1998 Mercury Villager radio

If there is a building or large structure between the antenna and
station, some of the signal ªbendsº around the building, but
certain spots receive almost no signal. Moving out of the ªshadowº
of the structure will allow the station to return to normal.
This condition exists when the radio waves are reflected off objects
or structures; the reflected signal cancels the normal signal,
causing the antenna to pick up noise and distortion. Cancellation
effects are most prominent in metropolitan areas, but also can
becomes quite severe in hilly terrain and depressed roadways.
To minimize the effects of these conditions, a stereo/mono blend
circuit has been incorporated into this system. This feature
automatically switches a weak stereo signal to a clearer monaural
signal, which improves the quality of reception.
Several sources of static are normal conditions on AM
frequencies. These can be caused by power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms.
Another reception phenomenon isStrong Signal Capture and
Overload. This can occur when listening to a weak station and
when passing another broadcast tower. The close station may
capture the more distant station, although the displayed frequency
does not change. While passing the tower, the station may
switch back and forth a few times before returning to the original
station.
When several broadcast towers are present (common in
metropolitan areas), several stations may overload the receiver,
resulting in considerable station changing, mixing and distortion.
Automatic gain control circuitry for both AM and FM bands
has been incorporated into this system to reduce strong signal
capture and overload.
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All About Radio Frequencies
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the
Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
establish the frequencies that AM and FM radio stations may use
for their broadcasts. The allowable frequencies are: AM: 530,
540...1700, 1710 kHz in 10 kHz steps; FM: 87.9, 88.1...107.7, 107.9
MHz in 0.2 MHz steps.
Not all frequencies will be assigned to a given area. This radio
will tune to each of these frequencies using manual tuning and no
fine tuning is necessary as radio stations may not use other
frequencies.
Some FM radio stations advertise a ªrounded-offº frequency
which is not the frequency on which they actually broadcast. For
example, a radio station that is assigned a frequency of 98.7
MHz may call itself ªRadio 99º even though 99.0 MHz is not an
allowable FM broadcast frequency.
Important Warranty and Service Information
About Your Warranty
Your sound system is warranted for three years or 60,000 Km
(36,000 miles) whichever comes first. Consult your vehicle warranty
booklet for further information.
Servicing Your Audio System
At Ford Audio, we stand behind our audio systems with a
comprehensive service and repair program. If anything should go
wrong with your Ford Audio System, return to your dealer for
service. There is a nationwide network of qualified Ford authorized
repair centers to service your problem.
Electronic Sound Systems
51

The controls for the climate control systems, headlamps, clock,
radio, rear window washer and wiper, hazard flasher, power mirror
controls, and speed control are all on the instrument panel.
Climate Control Systems
Function Selector Buttons
There are six function selector buttons: OFF, Mix, Defrost, Panel,
Panel/Floor, and Floor. When you press a function selector
button, the indicator light on the button will illuminate. If your
vehicle is equipped with a rear passenger compartment climate
control system, the instrument panel will also include a rear
seat function selector.
mThe OFF button shuts off the air supply to all outlets and
stops all fan operations. Use this setting when driving through
an area where outside air is unpleasant or dusty.
Climate control system panel
56

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

Overhead Map Lamps (If equipped)
The power sunroof overhead console also contains the overhead
map lamps.
You can turn the map lamps on and off by pressing the
switches next to the lamps.
Radio
For information about the radio in your vehicle, refer to the
Electronic Sound Systemschapter.
Clock Controls on Electronic Radios
The electronic radios have a built-in clock. For complete
operating instructions, refer to theElectronic Sound Systems
chapter.
Radio Antenna
The fixed radio antenna is mounted on the front fender on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
The overhead map lamps
84

Coin Tray
The slide-out coin tray is located in the instrument panel for your
convenience. It is located below the radio controls.
Coin tray
Controls and Features
85

Ignition
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
Your vehicle's ignition has four positions. They are:
OFF/LOCK allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories and locks the gearshift lever. Removing the key then
locks the steering wheel.
ACCESSORY allows you to operate some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories while the engine is not running. For example,
you can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio, windshield
wipers, or operate the cigarette lighter without starting the engine.
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights to make
sure they work before you start the engine. The key returns to the
ON position once the engine is started and remains in this
position while the engine runs.
START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts
so that you don't damage the starter. The key should return
to the ON position when you release it.
The ignition positions
86

Using the Panic Alarm
If you are near your vehicle and feel threatened, you may
activate the alarm to call attention to it.
To activate the PANIC alarm, push and hold the PANIC button
on the remote for longer than 1.5 seconds. The horn will sound and
the headlamps and tail lights will flash for thirty (30) seconds.
To turn off the alarm, press the LOCK or UNLOCK buttons or hold
the PANIC button down for longer than 1.5 seconds.
Replacing the Batteries
The remote entry transmitter is powered by two coin type Sanyo
CR2016 3 volt batteries (included). If you notice a significant
decrease in operating range, the batteries should be replaced.
Replacement batteries can be purchased at most pharmacies, watch
stores or at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
NOTE: The operating range of the remote entry system can
also be affected by weather conditions (such as very
cold temperatures) or structures around the vehicle
(buildings, other vehicles, radio and TV towers,
etc.). Typical operating range will allow you to be up to
49 feet (15 meters) away from your vehicle.
Replacing the batteries
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