1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar light

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

295
*
[SV59000( ALL)01/95]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
%*
[SV59200( ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV59300( ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV59400( ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV59500( ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV59600( ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
*
[SV59650( ALL)03/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, it may be
advisable to disconnect the battery cables to
ensure battery charge is maintained for quick
starting.
[SV59675( ALL)05/94]
NOTE: If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory
features.
%*
[SV59700( ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV59800( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

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

314 Index
Audio system
(see Electronic sound system)..... 131
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 84
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..... 165
fluid, adding............. 262
fluid, checking............ 261
fluid, refill capacities......... 290
fluid, specifications.......... 292
Axle, traction lok............ 170
B
Backing up............... 167
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery
acid, treating emergencies....... 187
charging system warning light...... 60
disconnecting............. 252
how to service............ 251
jumping a disabled battery....... 187
maintenance-free........... 251
proper disposal, recycling....... 252
replacement, specifications....... 291
voltage gauge.............. 69
when storing your vehicle....... 295
Brake fluid
brake warning light........... 57
specifications............. 292
Brakelamp
bulb replacement........... 284
high-mount brakelamp........ 282
Brakes
adjustment.............. 173
anti-lock............... 174
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............. 58
applying the brakes.......... 173
brake warning light........... 57
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

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

Index 317
Coolant (see Engine coolant) (continued)
proper solution............ 246
refill capacities............ 290
refill procedure............ 248
specifications............. 292
temperature gauge........... 66
Cooling fan............... 228
Cruise control (see Speed control)..... 97
Customer Assistance Center,
Ford (U.S.).............. 208
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada............ 208
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)..... 73
Daytime running light system....... 82
Defrost
rear window.............. 81
windshield............. 75,79
Dipstick, automatic transmission fluid . . . 262
Dispute Settlement Board........ 209
Doors
door ajar warning light......... 71
lubricant specifications........ 292
Driving under special conditions
bad weather............. 177
heavy load.............. 179
high water.............. 178
slippery roads............ 177
towing a trailer............ 181
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 278
fuses................ 269
operating when the engine is off..... 45
Electronic sound system
radio reception............ 161
tuning the radio.........133, 152
warranty and service information . . . 164
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

318 Index
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 142
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 205
battery acid spills........... 187
jump-starting............. 187
towing................ 203
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 175
Emission control system, catalytic
converter............... 285
Engine
check engine warning light....... 63
does not start.............. 49
fuel injected engine, starting....... 47
fuel pump shut-off switch........ 53
preparing to start............ 47
service points............. 231
starting................. 48
starting after a collision......... 53
storing your vehicle.......... 294
Engine block heater............ 50
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 244
checking hoses............ 245
disposal............... 248
low coolant warning light........ 72
preparing for storage......... 295
proper solution............ 246
recovery reservoir........... 244
refill capacities............ 290
specifications............. 292
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description............... 66
mechanical............... 66
Engine fan............... 228
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 243
checking and adding......... 241
dipstick............... 241
disposal............... 243
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

Index 319
Engine oil (continued)
engine oil pressure gauge........ 69
filter, specifications.......... 291
refill capacities............ 290
specifications............. 292
synthetic oil............. 241
ªbreak-inº oils............. 5
viscosity............... 241
Entry system
illuminated.............. 103
remote................ 110
Exhaust fumes.............. 51
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Federal Communications Commission . . . 163
Flashers, hazard.............. 94
Flashing the lights............. 92
Flat tire................ 193
Floor mats............... 129
Fluid refill capacities.......... 290
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 208
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 209
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 214
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 214
Foreign registration........... 215
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
Fuel
capacity............... 290
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 234
filter, specifications.......... 291
fuel gauge............... 65
low fuel warning light......... 72
storing your vehicle.......... 294
Fuel cap, removing........... 234
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995