Page 184 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 184 %
*
[DR22150( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailers brakes
*
[DR22200( ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adju Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 184 %
*
[DR22150( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailers brakes
*
[DR22200( ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adju](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-183.png)
184 %
*
[DR22150( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[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
Page 187 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 188
*
[RE00900( ALL)05/95]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lot Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 188
*
[RE00900( ALL)05/95]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lot](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-186.png)
188
*
[RE00900( ALL)05/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[RE01000( ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to jump-start
and connecting the jumper cables in the order they
are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
*
[RE01100( ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
[RE01150( ALL)11/90]
NOTE: also see label on battery.
*
[RE01200( ALL)03/95]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01300( ALL)03/95]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[RE01400( ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01500( ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[RE01600( ALL)02/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
File:rcrec.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995
Page 238 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 241
*
[SV13670( ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680( ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690( ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700( ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 241
*
[SV13670( ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680( ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690( ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700( ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-237.png)
241
*
[SV13670( ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680( ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690( ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700( ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[SV13702( ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13703( ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
%*
[SV13775( ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800( ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[SV13900( ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000( ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14025( BCGV)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV14100( ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200( ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995
Page 276 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 279
*
[SV43300( ALL)02/95]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the
same amperage rating. To remove a circuit
breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with
your finger and thumb and pull i Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 279
*
[SV43300( ALL)02/95]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the
same amperage rating. To remove a circuit
breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with
your finger and thumb and pull i](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-275.png)
279
*
[SV43300( ALL)02/95]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the
same amperage rating. To remove a circuit
breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with
your finger and thumb and pull it straight out
of its socket.
%
*
[SV44400( ALL)03/95]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[SV44500( ALL)01/95]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[SV44600( ALL)01/95]
q
headlamps
*
[SV44700( ALL)01/95]
q
tail lamps
*
[SV44800( ALL)01/95]
q
brakelamps
*
[SV44900( ALL)01/95]
q
hazard flasher
*
[SV44950( ALL)02/95]
q
high-mount brakelamp
*
[SV45000( ALL)01/95]
q
turn signals
*
[SV45200( ALL)01/95]
q
license plate lamp
%*
[SV45600( ALL)01/95]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[SV45700( ALL)01/95]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[SV45800( ALL)01/95]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[SV45900( ALL)01/95]
q
the headlamp beams are pointed substantially
away from a position slightly down and to
the right
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995
Page 291 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 294
*
[SV57600( ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV57700( ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[S Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 294
*
[SV57600( ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV57700( ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[S](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-290.png)
294
*
[SV57600( ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV57700( ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[SV57800( ALL)01/95]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[SV57900( ALL)01/95]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[SV58000( ALL)01/95]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[SV58100( ALL)04/95]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[SV58200( ALL)01/95]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[SV58300( ALL)01/95]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
%*
[SV58350( ALL)01/95]
Engine
*
[SV58400( ALL)01/95]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[SV58500( ALL)01/95]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[SV58600( ALL)01/95]
Fuel system
*
[SV58700( ALL)07/94]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[SV58900( ALL)03/95]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995
Page 292 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 295
*
[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 Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 295
*
[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](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-291.png)
295
*
[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
Page 305 of 323

Index 313
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 58
Accessory position on the ignition..... 45
Additives, engine oil.......... 241
Air bag supplemental restraint system
description............... 18
disposal................ 25
driver air bag............. 18
indicator light............. 60
operation............... 21
proper seating............. 19
tone generator............. 25
wearing safety belts........... 18
Air cleaner filter, location........ 231
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 74
semi-automatic temperature
control system............ 77
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 112
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 244
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 174
see also Brake............ 173
warning light.............. 58
Anti-theft lug nuts and key....... 202
Anti-theft system
arming the system.......... 106
description.............. 104
disarming an untriggered system.... 108
disarming a triggered system..... 109
triggering.............. 108
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 205
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995
Page 306 of 323

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