1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar ABS

11 % [IS03300( ALL)04/96]
Anti-Lock Brake System Light
(If equipped)
[IS03400( ALL)12/95]
This warning light will go on each time you
start your vehicle. If it remains on for longer
than five seconds, you should shut off your
engine and restart. If the anti-lock brake light
stays on, this indicates that the anti-lock feature
is disabled and should receive immediate
attention by a qualified service technician.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake
warning light is also lit.
*
[IS03500( ALL)03/96]
The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check
capabilities. As previously described, the system
turns on the anti-lock light each time you start
your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light is out, the system performs
another test the first time the vehicle reaches
14 mph (22 km/h). The system turns on the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) pump motor for
approximately 1/2 second. At this time a
mechanical noise may be heard. This is a normal
part of the self-check feature. If a malfunction is
found during this check the anti-lock light will
come on.
[IS03600( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0011194-B
The anti-lock brake system light
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

43
*
[AS26900(MBC )08/95]
q
How to change the side of the tape being
played
*
[AS27000(MBC )02/96]
The alternate track (other side) of the tape
can be selected at any time by pushing both
fast-wind buttons
hand
gat the same
time.
*
[AS27100(MBC )08/95]
How to eject the tape
*
[AS27250(MBC )04/96]
To stop the tape and eject the cassette, press the
eject (i) button. The radio will resume playing.
*
[AS27300(MBC )02/96]
Using the DolbyHB noise reduction feature
*
[AS27400(MBC )09/95]
NOTE: Noise reduction system manufactured
under license from Dolby Labs
Licensing Corporation. ªDolbyº and
double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.
*
[AS27500(MBC )04/96]
Push thekbutton to activate. Push again to
deactivate.
*
[AS27600(MBC )04/96]
Tips on Caring for the Cassette Player and
Tapes
*
[AS27700(MBC )08/95]
In order to keep your cassette tape player
performing the way it was meant to, read and
follow these simple precautions:
*
[AS27750(MBC )04/96]
q
Using a Ford Cassette Cleaning Cartridge or
equivalent to clean the tape player head after
10-12 hours of play will help maintain the
best playback sound and proper tape
operation.
*
[AS27800(MBC )08/95]
q
Only cassettes that are 90 minutes long or
less should be used. Tapes longer than 90
minutes are thinner and subject to breakage
or may jam the tape player mechanism.
File:04rcasc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:24:18 1996

54
*
[AS44320(MBC )08/95]
How to store the tape
*
[AS44330(MBC )08/95]
Press the ªAM/FMº button to stop the tape
player and resume radio play. The cassette will
be stored in the tape player and the
Xsymbol
in the display will be lit until you push the
ªPLAY PROGº button to resume tape play. Fast
forward and fast rewind can be used while the
tape is in storage mode without interrupting
radio play.
*
[AS44340(MBC )02/96]
Using the DolbyHB noise reduction feature
*
[AS44350(MBC )09/95]
NOTE: Noise reduction system manufactured
under license from Dolby Labs
Licensing Corporation. ªDolbyº and
double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.
*
[AS44360(MBC )04/95]
Push thekbutton to activate Dolby B Noise
Reduction. Push again to deactivate.
*
[AS44490(MBC )08/95]
Tape error messages
*
[AS44500(MBC )08/95]
Your cassette tape player is equipped to
diagnose certain problems you may experience.
Error codes are as follows:
*
[AS44510(MBC )08/95]
Error 0Ð Communication error between the
radio controller and the tape controller. The
cassette player will eject the tape. Insert the tape
again. If the same error code appears, turn the
ignition off, then back on again and insert the
tape.
*
[AS44520(MBC )08/95]
Error 1Ð Possible problem cartridge. The
cassette tape player will eject the tape. Insert the
tape again. If the same error code appears in the
display, try a different cartridge.
File:04rcasc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:24:18 1996

