1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar light

49
*
[ST10473( ALL)04/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter or flood the engine.
*
[ST10476( ALL)04/95]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
[ST10478( ALL)12/94]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that
prevents you from shifting out of
P (Park) unless your foot is on the
brake pedal.
%*
[ST10480( ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[ST10492( ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST10494( ALL)04/95]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[ST10496( ALL)04/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[ST10497( ALL)04/95]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[ST10498( ALL)04/95]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
*
[ST10500( ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
%*
[ST11100( ALL)04/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

54
*
[ST18800( ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ST18900( ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST19000( ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST19100( ALL)03/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ST19200( ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ST19300( ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ST19350( ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
*
[ST19400( ALL)01/95]
Pushing
[ST19600( BCGV)03/95]
Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

55
Warning Lights and
Gauges
*
[LG00400( ALL)01/95]
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your
vehicle is divided into several different sections.
The illustrations on the following pages show
the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown
may not be on all vehicles.
[LG00500( BCGV)05/94]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together in the instrument cluster
and the indicator lamp module.
File:rclgc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995

57
*
[LG02700( BCGV)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG02800( BCGV)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[LG02900( ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03000( ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.
[LG03025( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0010116-D[LG03100( ALL)01/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to START. It normally
goes off shortly after the engine starts and you
release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[LG03200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
File:rclgc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995

58 % [LG03475( ALL)05/94]Anti-Lock Brake System Light
(If equipped)
[LG03500( ALL)05/94]
This warning light will go on each time you
start your vehicle. If it remains on for longer
than five seconds, you should shut off your
engine and restart. If the anti-lock brake light
stays on, this indicates that the anti-lock feature
is disabled and should receive immediate
attention by a qualified service technician.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake
warning light is also lit.
*
[LG03505( BCGV)01/95]
The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check
capabilities. As previously described, the system
turns on the anti-lock light each time you start
your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light is out, the system performs
another test the first time the vehicle reaches
14 mph (22 km/h). The system turns on the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) pump motor for
approximately 1/2 second. At this time a
mechanical noise may be heard. This is a normal
part of the self-check feature. If a malfunction is
found during this check the anti-lock light will
come on.
[LG03680( ALL)05/95]
one inch art:0011194-BFile:rclgc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995

59
*
[LG03700( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
[LG03800( ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
%*
[LG04300( ALL)04/95]
Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
*
[LG04305( ALL)03/95]
This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:
[LG04317( BC )03/95]
q
If the safety belt is not buckled when the key
is turned to the ON position, the light will
come on for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime
will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
*
[LG04320(MBC )03/95]
q
If the safety belt is buckled while the light is
on and the chime is sounding, both the light
and chime will turn off.
[LG04340( BC )03/95]
q
If the safety belt is buckled before the key is
turned to the ON position, the light will
come on for 1 to 2 minutes.
[LG04600( ALL)05/92]
one inch art:0010118-AFile:rclgc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995

60 %
*
[LG04610( ALL)01/95]
Air Bag Readiness Light
[LG04620( ALL)05/94]
The air bag system uses a readiness light to
indicate the condition of the system. If the
system is functioning properly, the light will
stay on for 6 seconds when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
[LG04630( ALL)05/94]
If there is a problem with the system, two things
may happen: the readiness light will either flash
or stay lit up, or you will hear a beeping sound.
If either of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
[LG04645( BC )05/95]
one inch art:0011355-A%*
[LG04700( ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
*
[LG04800( ALL)03/95]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[LG04900( ALL)05/92]
one inch art:0010119-A*
[LG05100( ALL)02/95]
This light comes on every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
File:rclgc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995

61
*
[LG05200( ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
%*
[LG05205( BCGV)05/95]
Overdrive Off Indicator
[LG05210( ALL)06/93]
one inch art:0010730-A*
[LG05220( BCGV)01/95]
This light tells you that the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS) on the gearshift lever has been
pushed. When the light is on, the transmission
will not shift into overdrive. Depressing the
button on the shifter will return the vehicle to
ªoverdrive onº mode. The transmission will be
in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the vehicle is
started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected
when the vehicle was last shut off.
*
[LG05230( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: If the light does not come on when the
TCS is depressed or if the light flashes
when you are driving, have your
vehicle serviced at the first
opportunity. If this condition persists,
damage could occur to the
transmission.
File:rclgc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995