radio antenna Mercury Villager 1998 Owner's Manuals

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.
50

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

A
Accessory position on the ignition..............86
Air bag supplemental restraint system...........144
and child safety seats..................153
description.....................144, 146
driver air bag....................144, 146
indicator light.......................11
operation........................146
passenger air bag....................146
service and information labels..............146
tone generator....................149, 149
Air cleaner filter
location.........................341
Alcohol
in fuel..........................310
Antenna, radio (see Electronic sound system).......29,84
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...............285
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description........................215
noise...........................215
see also Brake......................215
warninig light.......................9
Anti-theft lug nuts and key.................261
Anti-theft system
triggering........................116
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board)...........348
Assistance (see Customer assistance)............345
Audio system (see Electronic sound system).........29
Automatic transaxle
driving with.......................221
fluid, adding....................291, 292
fluid, checking......................291
fluid, specification....................339
Index
373

E
Electrical system
circuit breakers......................252
fuses........................243, 244
relays..........................253
Electronic sound system
antenna..........................84
atenna..........................84
tuning the radio......................33
warranty and service information.............51
Emergencies, roadside
assistance........................345
battery acid spills..................268, 295
fuel...........................310
towing..........................272
Emergency brake (parking brake)..............218
Emission control system..................313
catalytic converter....................313
emissions warranty.................313, 314
Engine
check engine warning light................12
does not start....................209, 210
fuel injected engine, starting...............207
fuel pump shut-off switch................210
preparing to start..................207, 207
service points......................341
starting.........................207
starting after a collision.................242
storing your vehicle.................333, 334
Engine block heater.....................210
Engine coolant.......................285
checking and adding...................285
disposal.........................292
drain and flush.....................289
378