151
Driving
%*
[GF00500( ALL)05/96]
Brakes
%*
[GF00600( ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
[GF00700( ALL)12/95]
Braking non ABS models
[GF01000( C )12/95]
Your vehicle has power front disc brakes and
rear drum brakes. Anti-lock disc brakes on all
four wheels are optional. They adjust
automatically as the brake pads or linings wear
down.
*
[GF01200( ALL)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
[GF01300( ALL)12/95]
On vehicles without anti-lock brakes, extreme
braking can make the wheels lock and slide,
possibly decreasing your control of the steering.
If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal
and repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
[GF01400( ALL)12/95]
Braking with ABS brakes
[GF01500( ALL)12/95]
On vehicles with anti-lock brakes, the wheels
will not lock and slide when you press down
hard on the brake pedal. The anti-lock brakes
automatically start releasing and reapplying the
front brakes independently and the rear brakes
together whenever your wheels start to lock. Do
not ªpumpº the brake pedal on vehicles
equipped with anti-lock brakes. When this
happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulse.
This ªpulseº may be an unfamiliar feeling but it
is normal and indicates the ABS is working as
designed.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

156 [GF04800( BCGV)12/95]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.
[GF04900( BCGV)05/96]
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).
[GF05000( BCGV)12/95]
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.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05400( ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

245
*
[MC43400( ALL)03/96]
Removing the headlamp bulb
*
[MC43500( ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure that the headlamp switch is in
the OFF position.
*
[MC43800( BC )01/96]
2. Lift the hood and find the bulb in the
headlamp socket.
*
[MC44100( BC )12/95]
3. Remove the electrical connector from the
bulb by grasping the wire with a quick pull
rearward.
*
[MC44300( BC )12/95]
4. Remove the retaining ring by turning it 1/8
of a turn to free it from the socket. Then
slide the ring off the plastic base.Keep the
ring.You must use it again to hold the new
bulb in place.
*
[MC44800( ALL)03/96]
Installing the headlamp bulb
*
[MC45000(MBC )01/96]
1. With the flat side of the bulb's plastic base
facing upward, insert the glass end of the
bulb into the socket. You may need to turn
the bulb left or right to line up the grooves
in the plastic base with the tabs in the
socket. When the grooves are aligned, push
the bulb into the socket until the plastic base
contacts the rear of the socket.
*
[MC45200(MBC )01/96]
2. Slip the bulb retaining ring over the plastic
base until it contacts the rear of the socket.
Lock the ring into the socket by rotating it
clockwise until you feel a ªstop.º
*
[MC45300( ALL)01/96]
3. Push the electrical connector into the rear of
the plastic base until it snaps, locking it into
position.
*
[MC45400(MBC )01/96]
4. Turn the headlamps on and make sure that
they work properly. If the headlamp was
correctly aligned before you changed the
bulb, you should not need to align it again.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

Index 295
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 11
Accessory position on the ignition..... 73
Additives, engine oil.......... 207
Air bag supplemental
restraint system............ 119
and child safety seats......... 211
description.............. 119
driver air bag............ 119
indicator light............. 13
operation.............. 121
passenger air bag........... 121
service and information labels..... 285
tone generator............ 121
Air cleaner filter
location............... 204
specifications............. 253
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 59
semi-automatic temperature
control system............ 62
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 100
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 25
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 213
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 151
see also Brake............ 151
warning light.............. 11
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

Index 297
Battery (continued)
voltage gauge............. 14
when storing your vehicle....... 258
Brake fluid............... 210
brake warning light........... 10
checking and adding......... 210
description.............. 210
specifications...........211, 255
Brakelamp............... 243
bulb replacement........... 244
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
Brakes................. 151
adjustment.............. 151
anti-lock............... 151
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............ 11
applying the brakes.......... 151
brake warning light........... 10
fluid, checking and adding...... 210
fluid, refill capacities.......210, 254
fluid, specifications........211, 255
front disc.............. 151
if brakes do not grip well....... 151
master cylinder............ 210
new brake linings............ 6
noise................ 151
parking............... 152
power braking............ 151
servicing............... 210
stopping distances.......... 169
trailer................ 167
when storing your vehicle....... 258
Brake-shift interlock........... 157
Break-in period.............. 6
Brights (high beams)........... 16
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996