1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar Owner's Manuals

49
*
[ST10473( ALL)04/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter or flood the engine.
*
[ST10476( ALL)04/95]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
[ST10478( ALL)12/94]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that
prevents you from shifting out of
P (Park) unless your foot is on the
brake pedal.
%*
[ST10480( ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[ST10492( ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST10494( ALL)04/95]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[ST10496( ALL)04/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[ST10497( ALL)04/95]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[ST10498( ALL)04/95]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
*
[ST10500( ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
%*
[ST11100( ALL)04/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
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50
*
[ST11210( ALL)05/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[ST11225( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST11250( 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.
*
[ST11300( ALL)03/95]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater
(if your vehicle has this option).
%*
[ST11400( ALL)03/95]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[ST11500( ALL)03/95]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[ST11700( ALL)02/95]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
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51
*
[ST11800( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[ST11900( ALL)03/95]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[ST12000( ALL)12/91]
NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block
heater before driving your vehicle.
%*
[ST13100( ALL)02/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST13200( ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST13300( 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.
*
[ST13400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
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52
*
[ST13500( ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[ST13600( ALL)02/95]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST13700( ALL)02/95]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[ST13800( ALL)01/95]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[ST13900( ALL)01/95]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
[ST14000( ALL)12/94]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, the
heating or air conditioning system should be set
to any function except MAX A/C or AUTO.
[ST14125( BCGV)05/94]
q
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on
MEDIUM or HIGH with the function control
on any position except OFF and the
temperature control at any desired position.
[ST14250( BCGV)12/88]
q
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on MEDIUM or HIGH with the
function control on any position except OFF
or MAX and the temperature control at any
desired position.
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53
%*
[ST17100( ALL)03/95]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
%*
[ST17110( ALL)04/95]
Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[ST17200( ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device intended to stop the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
*
[ST17400( BCGV)01/95]
Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. The switch is on the left side of the
trunk.
[ST17700( BC )05/94]
one third page art:0010013-E
The fuel pump shut-off switch
*
[ST18700( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
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54
*
[ST18800( ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ST18900( ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST19000( ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST19100( ALL)03/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ST19200( ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ST19300( ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ST19350( ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
*
[ST19400( ALL)01/95]
Pushing
[ST19600( BCGV)03/95]
Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start.
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55
Warning Lights and
Gauges
*
[LG00400( ALL)01/95]
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your
vehicle is divided into several different sections.
The illustrations on the following pages show
the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown
may not be on all vehicles.
[LG00500( BCGV)05/94]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together in the instrument cluster
and the indicator lamp module.
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56 % [LG02200( BC )05/95]
full page art:0010109-PMechanical cluster
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