1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar brakes

177
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[DR14500( ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR14600( ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR14700( ALL)03/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR14800( ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
%*
[DR15200( ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR15300( ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
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[DR15400( ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
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[DR15500( ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR15600( ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
[DR15700( ALL)03/95]
q
Do not use speed control.
*
[DR15800( ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR15900( ALL)03/92]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
*
[DR16000( ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR16200( BCGV)01/93]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into First
(1) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (32 km/h).
File:rcdrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

178
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[DR16225( ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not
use it on slippery roads. You could lose
control of your vehicle and could injure
someone.
[DR16300(MBC )03/92]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the
spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward
and reverse gears. At the same time, press
lightly on the accelerator.
*
[DR16400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
[DR16500( ALL)12/94]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transmission, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
%*
[DR16700( ALL)01/95]
High water
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[DR16800( ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[DR16900( ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR17000( ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
File:rcdrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

184 %
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[DR22150( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
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[DR22200( ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
[DR22250( ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, provisions have been made
under the instrument panel for installation of an
electronic brake controller.
*
[DR22300( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR22350( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR22400( ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
[DR22450( ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, the proper lamp wiring and
equipment has been installed at the factory. The
trailer feed wire (supplied in a box in the
luggage compartment) needs a connector
compatible with your trailer prior to installation.
*
[DR22500( ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
File:rcdrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

264
*
[SV32400( ALL)03/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the cap from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to
the MAX line with Ford High Performance
DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA,
C6AZ-19542-BA, or equivalent DOT 3 fluid
meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[SV33100( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not
DOT 3, you will cause permanent damage
to your brakes.
*
[SV33200( ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
[SV33500( BC )03/93]
one third page art:0010387-A
The brake system fluid reservoir
*
[SV33700( ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[SV33750( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

295
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[SV59000( ALL)01/95]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
%*
[SV59200( ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV59300( ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV59400( ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV59500( ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV59600( ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
*
[SV59650( ALL)03/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, it may be
advisable to disconnect the battery cables to
ensure battery charge is maintained for quick
starting.
[SV59675( ALL)05/94]
NOTE: If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory
features.
%*
[SV59700( ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV59800( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

314 Index
Audio system
(see Electronic sound system)..... 131
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 84
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..... 165
fluid, adding............. 262
fluid, checking............ 261
fluid, refill capacities......... 290
fluid, specifications.......... 292
Axle, traction lok............ 170
B
Backing up............... 167
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery
acid, treating emergencies....... 187
charging system warning light...... 60
disconnecting............. 252
how to service............ 251
jumping a disabled battery....... 187
maintenance-free........... 251
proper disposal, recycling....... 252
replacement, specifications....... 291
voltage gauge.............. 69
when storing your vehicle....... 295
Brake fluid
brake warning light........... 57
specifications............. 292
Brakelamp
bulb replacement........... 284
high-mount brakelamp........ 282
Brakes
adjustment.............. 173
anti-lock............... 174
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............. 58
applying the brakes.......... 173
brake warning light........... 57
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

Index 323
L
Lamps
bulb replacement specifications chart . . 284
checking............... 279
courtesy lamps............. 89
daytime running light system...... 82
dome lamps.............. 88
flashing the lamps........... 92
hazard flashers............. 94
headlamps............... 83
high beams.............. 92
high-mount brakelamp........ 282
illuminated entry system....... 103
illuminated mirrors.......... 126
interior lamps............. 86
map lamps............... 88
replacing bulbs............ 279
trailer................ 184
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . . 91
Lap belts................. 16
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 60
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 58
brake................. 57
charging system............ 60
check engine.............. 63
check gauges.............. 62
door ajar................ 71
high beam............... 62
low coolant.............. 72
low fuel.............. 62,72
low washer fluid............ 72
overdrive off.............. 61
safety belt............... 59
turn signal indicator.......... 65
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

324 Index
Load limits
GAWR................ 179
GVWR................ 179
trailer towing............. 181
Lubricant specifications......... 292
Luggage compartment.......... 128
Lug nuts
anti-theft............... 202
tightening sequence.......... 200
M
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 227
Map pockets.............. 127
Master cylinder, brakes......... 263
Mirrors
rearview............... 124
side view mirrors (power)....... 124
vanity mirror, illuminated....... 126
Moon roof............... 115
Motorcraft parts............. 291
N
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 213
O
Odometer
description............... 67
trip odometer.............. 68
Oil filter................ 291
Oil (see Engine oil)........... 240
Oil viscosity.............. 241
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 287
Overdrive................ 168
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995