1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar wheel

230
*
[SV03200( ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV03400( BCGV)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
*
[SV03501( ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03600( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV03650( ALL)03/95]
Opening the Hood
[SV03800( ALL)03/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
located under the lower left corner of the
instrument panel.
[SV04000( ALL)03/95]
2. Go around to the front of the vehicle, and
release the auxiliary catch that is located
under the front edge of the hood at the
center of the vehicle.
[SV04070( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0010537-A
The auxiliary catch under the front edge of the hood
*
[SV04200( BCGV)01/95]
3. Lift the hood until the counterbalanced
hinges hold it open.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

259
*
[SV28499( ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28500( ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[SV28599( ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28600( ALL)01/95]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

261 %
*
[SV29600( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[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.
*
[SV29800( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
%
*
[SV30450( ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[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
*
[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.
File:rcsvc.ex
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
%*
[SV34800( ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV34900( ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV35000( ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[SV35050(MBC )03/95]
3.8L SFI engine
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

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

316 Index
Chime
key in ignition............. 46
safety belt............... 59
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 278
see also fuses............. 269
Cleaning your vehicle
chrome and aluminum parts....... 6
engine compartment.......... 234
exterior................ 5
exterior lamps............. 84
fabric................ 123
headlamps............... 84
instrument panel............ 74
instrument panel lens.......... 90
interior lamps.............. 89
mirrors................ 124
plastic parts.............. 6
polishing................ 6
rustproofing.............. 6
safety belts............... 18
tail lamps............... 84
upholstery and interior trim...... 123
washing................ 5
wheels................ 261
Climate control system
air conditioning........... 74,77
heating............... 74,77
Clock................... 89
Cold engine starting............ 48
Compact disc radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 132
Console, description........... 127
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 244
drain and flush............ 248
preparing for storage......... 295
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

Index 327
Seats (continued)
head restraints............ 118
rear seat access............ 123
reclining the seat........... 120
sport seat.............. 122
Serial number (VIN)........... 208
Service concerns............ 207
Servicing your vehicle, precautions when
servicing............... 228
Shift-lock system............ 166
Side mirrors, adjusting.......... 124
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof).... 115
Snow tires and chains.......... 260
Spare tire
changing the tire........... 196
finding the spare........... 195
removing the spare tire........ 195
temporary spare........... 193
Spark plugs, specifications........ 291
Specification chart, lubricants....... 292
Speed control
accelerating.............. 99
canceling a set speed......... 100
resetting................ 99
resuming a set speed......... 100
turning off.............. 100
when towing a trailer......... 185
Speedometer............... 67
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle...... 47
starting a cold engine.......... 48
starting after a collision......... 53
starting a warm engine......... 48
Steering, power............. 173
Steering wheel
horn.................. 95
locking................ 45
speed controls............. 97
tilting................. 96
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

328 Index
Storage compartments
center console............. 127
map pockets............. 127
Storing your vehicle........... 293
Sun visor................ 126
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 60
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 18
T
Tachometer................ 68
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 284
cleaning................ 84
Temperature control
(see Climate control).......... 74
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints).......... 27
Tilt steering wheel............. 96
Tires
changing............... 193
checking the pressure......... 255
cleaning............... 261
replacing............... 257
rotating............... 256
snow tires and chains......... 260
storing your vehicle.......... 296
tire grades.............. 258
treadwear.............. 258
wear bands.............. 257
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 181
Towing your vehicle, with a tow truck . . 203
Traction assist.............. 171
Traction-lok rear axle.......... 170
Trailer towing
calculating maximum trailer weight . . . 182
safety chains............. 183
tips................. 185
trailer brakes............. 184
trailer lamps............. 184
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995