1998 Mercury Villager cooling

Under any circumstances, if the pointer moves past the upper
limit of the NORMAL band, the engine is overheating and engine
damage may occur.
If your engine overheats:
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.
2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT SYSTEM
FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
4. Check the coolant level following the instructions on checking
and adding coolant to your engine, seeEngine coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others
could be injured.
5. Refer toAdding Engine Coolantin theMaintenance and Care
chapter. Add as much coolant as your engine needs. If the engine
continues to overheat, have the cooling system serviced.
Speedometer
The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per hour
your vehicle is moving.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Instrumentation
19

WARNING
Operating with the function selector control in off or in
the recirculated air mode for extended periods of time in
cold weather can result in fog buildup on interior glass
surfaces.
mThe Mix () button directs approximately equal amounts
of air to the windshield and floor outlets with a small
amount to the side windows.
mThe Defrost (
) button directs air to the windshield and
front side windows with a small amount going to the floor
outlets.
mThe Panel (
) button directs air to the instrument panel
outlets.
mThe Panel/Floor (
) button directs approximately equal
amounts of air to the instrument panel outlets and the floor
outlets.
mThe Floor (
) button directs most of the system's air
supply to the floor outlets with a small amount going to the
windshield and side window defrosters.
Air Outlets
Air intake selector button
The typical air intake selection is outside air. However, for
recirculated air, the air intake selector button may be activated.
When the air intake selector button is activated (indicator light is
on), it prevents the intake of outside air. This is the typical
selection when using the air conditioner (if equipped). It
recirculates interior air for faster cooling. The recirculated air
function also helps to prevent the intake of dusty or unpleasant air.
Controls and Features
57

NOTE: The A/C button independently toggles the A/C system's
compressor signal and indicator light ON and OFF in
the Panel, Panel/Floor, Floor, Defrost and Mix functions.
The A/C button will not operate or light when the
system is set in the OFF position. The A/C button will
operate in defrost but will not override previously
discussed automatic operation.
Cooling your vehicle with outside air
Cooling your vehicle with air conditioned outside air is quieter
but less economical than using recirculated air. It also has less
cooling capacity.
To cool your vehicle using outside air:
1. Turn the air intake selector button off (the outside air
position). The air conditioning unit directs outside air through
the instrument panel registers.
2. Press one of the function selector buttons.
3. Press the A/C button. The indicator light on the A/C button
will illuminate.
4. Turn the temperature control knob to COOL.
5. Turn the fan speed knob to the position of your choice.
6. Make sure the registers in the instrument panel are open.
During periods of high humidity, vapor may be emitted from the
air outlets when using the A/C with outside air. Correct this
by switching to recirculated air with the A/C button.
64

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

Trailer Towing Tips
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at
the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point so
the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or automatically
controlled, when approaching a stop.
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out on
the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km), stop
in a protected area and double-check your hitch and electrical
connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness.
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in Park (P) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, press the air intake selector
button to select the fresh air position to stop the air conditioner
compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short time.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. However,
if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the
trailer's wheels as follows:
Driving
237