Page 52 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 52
*
[ST13500( ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[ST13600( ALL)02/95]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST13700( ALL)02/95]
q
the sound of the exhaust Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 52
*
[ST13500( ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[ST13600( ALL)02/95]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST13700( ALL)02/95]
q
the sound of the exhaust](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-51.png)
52
*
[ST13500( ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[ST13600( ALL)02/95]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST13700( ALL)02/95]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[ST13800( ALL)01/95]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[ST13900( ALL)01/95]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
[ST14000( ALL)12/94]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, the
heating or air conditioning system should be set
to any function except MAX A/C or AUTO.
[ST14125( BCGV)05/94]
q
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on
MEDIUM or HIGH with the function control
on any position except OFF and the
temperature control at any desired position.
[ST14250( BCGV)12/88]
q
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on MEDIUM or HIGH with the
function control on any position except OFF
or MAX and the temperature control at any
desired position.
File:rcstc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 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
File:rclgc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995
Page 74 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 74 [IP00400( ALL)05/95]The main controls for the climate control system,
clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.
%*
[IP00500( ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the
gloss (shi Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 74 [IP00400( ALL)05/95]The main controls for the climate control system,
clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.
%*
[IP00500( ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the
gloss (shi](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-73.png)
74 [IP00400( ALL)05/95]The main controls for the climate control system,
clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.
%*
[IP00500( ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the
gloss (shine) of the upper part of the
instrument panel should be avoided.
The dull finish in this area is to help
protect the driver from undesirable
windshield reflection.
%
*
[IP00600( ALL)01/95]
The Climate Control Systems
[IP00700( ALL)03/91]
Your vehicle has one of two different climate
control systems. The two systems are:
[IP01200( BCGV)06/93]
q
a manual heating and air conditioning system
[IP01250( BC )03/95]
q
a semi-automatic temperature control
system (if equipped)
*
[IP01400( ALL)09/89]
If you are not sure which system your vehicle
has, see the diagrams on the following pages.
% [IP10700( BCGV)08/93]
The Manual Heating and Air Conditioning
System
[IP10800( BCGV)08/93]
You can heat the inside of your vehicle, defrost
the windshield, and turn on the air conditioning
with the three knobs in the center of the
instrument panel:
[IP10900( BCGV)08/93]
q
FAN
[IP11000( BCGV)08/93]
q
TEMP
[IP11100( BCGV)08/93]
q
SELECT
File:rcipc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:49:31 1995
Page 75 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 75 [IP11300( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0011216-B
The knobs that control the manual heating and air
conditioning system
[IP11501( BC )05/95]
To heat the interior of your vehicle, turn the
SELECT kn Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 75 [IP11300( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0011216-B
The knobs that control the manual heating and air
conditioning system
[IP11501( BC )05/95]
To heat the interior of your vehicle, turn the
SELECT kn](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-74.png)
75 [IP11300( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0011216-B
The knobs that control the manual heating and air
conditioning system
[IP11501( BC )05/95]
To heat the interior of your vehicle, turn the
SELECT knob to FLOOR, turn the TEMP knob
to the end of the red range (full right) and turn
the FAN knob to HI. Temperature and fan speed
can be adjusted as desired.
% [IP11700( BC )05/95]
To defrost the windshield and side windows,
turn the SELECT knob to defrostV, turn the
TEMP knob to the end of the red range
(full right) and turn the FAN knob to HI.
Temperature and fan speed can be adjusted as
desired.
[IP11901( BC )05/95]
To heat the interior and defrost the windshield
and side windows, at the same time, turn the
SELECT knob to FLOOR & DEF, turn the TEMP
knob to the end of the red range (full right) and
turn the FAN knob to HI.
[IP12100( BC )03/94]
To direct either heated or cooled air to the panel
registers and the floor at the same time, turn the
SELECT knob to PANEL & FLOOR, turn the
TEMP knob for the temperature desired and set
the fan speed as desired.
