1998 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 69

Controls and Features Ventilating your vehicle with outside air In mild weather, you can ventilate your vehicle with outside air. If the outside temperature is less than 70° F (21° 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. 65