1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar engine

5
*
[IN06700( ALL)01/95]
The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.
%*
[IN06800( ALL)01/95]
q
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends.SeeEngine oil recommendations
in the Index. Do not use special ªbreak-inº
oils.
*
[IN07000( ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
Powertrain Control Module that limits engine
and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to
promote durability.
%
*
[IN07100( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Vehicle
*
[IN07130( ALL)05/95]
Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage
the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your
vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean.
*
[IN07160( ALL)05/95]
Take similar precautions if your vehicle is
exposed to chemical industrial fallout.
*
[IN07190( MVBCG )05/95]
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not
related to a defect in paint materials or
workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual
improvement in customer satisfaction is a high
priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its
dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by
environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000
miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes
first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford
representative.
File:rcinc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:51:59 1995

45
Starting Your Cougar
*
[ST03400( ALL)03/95]
Ignition
%*
[ST03500( ALL)01/95]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[ST03750( ALL)12/94]
quarter page art:0010035-B
The positions of the key in the ignition
%*
[ST03901( BCGV)03/95]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running.
% [ST04001( ALL)12/94]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
automatic transmission gearshift lever.
*
[ST04101( ALL)01/95]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
*
[ST04200( ALL)03/95]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
*
[ST04300( ALL)03/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

46
*
[ST04400( ALL)03/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
%*
[ST04900( ALL)02/95]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
*
[ST05600( BCGV)03/95]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
*
[ST05800( ALL)01/95]
2. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[ST05900( BCGV)03/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
*
[ST06050( BCGV)03/95]
4. Remove the key.
[ST06660( BCGV)03/95]
NOTE: The automatic transmission gearshift
must be in P (Park) to move the key to
the lock position.
%*
[ST06675( ALL)05/95]
If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
%*
[ST06700( ALL)03/95]
If the driver's door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.
*
[ST06825( BCGV)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
*
[ST06875( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe and possibly fatal injuries to
people as well as animals.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

47
%*
[ST07000( ALL)03/95]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[ST07100( ALL)03/95]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when
you have problems getting your vehicle started.
SeeStarting Your Enginein this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.
*
[ST07300( ALL)03/95]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[ST07400( ALL)05/94]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[ST07500( 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.
*
[ST07600( ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[ST07700( ALL)01/95]
1. Make sure you and all your passengers
buckle your safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[ST07800( ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[ST08100( BCGV)03/95]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
*
[ST08400( ALL)03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

48 %
*
[ST10300( ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
*
[ST10325( ALL)02/95]
To start your engine:
*
[ST10350( ALL)05/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[ST10353( ALL)03/95]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[ST10357( ALL)03/95]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[ST10360( ALL)02/95]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[ST10370( ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[ST10430( ALL)04/95]
For a cold engine:
*
[ST10440( ALL)04/95]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[ST10450( ALL)04/95]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
%*
[ST10460( ALL)04/95]
For a warm engine:
*
[ST10470( ALL)04/95]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

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.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

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.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

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.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995