Page 44 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 44
*
[SR38830( ALL)04/95]
To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on
children who have outgrown child safety seats,
Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning
booster seat that is labelled as conf Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 44
*
[SR38830( ALL)04/95]
To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on
children who have outgrown child safety seats,
Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning
booster seat that is labelled as conf](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-43.png)
44
*
[SR38830( ALL)04/95]
To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on
children who have outgrown child safety seats,
Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning
booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all
Federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and
provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that
encourages safer seating posture and better fit of
lap and shoulder belts on the child. A
belt-positioning booster should be used if the
shoulder belt rests in front of the child's face or
neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on
both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let
the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion
when the lower legs hang over the edge of the
seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the
specific needs of your child with your
pediatrician.
*
[SR38860( ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
Do not use a belt-positioning booster with
a lap-only belt.
*
[SR38900( ALL)05/95]
Lap belts and the lap belt portion of lap and
shoulder belts should always be worn snugly
and below the hips, touching the child's thighs.
*
[SR39000( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury in a
collision, children should always ride with
the seatback upright.
File:rcsrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:51:53 1995
Page 47 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 47
%*
[ST07000( ALL)03/95]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[ST07100( ALL)03/95]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 47
%*
[ST07000( ALL)03/95]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[ST07100( ALL)03/95]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-46.png)
47
%*
[ST07000( ALL)03/95]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[ST07100( ALL)03/95]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when
you have problems getting your vehicle started.
SeeStarting Your Enginein this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.
*
[ST07300( ALL)03/95]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[ST07400( ALL)05/94]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[ST07500( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
*
[ST07600( ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[ST07700( ALL)01/95]
1. Make sure you and all your passengers
buckle your safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[ST07800( ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[ST08100( BCGV)03/95]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
*
[ST08400( ALL)03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995
Page 59 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 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 possib Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 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 possib](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-58.png)
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
Page 119 of 323
119 [FV16700( BCGV)04/95]
4. Release the bar to latch the seat in its new
position. Make sure the seat locks securely in
place.
[FV16900( BC )07/89]
quarter page art:0010252-A
The front seat adjustment bar
*
[FV17100(MBC )02/95]
To recline the front manual seats:
*
[FV17200( ALL)01/95]
1. On the side of the seat, find the handle for
the recliner.
*
[FV17300( ALL)04/95]
2. Lift the handle up and hold it in place.
*
[FV17400( ALL)01/95]
3. Lean against the back of the seat and adjust
it to the position you want. You can tilt the
seat back or bring it forward.
*
[FV17500( ALL)04/95]
4. Release the handle to lock the seat in its new
position.
*
[FV17600( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never adjust the driver's seat or seatback
when the vehicle is moving.
*
[FV17700( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury in a
collision, always drive and ride with your
seatback upright and the lap belt snug
and low across the hips.
File:rcfvc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:53:30 1995
Page 123 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 123 %
*
[FV19950(MBC )03/95]
Rear Seat Entry
[FV20000( BC )06/93]
one third page art:0010264-A
Entering the rear seat
[FV20100(MBC )03/95]
The rotating boot on the lap belt is designed to
allow rear s Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 123 %
*
[FV19950(MBC )03/95]
Rear Seat Entry
[FV20000( BC )06/93]
one third page art:0010264-A
Entering the rear seat
[FV20100(MBC )03/95]
The rotating boot on the lap belt is designed to
allow rear s](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-122.png)
123 %
*
[FV19950(MBC )03/95]
Rear Seat Entry
[FV20000( BC )06/93]
one third page art:0010264-A
Entering the rear seat
[FV20100(MBC )03/95]
The rotating boot on the lap belt is designed to
allow rear seat entry/exit. To enter the rear seat:
*
[FV20200( BC )01/95]
1. Rotate the safety belt boot rearward.
*
[FV20300( BC )01/95]
2. Enter the rear seat in front of the safety belt.
*
[FV20400( BC )01/95]
3. Rotate the safety belt boot forward to allow
use by the front seat passengers.
%*
[FV20500( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Seats
*
[FV20600( ALL)05/95]
Leather and vinyl
*
[FV20650( ALL)05/95]
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a
soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning,
wipe the surface with a leather and vinyl cleaner
or a mild soap.
%*
[FV20700( ALL)04/95]
Fabric
*
[FV20750( ALL)04/95]
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom
or a vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots
immediately. Follow the directions that come
with the cleaner.
*
[FV20775( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a
small, hidden area of fabric. If the
fabric's color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
File:rcfvc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:53:30 1995
Page 254 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 257 %
*
[SV26500( ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV26600( ALL)01/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only
1/16 inch (2 mm) of tread left.
% [SV26700 Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 257 %
*
[SV26500( ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV26600( ALL)01/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only
1/16 inch (2 mm) of tread left.
% [SV26700](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-253.png)
257 %
*
[SV26500( ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV26600( ALL)01/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only
1/16 inch (2 mm) of tread left.
% [SV26700( ALL)05/94]
one inch art:0001318-A
A worn-out tire
*
[SV26800( ALL)01/95]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread. Some spots
wear more heavily than others.
*
[SV26850( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
*
[SV27100( ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
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 307 of 323

Index 315
fluid, checking and adding...... 263
fluid, refill capacities......... 290
fluid, specifications.......... 292
front disc.............. 173
new brake linings............ 4
noise................ 174
parking............... 175
trailer................ 184
when storing your vehicle....... 295
Brake-shift interlock........... 166
Break-in period.............. 4
Bulbs, replacing
headlamps.............. 280
specifications............. 284
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 214
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration
Plan (CAMVAP)........... 214
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 290
Carbon monoxide in exhaust........ 51
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 27
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)..........141, 150
Catalytic converter........... 285
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . 131
Chains, tires.............. 260
Changing a tire............. 193
Charging system gauge.......... 69
Charging system warning light....... 60
Child safety restraints........... 25
child safety belts............ 43
child safety seats............ 27
Child safety seats
and air bags............ 20,27
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 29
in front seat.............. 29
in rear outboard seat.......... 35
in rear seat............... 42
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995