Page 101 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 99 %
*
[CF57200(MBC )03/96]
Disarming a Triggered System
*
[CF57300(MBC )01/96]
The alarm can be disarmed by:
*
[CF57400(MBC )12/95]
q
unlocking a front door with the key
*
[CF57500(MBC )04/96]
q
usin Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 99 %
*
[CF57200(MBC )03/96]
Disarming a Triggered System
*
[CF57300(MBC )01/96]
The alarm can be disarmed by:
*
[CF57400(MBC )12/95]
q
unlocking a front door with the key
*
[CF57500(MBC )04/96]
q
usin](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-100.png)
99 %
*
[CF57200(MBC )03/96]
Disarming a Triggered System
*
[CF57300(MBC )01/96]
The alarm can be disarmed by:
*
[CF57400(MBC )12/95]
q
unlocking a front door with the key
*
[CF57500(MBC )04/96]
q
using the UNLOCK control on the remote
entry transmitter
*
[CF57600(MBC )01/96]
NOTE: The flashing lights and honking horn
will shut off automatically within 2
minutes 45 seconds after the system is
triggered. It will trigger again if
another intrusion occurs. However, the
starter circuit remains disabled until
the system is disarmed.
*
[CF65000( ALL)05/96]
Remote Entry System
(If equipped)
*
[CF65100( ALL)05/96]
If your vehicle has the remote entry system, you
can lock and unlock the vehicle doors and open
the trunk without using a key. The remote also
has a personal alarm feature. The controls for
the system are located on the hand held
remote(s) that came with your vehicle.
*
[CF65200( ALL)05/96]
The system will work with up to four remotes.
Your vehicle came with two remotes. Additional
remotes can be ordered from your dealer.
*
[CF65300(MBC )01/96]
The remote entry features only operate with the
ignition in the OFF position.
File:05rccfc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996
Page 102 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 100 [CF65500(MBC )05/96]
one third page art:0001000-ARemote
%*
[CF65700( ALL)02/96]
Unlocking the doors and opening the
trunk
*
[CF65800( ALL)04/96]
To unlock the drivers door, press the UNLOCK
contr Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 100 [CF65500(MBC )05/96]
one third page art:0001000-ARemote
%*
[CF65700( ALL)02/96]
Unlocking the doors and opening the
trunk
*
[CF65800( ALL)04/96]
To unlock the drivers door, press the UNLOCK
contr](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-101.png)
100 [CF65500(MBC )05/96]
one third page art:0001000-ARemote
%*
[CF65700( ALL)02/96]
Unlocking the doors and opening the
trunk
*
[CF65800( ALL)04/96]
To unlock the driver's door, press the UNLOCK
control.
*
[CF65900( ALL)04/96]
To unlock the other doors, press the UNLOCK
control a second time within five seconds of
unlocking the driver's door.
*
[CF66000( ALL)05/96]
To open the trunk, press the TRUNK control.
*
[CF66200( ALL)04/96]
Locking the doors
*
[CF66300( ALL)04/96]
To lock all the doors, press the LOCK control.
*
[CF66400(MBC )05/96]
If you would like a signal that the doors are
being locked, press the LOCK control again
within five seconds. The doors will lock again
and the horn will beep.
%*
[CF67200( ALL)03/96]
Activating the remote personal alarm
*
[CF67300( ALL)04/96]
If you wish to activate the remote personal
alarm, press the PANIC control. This will honk
the horn and flash the parking lamps and tail
lamps for approximately two minutes and
forty-five seconds. You can turn it OFF by
pressing the PANIC control again or by turning
the ignition key to the RUN position.
File:05rccfc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996
Page 125 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 123 [SS24350( ALL)04/96]
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag
readiness light, the air bag power, and the air
bag inflators.
*
[SS24401( ALL)05/9 Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 123 [SS24350( ALL)04/96]
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag
readiness light, the air bag power, and the air
bag inflators.
*
[SS24401( ALL)05/9](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-124.png)
123 [SS24350( ALL)04/96]
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag
readiness light, the air bag power, and the air
bag inflators.
*
[SS24401( ALL)05/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
*
[SS24501( ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint 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 key to ON, this light will illuminate for
approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is operating
normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
%*
[SS24601( ALL)05/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:
*
[SS24701( ALL)05/96]
q
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
*
[SS24801( ALL)05/96]
q
the readiness light will not light immediately
after ignition is turned on,
%*
[SS24901( ALL)05/96]
q
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.
*
[SS25001( ALL)05/96]
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly
in the event of a collision.
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 147 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 146
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL) Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 146
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL)](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-146.png)
146
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO01500( ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO01600( ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[TO01700( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[TO01800( ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[TO01900( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO02000( ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[TO02100( ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO02200( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO02300( ALL)01/96]
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.
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 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 158 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 157
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05600( BCGV)12/95 Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 157
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05600( BCGV)12/95](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-157.png)
157
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05600( BCGV)12/95]
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
(If equipped)
[GF05800( BC )12/95]
The steering system in 4.6L engine vehicles is
speed sensitive. This means that the steering
effort is light for parking and heavier for
highway driving. However, if you have to
swerve around an object or another vehicle, your
steering will have full power assist.
%
*
[GF06500( ALL)12/95]
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transmission
[GF06600(MBC )12/95]
The gearshift lever is floor mounted.
*
[GF06700( BCGV)12/95]
The automatic overdrive transmission operates
very much like a regular automatic transmission,
except it offers the extra overdrive feature.
%*
[GF06800( ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[GF06900( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
[GF07100(MBC )04/96]
To move the shifter out of P (Park), the ignition
key must be turned to the ON position and the
shift lever thumb button must be pushed in.
*
[GF07200( ALL)12/95]
To operate:
*
[GF07300( ALL)12/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[GF07400( ALL)12/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[GF07500( ALL)12/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996