1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar Owner's Manuals

260 %
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[SV28700( ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
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[SV28800( BCGV)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
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[SV28900( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
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[SV29000( ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
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[SV29100( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
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[SV29200( ALL)01/95]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
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[SV29300( ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
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[SV29400( ALL)10/94]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
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[SV29500( ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
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261 %
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[SV29600( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
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[SV29700( ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
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[SV29800( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
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[SV30450( ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
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[SV30475( ALL)01/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for replacement intervals. However, if
the transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[SV30550( ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
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[SV30560( ALL)02/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately
20 miles (30 km) of driving. However, if
necessary, you can check the fluid level without
having to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a
normal operating temperature if outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[SV30575( ALL)03/94]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

262 [SV30625(MBC )03/93]NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven if
the fluid level is below the low cold
reading on the dipstick.
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[SV30650( ALL)02/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
[SV30675(MBC )03/93]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC), thefluid
level should be within the hot notched area on
the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been
driven, and outside temperatures are above68ÊF
(20ÊC), the fluid levels should be between the
hot notch and the tip of the dipstick.
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[SV30715( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
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[SV30725(M CGV)05/95]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
[SV30750( ALL)03/94]
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Use only MERCONHfluid.
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[SV30775( ALL)03/95]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct
area on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. If the
level is above the top hole on the dipstick,
excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[SV30801( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

263 [SV30825(MBC )03/93]
one third page art:0011152-A
Detail of the automatic transmission dipstick
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[SV31900( ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
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[SV32000( ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
[SV32200( BCGV)03/95]
Check the brake fluid at each scheduled engine
oil change or at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic
reservoir on the master cylinder. Also, see label
on reservoir cap. (To locate the master cylinder,
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
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[SV32350( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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[SV32375( ALL)05/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

264
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[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.
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[SV33100( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not
DOT 3, you will cause permanent damage
to your brakes.
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[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
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[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.
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[SV33750( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

265 [SV34725( BC )12/91]
half page art:0010487-B
The anti-lock brake system fluid reservoir
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[SV34800( ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
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[SV34900( ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
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[SV35000( ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[SV35050(MBC )03/95]
3.8L SFI engine
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[SV35100( ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
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[SV35200( ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
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266
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[SV35300( ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

267 [SV35850( BC )05/95]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification ESW-M2C33-F, such as Ford
Premium Power Steering Fluid, E6AZ-19582-AA
or is an equivalent Type F Automatic
Transmission Fluid with a Ford registration
number (an 8-digit number beginning with ª2Pº
printed on the fluid container).
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[SV35900( ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[SV36100(MBC )02/95]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
[SV36155(MBC )03/95]
4.6L SFI engine
[SV36170(MBC )03/95]
1. Check the fluid level when the system is
COLD (allow at least one half hour after
driving for the power steering fluid to cool).
[SV36176(MBC )03/95]
2. Locate the power steering reservoir mounted
to the front upper left-hand corner of the
engine.
[SV36178(MBC )03/95]
3. Visually verify that the fluid level is above
the MIN line adjacent to the reservoir ªsight
window.º
[SV36182(MBC )03/95]
4. If the power steering fluid is below the MIN
line, remove the cap and add fluid in small
amounts until the level is between the MIN
and MAX lines.
[SV36185(MBC )03/95]
5. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995