File:rcipc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:49:31 1995
Page 79 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 79 [IP14600( BC )03/95]
Warm button
[IP14700( BC )07/93]
This button is used to RAISE the temperature
setting. Press the button once to raise the
displayed temperature one degree. Holding the
button i Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 79 [IP14600( BC )03/95]
Warm button
[IP14700( BC )07/93]
This button is used to RAISE the temperature
setting. Press the button once to raise the
displayed temperature one degree. Holding the
button i](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-78.png)
79 [IP14600( BC )03/95]
Warm button
[IP14700( BC )07/93]
This button is used to RAISE the temperature
setting. Press the button once to raise the
displayed temperature one degree. Holding the
button in will continuously increase the
temperature setting in one degree increments
until you either release it or85ÊF (29ÊC) is
reached.
[IP14800( BC )03/94]
If the button is pressed after85ÊF (29ÊC) is
reached, only90ÊF (32ÊC)will be displayed and
the system will provide continuous maximum
heating.
[IP14900( BC )03/95]
System Operation
[IP15000( BC )05/95]
To heat the inside of your vehicle, turn the
SELECT knob to FLOOR and turn the FAN
knob to AUTO. The fan will remain off until the
engine reaches operating temperature or until
3-1/2 minutes have elapsed. As the interior of
your vehicle warms up, the discharge air
temperature and the fan speed will be
automatically and gradually changed to maintain
the set temperature. If you prefer a fixed fan
speed, turn the fan speed switch to the desired
setting.
% [IP15100( BC )05/95]
To defrost the windshield and side windows,
turn the SELECT knob to DefrostV, turn the
FAN knob to HI and set the temperature as
necessary to clear the windshield.
[IP15200( BC )07/93]
To direct either cooled or heated air to the panel
registers and the floor at the same time, turn the
SELECT knob to PANEL & FLOOR, push the
COOL or WARM button for the desired
temperature and set the FAN speed as desired.
File:rcipc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:49:31 1995
Page 81 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 81
% [IP31700(MBC )05/95]
Rear Window Defroster
(If equipped)
(Standard in Canada)
*
[IP32000( ALL)12/91]
The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outs Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 81
% [IP31700(MBC )05/95]
Rear Window Defroster
(If equipped)
(Standard in Canada)
*
[IP32000( ALL)12/91]
The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outs](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-80.png)
81
% [IP31700(MBC )05/95]
Rear Window Defroster
(If equipped)
(Standard in Canada)
*
[IP32000( ALL)12/91]
The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside
of the rear window.
[IP32600( BC )01/89]
The button for the rear window defroster is
located on the lower right side of the instrument
panel, just left of the climate control panel.
[IP32700( BC )06/93]
one third page art:0010190-B
The button that controls the rear window defroster
[IP33000( ALL)12/94]
Clear away any snow that is on the rear
window before using the defroster. With the
engine running, push the defrost button.
[IP33100( ALL)12/94]
After approximately 10 minutes, the defroster
will turn off. If the window is still not clear,
turn the defroster on again.
[IP33200( ALL)12/94]
The defroster will turn off when the ignition key
is turned to the OFF position.
*
[IP33300( ALL)02/95]
The heating elements are bonded to the inside of
the rear window. Do not use sharp objects to
scrape the inside of the rear window or use
abrasive cleaners to clean it. Doing so could
damage the heating elements.
File:rcipc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:49:31 1995
Page 172 of 323
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 172 [DR09785( BCGV)03/95]During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which
most often occurs during low speed acceleration
on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard
coming from the engine compartment. Th Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owners Manuals 172 [DR09785( BCGV)03/95]During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which
most often occurs during low speed acceleration
on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard
coming from the engine compartment. Th](/manual-img/33/10906/w960_10906-171.png)
172 [DR09785( BCGV)03/95]During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which
most often occurs during low speed acceleration
on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard
coming from the engine compartment. This noise
is created by the ABS pump and is normal and
may last for a few seconds during the
acceleration of the vehicle.
*
[DR09790( BCGV)03/95]
In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Assist
TM
is fully
effective up to approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h). At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function
begins to taper off until it no longer operates
above 34 mph (55 km/h).
[DR09793( BCGV)01/95]
If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the traction assist switch will be illuminated
showing that the traction assist system is
inoperative. A cooling down period is required
to prevent damage to the rear brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage
during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock
braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
[DR09795( BCGV)05/95]
NOTE: Traction-Lok axles are not an available
option on vehicles equipped with
traction assist.
File:rcdrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 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.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995