1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar lights

167 %
*
[GF21600( ALL)05/96]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[GF21700( ALL)05/96]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
*
[GF21900( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF22000( ALL)05/96]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[GF22100( ALL)05/96]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
*
[GF22300( ALL)05/96]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
%*
[GF22400( ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22500( ALL)05/96]
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.
[GF22800(MBC )12/95]
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.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

181
*
[ER08100( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
*
[ER08200( ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ER08300( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER08400( ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER08500( ALL)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ER08600( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ER08700( ALL)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ER08800( ALL)01/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
%
*
[ER09300( ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER09400( ALL)02/96]
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.
File:10rcerc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:30:02 1996

191
*
[ER19400(MBC )12/95]
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[ER19500(MBC )02/96]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make
sure that you hold the key square to the lug nut.
If you hold the key on an angle, you may
damage the key and the lug nut.
*
[ER19600(MBC )12/95]
Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key
and apply pressure on the key with the wrench.
Turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction
to remove the lug nut.
*
[ER19700(MBC )12/95]
Reinstalling the anti-theft lug nut
*
[ER19800(MBC )12/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the
lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and, while
applying pressure on the key, install the lug nut.
%
*
[ER19900( ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[ER19950( ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights on or any electrical equipment on after
you turn the engine off. If this happens, you
may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
*
[ER20000( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER20100( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
File:10rcerc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:30:02 1996

193 %
*
[ER20600( ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
[ER20700( ALL)02/96]
NOTE: also see label on battery.
*
[ER20800( ALL)02/96]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[ER20900( ALL)02/96]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[ER21000( ALL)02/96]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER21100( ALL)02/96]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[ER21200( ALL)02/96]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
File:10rcerc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:30:02 1996

239
*
[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC35600( ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
*
[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC35800( ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[MC35900( ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[MC36000( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC36100( ALL)12/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
*
[MC36200( ALL)12/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC36300( ALL)12/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC36400( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[MC36500( ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC36600( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC36700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

243
%*
[MC41200( ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC41300( ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[MC41400( ALL)01/96]
q
headlamps
*
[MC41500( ALL)01/96]
q
tail lamps
*
[MC41600( ALL)01/96]
q
brakelamps
*
[MC41700( ALL)01/96]
q
hazard flasher
*
[MC41800( ALL)01/96]
q
high-mount brakelamp
*
[MC41900( ALL)01/96]
q
turn signals
*
[MC42100( ALL)05/96]
q
license plate lamps
%*
[MC42300( ALL)01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[MC42400( ALL)01/96]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[MC42500( ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[MC42600( ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamp beams are pointed substantially
away from a position slightly down and to
the right
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

302 Index
Engine coolant (continued)
refill capacities............ 254
specifications............. 255
temperature gauge........... 21
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 21
description............... 21
mechanical............... 21
Engine fan............... 202
Engine oil............... 207
changing oil and oil filter....... 208
checking and adding......... 208
dipstick............... 208
disposal............... 210
engine oil pressure warning light..... 18
filter, specifications.......... 253
refill capacities............ 254
specifications...........207, 255
synthetic oil............. 207
ªbreak-inº oils............. 6
viscosity............... 207
Entry system
illuminated............... 91
remote................. 99
Exhaust fumes............. 149
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan .................. 202
engine fan, avoiding injury....... 202
Federal Communications Commission.... 57
Flashers, hazard.............. 78
Flashing the lights............. 76
Flat tire................. 181
Floor mats................ 95
Fluid refill capacities........... 254
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 265
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 266
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

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
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996