Page 57 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 57
*
[LG02700( BCGV)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG02800( BCGV)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possi Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 57
*
[LG02700( BCGV)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG02800( BCGV)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possi](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-56.png)
57
*
[LG02700( BCGV)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG02800( BCGV)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[LG02900( ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03000( ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.
[LG03025( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0010116-D[LG03100( ALL)01/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to START. It normally
goes off shortly after the engine starts and you
release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[LG03200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
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![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 261 %
*
[SV29600( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29700( ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicles body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, a Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 261 %
*
[SV29600( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29700( ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicles body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, a](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-257.png)
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.
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Page 260 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 263 [SV30825(MBC )03/93]
one third page art:0011152-A
Detail of the automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[SV31900( ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV32000( ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 263 [SV30825(MBC )03/93]
one third page art:0011152-A
Detail of the automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[SV31900( ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV32000( ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-259.png)
263 [SV30825(MBC )03/93]
one third page art:0011152-A
Detail of the automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[SV31900( ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV32000( ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
[SV32200( BCGV)03/95]
Check the brake fluid at each scheduled engine
oil change or at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic
reservoir on the master cylinder. Also, see label
on reservoir cap. (To locate the master cylinder,
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
*
[SV32350( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[SV32375( ALL)05/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
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Page 261 of 323
264
*
[SV32400( ALL)03/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the cap from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to
the MAX line with Ford High Performance
DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA,
C6AZ-19542-BA, or equivalent DOT 3 fluid
meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[SV33100( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not
DOT 3, you will cause permanent damage
to your brakes.
*
[SV33200( ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
[SV33500( BC )03/93]
one third page art:0010387-A
The brake system fluid reservoir
*
[SV33700( ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[SV33750( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
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Page 262 of 323
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.
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Page 306 of 323

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
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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
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Page 315 of 323

Index 323
L
Lamps
bulb replacement specifications chart . . 284
checking............... 279
courtesy lamps............. 89
daytime running light system...... 82
dome lamps.............. 88
flashing the lamps........... 92
hazard flashers............. 94
headlamps............... 83
high beams.............. 92
high-mount brakelamp........ 282
illuminated entry system....... 103
illuminated mirrors.......... 126
interior lamps............. 86
map lamps............... 88
replacing bulbs............ 279
trailer................ 184
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . . 91
Lap belts................. 16
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 60
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 58
brake................. 57
charging system............ 60
check engine.............. 63
check gauges.............. 62
door ajar................ 71
high beam............... 62
low coolant.............. 72
low fuel.............. 62,72
low washer fluid............ 72
overdrive off.............. 61
safety belt............... 59
turn signal indicator.......... 65
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