Page 203 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 203
*
[MC01900( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02000( ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 203
*
[MC01900( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02000( ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-202.png)
203
*
[MC01900( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02000( ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02100( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[MC02200(MBC )01/96]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
*
[MC02300( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
*
[MC02500( BCGV)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[MC02600( ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[MC02700( ALL)01/96]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02800( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
*
[MC03000( BCGV)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[MC03100( ALL)01/96]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC03200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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Page 235 of 308

235
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even though your
engine will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
[MC31000( ALL)05/96]
Octane recommendation
*
[MC31101( ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline
with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as ªregularº in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane
ratings of 86 or even less.
[MC31200( ALL)12/95]
one inch art:0060001-C*
[MC31401( ALL)05/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
%*
[MC31450( ALL)05/96]
Fuel quality
*
[MC31501( ALL)05/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
*
[MC31530( ALL)05/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
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Page 287 of 308

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
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Index 299
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 249
chrome and aluminum parts...... 250
engine compartment......... 252
exterior............... 249
exterior lamps............ 250
fabric................ 251
headlamps.............. 250
instrument panel.......... 59,251
instrument panel lens......... 251
interior............... 251
interior lamps............ 251
mirrors................ 93
plastic parts............. 250
polishing............... 249
rustproofing............. 250
safety belts.............. 250
tail lamps.............. 250
upholstery and interior trim...... 251
washing............... 249
waxing............... 249
wheels................ 252
Climate control system.......... 59
air conditioning.......... 59,62
heating.............. 59,62
Clock.................. 72
Cold engine starting........... 146
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . . 110
Compact disc player (see Electronic
sound system)........... 26,31
Compact disc radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 26
Console, description............ 94
Controls
mirrors................ 93
power seat.............. 106
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Index 305
H
Hazard flashers.............. 78
Headlamps
aiming................ 243
autolamp system............ 69
bulb specification........... 248
checking alignment.......... 243
cleaning............... 250
daytime running lights......... 67
flashing................ 76
high beam............... 75
replacing bulbs............ 243
turning on and off........... 68
Head restraints............. 103
Heating
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 59
semi-automatic system......... 62
High beams
indicator light............. 16
operation............... 75
High-mount brakelamp......... 246
description.............. 246
replacing the bulb.......... 246
Hitch................. 165
Hood................. 204
latch location............. 204
lubrication specifications........ 255
release lever............. 204
working under the hood....... 202
Horn................... 79
Hoses, checking............. 214
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312 Index
Spark plugs, specifications........ 253
Special driving conditions........ 168
Specification chart, lubricants....... 255
Speed control
turning off............... 81
when towing a trailer......... 167
Speedometer............... 22
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 145
starting a cold engine......... 146
starting after a collision........ 180
starting a warm engine........ 147
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 191
Steering, power............. 156
Steering wheel
horn.................. 79
locking................. 73
tilting................. 80
Storage compartments, center console.... 94
Storing your vehicle........... 256
Sunroof (moon roof)............ 85
Sun visor................. 89
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 13
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . . . 119
T
Tachometer................ 23
Tail lamps
bulb replacement.........243, 248
cleaning............... 250
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 59
Tilt steering wheel............. 80
Tires.................. 227
changing............... 181
checking the pressure......... 227
cleaning............... 252
inspection and maintenance...... 227
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