Mix can be selected).
2. Turn the temperature control knob to COOL.
3. Press the A/C button. The indicator light on the A/C button
will illuminate.
4. The air intake selector button may be in the outside air mode
or the recirculated air mode. The outside air mode is
recommended for best A/C performance when the vehicle
interior is very warm. As interior air comfort is reached, you
may decide to switch to the recirculated air mode.
5. Turn the fan speed knob to the position of your choice.
6. If your vehicle is equipped with the rear passenger compartment
air conditioning unit, it will be on when the front A/C is on
and the rear climate control lever is set to REAR, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Refer to the previous section for an explanation of the
heating system.
7. Adjust your instrument panel registers.
8. If the inside of your vehicle is very warm, you may want to
drive for a few minutes with the windows down and the air
conditioner on. This forces most of the hot, stale air out of the
vehicle and allows the air conditioner to cool down the
interior more quickly.
The air conditioner may be used to cool the outside air being
drawn into your vehicle, but using recirculated air is more
economical and cools your vehicle more quickly.
Controls and Features
63

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

if you choose to manually override the airflow location by
selecting one of the function selector buttons, you will also need
to select the A/C button if you desire cool air-conditioned air.
(Your ATC automatically operates the air conditioning [if required]
when you are in the AUTOMATIC mode without illuminating
the A/C button, but the system requires you to manually select the
A/C button if you desire A/C operation when you manually
override airflow location.)
If you want continuous maximum cooling, push the
side of
the TEMP button until 60É F (16É C) shows in the display window.
The ATC will cool at its maximum level and disregard the
60É F (16É C) setting until a warmer temperature is selected. If
you want continuous maximum heating, push the
side of the
TEMP button until 90É F (32É C) shows in the display window.
The ATC will provide maximum heat regardless of the 90É F (32É C)
setting until a cooler temperature is selected.
The display window and the function selector buttons indicate
how the system is operating. The display window shows the
selected temperature and displays AUTO if you are operating
in the AUTOMATIC mode. If you override the automatic mode by
selecting any of the function selector buttons, AUTO no longer
appears in the display window and the appropriate function
selector button(s) illuminate. The display window also
indicates manual (thumbwheel) control of the fan speed when a
is shown.
Automatic Operation
Push the AUTOMATIC button and select the desired
temperature. The selected temperature and AUTO appear in the
display window. The ATC heats or cools to achieve the set
temperature. It is important to note that if the ATC engages your
vehicle's air-conditioning, it will do so automatically without
illuminating the A/C button.
Controls and Features
69

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

5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If there is no
fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous
effects.
WARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
WARNING
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
myour vehicle is raised for service
mthe sound of the exhaust system changes
myour vehicle has been damaged in an accident
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5
cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to bring
in outside air.
212

Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than
plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons,
washer fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as
methanol should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below
32É F [0É C]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol
antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
Engine Coolant
Checking the Engine Coolant
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from overheating
in the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level
of the engine coolant at least once a month, but preferably each time
you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant reservoir, located in
the engine compartment. The coolant should stay between the MIN
and MAX marks. It will be closer to MAX when the engine is
warm and closer to MIN when the engine is cold. To locate the
coolant reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine
underEngine Compartmentin theCapacities and Specifications
chapter.
Maintenance and Care
285

Chime
headlamps on.......................18
safety belt.........................11
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing..................252
see also fuses......................243
Cleaning your vehicle....................329
chrome and aluminum parts...............330
engine compartment...................331
exterior.........................329
exterior lamps......................330
fabric..........................332
headlamps........................330
instrument panel.....................330
instrument panel lens..................332
interior..........................332
plastic parts.......................330
polishing.........................329
rustproofing.......................330
safety belts........................332
tail lamps........................330
upholstery and interior trim...............332
washing.........................329
waxing..........................329
wheels..........................330
Climate control system
air conditioning......................56
heating..........................56
Clock............................40
Clutch
fluid reservoir......................282
Cold engine starting....................208
Combination lap and shoulder belts..........129, 131
376