1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar check engine light

266
*
[SV35300( ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[SV35400(MBC )03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[SV35500(MBC )07/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[SV35600(MBC )03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
[SV35700(MBC )12/94]
half page art:0010485-C
The dipstick for power steering fluid
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

286
*
[SV53075( ALL)03/95]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[SV53150( ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emissions control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
*
[SV53175( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[SV53200( ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[SV53300( ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

318 Index
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 142
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 205
battery acid spills........... 187
jump-starting............. 187
towing................ 203
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 175
Emission control system, catalytic
converter............... 285
Engine
check engine warning light....... 63
does not start.............. 49
fuel injected engine, starting....... 47
fuel pump shut-off switch........ 53
preparing to start............ 47
service points............. 231
starting................. 48
starting after a collision......... 53
storing your vehicle.......... 294
Engine block heater............ 50
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 244
checking hoses............ 245
disposal............... 248
low coolant warning light........ 72
preparing for storage......... 295
proper solution............ 246
recovery reservoir........... 244
refill capacities............ 290
specifications............. 292
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description............... 66
mechanical............... 66
Engine fan............... 228
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 243
checking and adding......... 241
dipstick............... 241
disposal............... 243
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

Index 329
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 165
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 261
fluid, refill capacities......... 290
lubricant specifications........ 292
Transmission control switch....... 168
Transmitter (see Remote entry)...... 110
Trip odometer.............. 68
Trunk
remote release lever.......... 128
using the keys to open........ 128
using the remote entry system
to open.............. 111
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 287
Turn signal
indicator lights............. 65
lever................. 91
U
Used engine oil, disposal........ 243
V
Vanity mirror.............. 126
Variable interval wipers.......... 93
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................ 287
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . 208
Vehicle loading
automatic transmissions........ 179
calculating the load.......... 180
Vehicle storage............. 293
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control)........ 76,80
Viscosity (see Engine oil)........ 241
Visor (see Sun visor).......... 126
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

330 Index
W
Warm engine, starting........... 48
Warning chimes
key in ignition............. 46
safety belt............... 59
Warranties, radio............ 164
Warranty Information Booklet....... 3
Washer fluid
reservoir............... 253
warning light.............. 72
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 179
Wheels
anti-theft lugnuts........... 202
cleaning............... 261
covers................ 201
inspection and maintenance...... 255
ornaments.............. 200
Windows
power windows, operating....... 114
rear, defrosting............. 81
Windshield washer fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid....... 253
checking and replacing wiper blades . . 254
low washer fluid light.......... 72
operation................ 92
reservoir............... 253
specifications............. 253
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995