1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar maintenance

3
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[IN01700( ALL)05/95]
TheQuick Indexat the end of the book
provides a page number following each item
which indicates where detailed information can
be found.
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[IN01900( ALL)04/95]
To use theIndex, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the
word that best describes the information you
need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We
have designed the Index so that you can find
information under a technical term.
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[IN02000( ALL)04/95]
Canadian Owners Ð French Version
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[IN02100( ALL)04/95]
French Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.
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[IN02400( ALL)04/95]
Your Maintenance Schedule and
Record Booklet
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[IN02500( ALL)03/95]
TheMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet lists
the services that are most important for keeping
your vehicle in good condition. A record log is
also provided to help you keep track of all
services performed.
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[IN02600( ALL)01/95]
About the Warranties
[IN02700( ALL)12/94]
Your vehicle is covered by three types of
warranties:Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended
Warrantieson certain parts, andEmissions
Warranties.
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[IN03100( ALL)03/95]
Read yourWarranty Information Bookletcarefully
to find out about your vehicle's warranties and
your basic rights and responsibilities.
File:rcinc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:51:59 1995

17 %
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[SR17500( ALL)05/95]
Safety Belt Extension Assembly
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[SR17600( ALL)05/95]
For some people, the safety belt may be too
short even when it is fully extended. You can
add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length
with a safety belt extension assembly (part
number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are
available at no cost from your dealer.
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[SR17700( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions will
affect the performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal injury.
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[SR17705( ALL)05/95]
Use only extensions manufactured by the same
supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer
identification is located at the end of the
webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt
extension only if the safety belt is too short for
you when fully extended. Do not use extension
to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the
torso.
[SR17710( ALL)05/95]Safety Belt Maintenance
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[SR17720(MBCG )05/95]
Check the safety belt systems periodically to
make sure that they work properly and are not
damaged.
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[SR17730( ALL)05/95]
All safety belt assemblies, including retractors,
buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies
(slide bar) (if equipped), child safety seat tether
bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after any
collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision
was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the belts do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use
File:rcsrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:51:53 1995

24 [SR21130( ALL)10/94]
half page art:0011064-AInflated right front passenger side air bag
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[SR22200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG
WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND
MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If
the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired
area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
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[SR22210( ALL)05/95]
The air bag system uses a readiness light and a
tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When
you turn the ignition to the ON position, this
light will illuminate for approximately six (6)
seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the
system is operating normally.NOTE:
Maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.
File:rcsrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:51:53 1995

185 %
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[DR22600( ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
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[DR22650( ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR22950(MBC )09/93]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, depress the
Transmission Control Switch (TCS). This will
also give the engine more power going up hills
and better engine braking going down hills.
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[DR23000( ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
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[DR23100( ALL)01/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
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[DR23200( ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
File:rcdrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

193 [RE03820( BC )05/94]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.6L
engine you will need to perform
additional steps after your vehicle has
been jump started. SeeReadiness for
Inspection/Maintenance Testingin
Servicing Your Vehicle chapter.
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[RE03900( ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
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[RE04000( ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
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[RE04100( ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
[RE04225(MBC )03/94]
You have a high pressure temporary spare tire.
This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and
is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon
as you can. This spare tire is marked with the
words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you
can easily identify it.
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[RE04250( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Extended use of other than
conventional spare tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness.
This loss of effectiveness does not
affect normal driving and should not
be noticeable to the driver.
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[RE04300( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire
continuously or do not follow these
precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
File:rcrec.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

206
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[HS00245( ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
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[HS00250( ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can
be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place
it in your wallet for quick reference.
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[HS00255( ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United
States call 1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call
1-800-665-2006).
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[HS00260( ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside
assistance yourself, Ford Motor Company will
reimburse the reasonable cost. To obtain
information about reimbursement call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
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[HS00300( ALL)01/95]
If You Have a Service Problem
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[HS00400( ALL)01/95]
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service
your vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how
to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
File:rchsc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:04 1995

207 %
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[HS00500( ALL)03/95]
Service/Maintenance Concerns
(U.S. or Canada)
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[HS00600( ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your
selling dealer who wants to ensure your
continued satisfaction. You may, however, take
your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your
dealer will be able to resolve your concern.
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[HS00700( ALL)04/95]
If you are not satisfied with the service you
received from your dealership's service
department, talk to the service manager at the
dealership, or if you still are not satisfied, talk to
the owner or general manager of the dealership.
In most cases, you will have your concern
resolved at this level.
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[HS01000( ALL)03/95]
If you are away from home when your vehicle
needs to be serviced, or if you need more help
than the dealer gave you, contact the Ford
Customer Assistance Center to find an
authorized dealership that may be able to help.
File:rchsc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:04 1995

212
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[HS04900( ALL)02/93]
one inch art:0060102-B
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[HS05100( ALL)04/95]
What is the Review Process?
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[HS05200( ALL)04/95]
Your application will be reviewed and if it is
determined to be eligible, you will receive an
acknowledgment indicating the file number
assigned to your application and the local Board
address. At the same time, your dealer and Ford
Motor Company representative are asked to
submit statements.
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[HS05300( ALL)04/95]
To review your case properly, the Board needs
the following information:
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[HS05400( ALL)04/95]
q
legible copies of all documents and
maintenance or repair orders that relate to
the case
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[HS05500( ALL)04/95]
q
the year, make, model, and vehicle
identification number
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[HS05600( ALL)04/95]
q
the date you bought your vehicle
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[HS05700( ALL)04/95]
q
the date of repair and the mileage at the time
of repair
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[HS05800( ALL)04/95]
q
the current mileage
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[HS05900( ALL)04/95]
q
the name of the dealer who sold you the
vehicle or who serviced your vehicle
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[HS06000( ALL)04/95]
q
a brief description of your unresolved
complaint
File:rchsc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:04 1995