1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar key

45
Starting Your Cougar
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[ST03400( ALL)03/95]
Ignition
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[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
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[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.
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LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
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OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
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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.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

46
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[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.
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Removing the Key From the Ignition
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[ST05600( BCGV)03/95]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
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2. Set the parking brake fully.
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[ST05900( BCGV)03/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
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[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.
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If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
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If the driver's door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.
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[ST06825( BCGV)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
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[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.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

47
%*
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Fuel-Injected Engines
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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.
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Starting Your Vehicle
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Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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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.
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Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
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1. Make sure you and all your passengers
buckle your safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
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2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
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3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
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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.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

48 %
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Starting Your Engine
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To start your engine:
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1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
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2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
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3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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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.
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If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
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For a cold engine:
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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.
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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.
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For a warm engine:
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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.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

49
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Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter or flood the engine.
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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.
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If the engine does not start after two attempts:
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1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
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3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
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4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
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5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
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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.
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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.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

54
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If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
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1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
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4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
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5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
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6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
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Pushing
[ST19600( BCGV)03/95]
Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:31 1995

57
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[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.
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Brake System Warning Light
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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.
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[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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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995

59
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[LG03700( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
[LG03800( ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
%*
[LG04300( ALL)04/95]
Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
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[LG04305( ALL)03/95]
This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:
[LG04317( BC )03/95]
q
If the safety belt is not buckled when the key
is turned to the ON position, the light will
come on for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime
will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
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[LG04320(MBC )03/95]
q
If the safety belt is buckled while the light is
on and the chime is sounding, both the light
and chime will turn off.
[LG04340( BC )03/95]
q
If the safety belt is buckled before the key is
turned to the ON position, the light will
come on for 1 to 2 minutes.
[LG04600( ALL)05/92]
one inch art:0010118-AFile:rclgc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:50:19 1995