Page 85 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 83
*
[CF33500( ALL)05/96]
To Set a Lower Set Speed
*
[CF33600( ALL)05/96]
q
Press and hold COAST. Release the switch
when the desired vehicle speed is reached.
OR
*
[CF33700( ALL)05/96]
q
Press and re Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 83
*
[CF33500( ALL)05/96]
To Set a Lower Set Speed
*
[CF33600( ALL)05/96]
q
Press and hold COAST. Release the switch
when the desired vehicle speed is reached.
OR
*
[CF33700( ALL)05/96]
q
Press and re](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-84.png)
83
*
[CF33500( ALL)05/96]
To Set a Lower Set Speed
*
[CF33600( ALL)05/96]
q
Press and hold COAST. Release the switch
when the desired vehicle speed is reached.
OR
*
[CF33700( ALL)05/96]
q
Press and release COAST. Each press will
decrease the set speed by 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
OR
*
[CF33800( ALL)05/96]
q
Depress the brake pedal. When the desired
vehicle speed is reached, press SET ACCEL.
*
[CF33900( ALL)05/96]
To Disengage Speed Control
*
[CF34000( BCGV)05/96]
q
Depress the brake pedal.
*
[CF34100( ALL)05/96]
Disengaging the speed control will not erase the
previously programmed set speed.
*
[CF34200( ALL)05/96]
To Return to a Set Speed
[CF34300( ALL)04/96]
q
Press RESUME. For RESUME to operate, the
vehicle speed must be faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
[CF34400( BC )05/96]
Indicator Light (If equipped)
[CF34500( BC )05/96]
Lights when either the SET ACCEL or RESUME
switches are pressed and remains lit until it is
either disengaged or turned off.
[CF35500( ALL)03/96]Map and Reading Lamps
*
[CF35600( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle has two map lamps for the
passenger and the driver. To turn on the map
lamps, push the switch next to each lamp.
File:05rccfc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996
Page 112 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 110
*
[SS11900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Children should always ride with the
seatback in the fully upright position.
*
[SS12000( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap wh Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 110
*
[SS11900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Children should always ride with the
seatback in the fully upright position.
*
[SS12000( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap wh](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-111.png)
110
*
[SS11900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Children should always ride with the
seatback in the fully upright position.
*
[SS12000( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap while the vehicle is moving.
The passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision.
*
[SS12100( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Lock the doors of your vehicle before
driving to lessen the risk of the door
coming open in a collision.
%
*
[SS12200( ALL)02/96]
Combination Lap and Shoulder
Belts
*
[SS12300( ALL)12/95]
While your vehicle is in motion, the combination
lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your movement.
However, if you brake hard, corner hard or if
your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the lap and shoulder belt
locks and helps reduce your forward movement.
*
[SS12400( ALL)01/96]
After you get into your vehicle, close the door
and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position
that suits you best.
[SS12600( ALL)12/95]
To fasten the belt,pull the lap/shoulder belt
from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of
the belt crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure
the belt is not twisted. If it is, remove the twist.
Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle
until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make
sure the tongue is securely fastened in the
buckle.
File:06rcssc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:59:45 1996
Page 118 of 308
116
*
[SS18700( BC )05/96]
While you are fastened in the seat belt, the
combination lap/shoulder belt with a cinch
tongue adjusts to your movement. However, if
you brake hard, turn hard, or if your vehicle
receives an impact of 5 mph (8 km/h) or more,
the safety belt will become locked and help
reduce your forward movement.
[SS18800( ALL)01/96]
To unfasten all the belts:
[SS18900(MBC )01/96]
1. Push the release button on the end of the
buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch
from the buckle.
[SS19100( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0011336-A
Unfastening the front outboard lap/shoulder belts
[SS19200( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0011370-A
Unfastening the rear outboard lap/shoulder belts
File:06rcssc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:59:45 1996
Page 146 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 145
Starting
%*
[TO00200( ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[TO00300( ALL)01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 145
Starting
%*
[TO00200( ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[TO00300( ALL)01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-145.png)
145
Starting
%*
[TO00200( ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[TO00300( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO00400( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[TO00500( ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO00600( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO00700( ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[TO00800( ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[TO00900( ALL)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[TO01200( BCGV)01/96]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
File:08rctoc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:28:08 1996
Page 148 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 147 %
*
[TO02400( ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO02500( ALL)01/96]
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)
Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 147 %
*
[TO02400( ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO02500( ALL)01/96]
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)](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-147.png)
147 %
*
[TO02400( ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO02500( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO02600( ALL)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[TO02700( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO02800( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that
prevents you from shifting out of P
(Park) unless your foot is on the brake
pedal.
%*
[TO02900( ALL)01/96]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[TO03000( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO03100( ALL)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[TO03200( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[TO03300( ALL)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[TO03400( ALL)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
[TO03500( ALL)03/96]
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 Switchin the Index.
File:08rctoc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:28:08 1996
Page 152 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 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 Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 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](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-151.png)
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
Page 153 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 152
*
[GF01600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicles stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually o Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 152
*
[GF01600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicles stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually o](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-152.png)
152
*
[GF01600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually occur.
*
[GF01700( ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
%*
[GF01800( ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
[GF01900( ALL)12/95]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
with the anti-lock brake system, if the equipment
is installed according to the manufacturer's
instructions. However, if mobile radio
transmitting equipment is installed in your
vehicle and, if either the anti-lock brake system
cycles or the check anti-lock light comes on at
any time other than right after you turn the key
to ON or during a sudden stop, have your
mobile radio dealer inspect the installation.
%*
[GF02000( ALL)01/96]
Parking Brake
*
[GF02100( ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[GF02300( BCGV)12/95]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
the brake pedal.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996
Page 154 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 153 [GF02500( BC )12/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. T Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 153 [GF02500( BC )12/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. T](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-153.png)
153 [GF02500( BC )12/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. The brake
system warning light will glow.
[GF02800( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010315-A
The parking brake
*
[GF03100( BCGV)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
[GF03300( BC )12/95]
To release the parking brake, press down on the
pedal until you hear a click. Lift your foot off
the pedal. The brake is now released and will
reset to lock the next time you press the pedal,
located below the lower left corner of the
instrument panel. The Brake System Warning
Light will glow if the parking brake is not fully
released when the engine is running.
*
[GF03600( ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996