Page 50 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 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]
RWARNI Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 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]
RWARNI](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-49.png)
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
Page 62 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 62 %
*
[LG07200( ALL)01/95]
High Beam Light
*
[LG07300( ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.
[LG07400( ALL)05/92]
one inch art:001012 Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 62 %
*
[LG07200( ALL)01/95]
High Beam Light
*
[LG07300( ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.
[LG07400( ALL)05/92]
one inch art:001012](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-61.png)
62 %
*
[LG07200( ALL)01/95]
High Beam Light
*
[LG07300( ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.
[LG07400( ALL)05/92]
one inch art:0010125-A% [LG08300( BC )07/93]
Check Gauges Warning Light (if equipped)
[LG08310( BC )03/93]
one inch art:0010128-D*
[LG08400( BC )06/94]
This light will come on when the key is in the
ON position and the:
[LG08500( BC )04/89]
q
engine coolant temperature gauge is high, or
[LG08600( BC )04/89]
q
engine oil pressure gauge is low, or
[LG08700( BC )05/95]
q
when the fuel tank has reached empty
reserve.
[LG08825( BC )03/90]
This light serves as a reminder for you to check
the engine coolant temperature gauge, the
engine oil pressure gauge or the fuel gauge. It
will come on if there is a condition that needs
your attention.
[LG08850( BC )07/93]
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge, Engine Oil
Pressure Gauge,orFuel Gaugein this chapter for
more information.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995
Page 66 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 66 %
*
[LG13400( ALL)01/95]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[LG13550( ALL)03/95]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its prop Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 66 %
*
[LG13400( ALL)01/95]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[LG13550( ALL)03/95]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its prop](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-65.png)
66 %
*
[LG13400( ALL)01/95]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[LG13550( ALL)03/95]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
[LG13600( ALL)03/94]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the NORMAL band as your engine coolant
warms up. Under normal driving conditions, the
pointer should stay in the NORMAL band. It is
acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate within the
NORMAL band under normal driving
conditions, and under certain driving conditions
such as, heavy stop and go traffic, or driving up
hills in hot weather, for the pointer to indicate at
the top of the NORMAL band.
[LG13650( ALL)05/94]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
% [LG13730( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0011144-C
The engine coolant temperature gauge
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995
Page 67 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 67
*
[LG14100( ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG14200( ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG14300( ALL)01/95]
2. Turn off the engine.
*
[LG14400( ALL)05/95 Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 67
*
[LG14100( ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG14200( ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG14300( ALL)01/95]
2. Turn off the engine.
*
[LG14400( ALL)05/95](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-66.png)
67
*
[LG14100( ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG14200( ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG14300( ALL)01/95]
2. Turn off the engine.
*
[LG14400( ALL)05/95]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[LG14500( ALL)04/95]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[LG14600( ALL)01/95]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
coolant system serviced.
%*
[LG14800( ALL)01/95]
Speedometer
[LG14825( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0011341-A
The speedometer
*
[LG14900( ALL)01/95]
The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.
%*
[LG15000( ALL)01/95]
Odometer
*
[LG15100( ALL)01/95]
The odometer tells you the total number of miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995
Page 72 of 323
72 % [LG17230( BC )07/93]Low Coolant Light
[LG17235( BC )07/93]
This light indicates that the level of the engine
coolant is low inside the coolant recovery bottle
and that you should add more coolant. See
Engine Coolantin the Index.
[LG17240( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0011209-A
The low coolant light
%*
[LG17250( BC )07/93]
Low Fuel Light
[LG17255( BC )05/95]
This light comes on when your fuel gauge
indicates approximately 1/16 of a tank. Your car
must be turned to ON for this light to come on.
This light will either flicker or glow steadily.
[LG17260( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0011210-A
The low fuel light
% [LG17265( BC )07/93]
Washer Fluid Low Light
*
[LG17270( BC )02/95]
This light comes on if the reservoir is less than a
quarter full when you turn on the windshield
washers.
[LG17275( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0011211-A
The low washer fluid light
File:rclgc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995
Page 241 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 244
%*
[SV17300( ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400( ALL)03/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 244
%*
[SV17300( ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400( ALL)03/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-240.png)
244
%*
[SV17300( ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400( ALL)03/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17600( BCGV)05/95]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[SV17800( ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
*
[SV17850( ALL)05/95]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995
Page 242 of 323
245 [SV18000( BCGV)05/94]
half page art:0010761-C
The engine coolant recovery reservoir
%*
[SV18600( ALL)11/94]
Checking hoses
*
[SV18700( ALL)11/94]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Repair or replace
with Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
*
[SV18800( ALL)01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18900( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18950( ALL)05/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995
Page 243 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 246 [SV19000(MBC )05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the radiator cap or vent
plug while the engine is running or hot.
[SV19030( ALL)05/95]
Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that
can be caused by Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 246 [SV19000(MBC )05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the radiator cap or vent
plug while the engine is running or hot.
[SV19030( ALL)05/95]
Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that
can be caused by](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-242.png)
246 [SV19000(MBC )05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the radiator cap or vent
plug while the engine is running or hot.
[SV19030( ALL)05/95]
Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that
can be caused by escaping steam or engine
coolant.
[SV19040(MBC )03/95]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool. Even when the engine is
cool, be careful when you remove the
radiator cap or vent plug.
[SV19145( ALL)03/95]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick towel
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to unscrew.
*
[SV19150( ALL)03/95]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
[SV19160( ALL)12/94]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press the cap
down, turn it, and remove it.
*
[SV19170(MBC )03/95]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
*
[SV19190( ALL)03/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
% [SV19200( ALL)12/94]
Add engine coolant only to the recovery
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add a 50/50
or appropriate mixture of water and the type of
engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may add
water by itself only in an emergency, but you
should replace it with a 50/50 or appropriate
mixture as soon as possible.
*
[SV19300( ALL)01/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant more than once a
month.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995