1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar maintenance

238
*
[MC33700( ALL)01/96]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[MC33800( ALL)01/96]
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the
initial odometer reading.
*
[MC33900( ALL)01/96]
2. Every time you buy fuel, record the
amount (in gallons or liters) purchased.
*
[MC34000( ALL)01/96]
3. After at least 3-5 tankfuls, fill the fuel tank
and record the final odometer reading.
*
[MC34100( ALL)01/96]
4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel
economy:
*
[MC34200( ALL)01/96]
q
English: MPG = (total miles driven)v
(gallons used)
*
[MC34300( ALL)01/96]
q
Metric: L/100k = (liters used)v
(100 kilometers)
*
[MC34400( ALL)01/96]
Comparisons With EPA Estimates
*
[MC34500( ALL)05/96]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and may not reflect the actual conditions you
experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that
you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
*
[MC34600( ALL)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC34700( ALL)01/96]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[MC34800( ALL)01/96]
q
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[MC34900( ALL)01/96]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[MC35000( ALL)01/96]
q
Sudden stops
*
[MC35100( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[MC35200( ALL)01/96]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[MC35300( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC35400( ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 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

240
*
[MC36800( ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC36900( ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC37000( ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC37100( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC37200( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not push start your vehicle.
*
[MC37300( ALL)02/96]
q
Have the services listed in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule. The scheduled
maintenance services are required because
they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
*
[MC37400( ALL)01/96]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC37500( ALL)01/96]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

242 %
*
[MC38200( ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[MC38300( ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38400( ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II
system.
*
[MC38601( ALL)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:
*
[MC38701( ALL)05/96]
q
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and
go, city type traffic with at least four idle
periods.
*
[MC38801( ALL)05/96]
q
At least ten minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.
[MC38901( ALL)04/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during these driving modes.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

256
%*
[CS03000( ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS03100( ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS03200( ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[CS03300( ALL)01/96]
General
*
[CS03400( ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[CS03500( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[CS03600( ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[CS03700( ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[CS03800( ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[CS03900( ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[CS04000( ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[CS04100( ALL)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
File:12rccsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:31:57 1996

264
*
[HS00245( ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00250( ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can
be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place
it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00255( ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United
States call 1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call
1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00260( ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside
assistance yourself, Ford Motor Company will
reimburse the reasonable cost. To obtain
information about reimbursement call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00300( ALL)01/95]
If You Have a Service Problem
*
[HS00400( ALL)01/95]
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service
your vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how
to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
%*
[HS00500( ALL)02/95]
Service/Maintenance Concerns
(U.S. or Canada)
*
[HS00600( ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your
selling dealer who wants to ensure your
continued satisfaction. You may, however, take
your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your
dealer will be able to resolve your concern.
*
[HS00700( ALL)04/95]
If you are not satisfied with the service you
received from your dealership's service
department, talk to the service manager at the
dealership, or if you still are not satisfied, talk to
the owner or general manager of the dealership.
In most cases, you will have your concern
resolved at this level.
File:14rchsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:32:19 1996

269
*
[HS04300( ALL)05/96]
To review your case properly, the Board needs
the following information:
*
[HS04400( ALL)05/96]
q
legible copies of all documents and
maintenance or repair orders relevant to the
case
*
[HS04500( ALL)05/96]
q
the year, make, model, and Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) listed on your
vehicle ownership license
*
[HS04600( ALL)05/96]
q
the date of repair(s) and mileage at the time
of occurrence(s)
*
[HS04700( ALL)05/96]
q
the current mileage
*
[HS04800( ALL)05/96]
q
the name of the dealer who sold or serviced
the vehicle
*
[HS04900( ALL)05/96]
q
a brief description of your unresolved concern
*
[HS05000( ALL)05/96]
q
a brief summary of the action taken with the
dealer and Ford Motor Company
*
[HS05100( ALL)05/96]
q
the names (if known) of all the people you
contacted at the dealership
*
[HS05200( ALL)05/96]
q
a description of the action you expect to
resolve your concern
*
[HS05300( ALL)05/96]
Should your case NOT qualify for review, a
letter of explanation will be mailed to you.
*
[HS05401( ALL)05/96]
Oral presentations
*
[HS05501( ALL)05/96]
If the involved vehicle is within 36 months and
36,000 miles of the warranty start date, you have
the right to make an oral presentation before the
Board. Indicate your choice to do so on the
application. Oral presentations may also be
requested by the Board.
File:14rchsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:32:19 1996

296 Index
Anti-theft lug nuts and key........ 189
Anti-theft system
arming the system........... 97
description............... 96
disarming an untriggered system..... 98
disarming a triggered system....... 99
triggering............... 98
warning light.............. 16
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 266
Assistance (see Customer assistance).... 263
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 25
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 69
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..... 157
fluid, adding............. 224
fluid, checking............ 223
fluid, refill capacities......... 254
fluid, specification........... 255
Axle
lubricant specifications......... 255
refill capacities............ 254
traction lok.............. 154
B
Backing up............... 159
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery................. 225
acid, treating emergencies....... 192
charging system warning light...... 14
disconnecting............. 226
how to service............ 225
jumping a disabled battery....... 191
maintenance-free........... 225
proper disposal, recycling....... 226
replacement, specifications....... 253
servicing............... 225
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996