1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar light

236 [SV08750( ALL)05/95]Octane recommendations
[SV08800( ALL)05/95]
Your engine is designed to use fuel with an
octane rating of 87. In most cases it is not
necessary to use a fuel with an octane rating
higher than 87. At service stations, the octane
rating is displayed in a label on the pumps.
[SV08900( ALL)05/95]
one inch art:0060001-C[SV09100( ALL)05/95]
Using a fuel with a lower octane rating can
cause persistent and heavy knocking, which can
damage the engine.
[SV09200( ALL)05/95]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when
you accelerate. However, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician if persistent heavy
knocking occurs because this can damage the
engine.
[SV09350( ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle has problems with starting, rough
idle or hesitation problems when the engine is
cold, it may be caused by fuel with low
volatility. Try a different brand of fuel. If the
condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
[SV09800( ALL)05/95]
Gasolines for clean air
[SV09900( ALL)05/95]
Fuels in certain areas of the country are required
to contain oxygenates to improve air quality.
Common oxygenates are ethanol or grain alcohol
(blended at no more than 10%), methanol or
wood alcohol (blended at no more than 5% with
cosolvents and additives), and MTBE or methyl
tertiary butyl ether (blended at no more than
15%).
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240
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[SV13510( ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520( ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[SV13530( ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[SV13540( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13550( ALL)01/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
*
[SV13560( ALL)01/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570( ALL)02/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[SV13600( ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13610( ALL)04/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[SV13650( ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
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241
*
[SV13670( ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680( ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690( ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700( ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[SV13702( ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13703( ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
%*
[SV13775( ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800( ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[SV13900( ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000( ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14025( BCGV)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV14100( ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200( ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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242
*
[SV14300( ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14350(MBC )03/95]
one inch art:0011218-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 4.6 liter engines
[SV14450(MBC )03/95]
one inch art:0000970-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 3.8 liter engines
*
[SV14500( ALL)03/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[SV14600( ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[SV14800( ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[SV15000( ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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266
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[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
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279
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[SV43300( ALL)02/95]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the
same amperage rating. To remove a circuit
breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with
your finger and thumb and pull it straight out
of its socket.
%
*
[SV44400( ALL)03/95]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[SV44500( ALL)01/95]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[SV44600( ALL)01/95]
q
headlamps
*
[SV44700( ALL)01/95]
q
tail lamps
*
[SV44800( ALL)01/95]
q
brakelamps
*
[SV44900( ALL)01/95]
q
hazard flasher
*
[SV44950( ALL)02/95]
q
high-mount brakelamp
*
[SV45000( ALL)01/95]
q
turn signals
*
[SV45200( ALL)01/95]
q
license plate lamp
%*
[SV45600( ALL)01/95]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[SV45700( ALL)01/95]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[SV45800( ALL)01/95]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[SV45900( ALL)01/95]
q
the headlamp beams are pointed substantially
away from a position slightly down and to
the right
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

286
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[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.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

293 [SV55900( BC )03/95]
fourteen pica chart:0010585-K
*
[SV56400( ALL)03/95]
NOTE: Rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
%
*
[SV57000( ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV57100( ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV57150( ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[SV57200( ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV57300( ALL)01/95]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV57400( ALL)01/95]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV57500( ALL)01/95]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995