1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar key

158 %
*
[GF07600( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift
Interlock safety feature. This feature prevents the
gearshift from being moved from the P (Park)
position until the brake pedal is depressed. This
feature is active when the ignition is in the ON
position. If the gearshift lever CANNOT be
moved from P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
*
[GF07700( ALL)12/95]
1. Turn the engine off and remove the ignition
key.
*
[GF07800( ALL)12/95]
2. Apply parking brake.
*
[GF07900( ALL)04/96]
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn clockwise
to the first position.
*
[GF08000( ALL)01/96]
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift
lever to N (Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[GF08100( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
*
[GF08200( ALL)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
[GF08300(MBC )12/95]
The console-mounted gearshift will lock in P
(Park) when you turn the key to the LOCK
position. When the gearshift is in any position
except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be
turned to LOCK or removed from the steering
column. TO REMOVE THE KEY, the gearshift
lever must be in P (Park).
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

159 % [GF08600( BC )12/95]
half page art:0010307-F
The positions of the console-mounted gearshift
*
[GF08700( ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF08800( ALL)05/96]
R (Reverse)
*
[GF08900( ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[GF09000( ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
[GF09100( ALL)12/95]
As in P (Park), there is no power transferred
through the transmission. However, the final
drive is not locked so the wheels are free to
rotate. The vehicle may be started in the N
position, but the ignition key cannot be
removed.
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

190 [ER17400( BC )04/96]To replace the wheel cover:
[ER17500( BC )12/95]
1. Place the tire valve stem hole in the wheel
cover over the tire valve stem. Align the
holes in the wheel cover mounting pad with
the center holes in the metal inserts. Install
and tighten the five screws.
[ER17600( BC )12/95]
2. Align the legs of the ornament with the slots
on the wheel cover. Strike the ornament with
the palm of your hand.
%*
[ER18800(MBC )01/96]
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts (If equipped)
*
[ER18900( BC )12/95]
If your vehicle has this option, one of the lug
nuts on each wheel locks and must be unlocked
with a special key. The key and registration card
are attached to the lug wrench and stored with
the spare tire. If you lose the key, send the
registration card to the manufacturer (not the
dealer) to get a replacement key.
*
[ER19100(MBC )12/95]
NOTE: If entire lug wrench/lug nut key
assembly is lost, see your nearest Ford
or Lincoln-Mercury dealer who has
access to a master set of keys.
*
[ER19200(MBC )12/95]
NOTE: DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT
WRENCH ON THE LUG NUT KEY.
[ER19300(MBC )12/95]
quarter page art:0010357-B
The anti-theft lug nut and key
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

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.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 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

298 Index
Bulbs, replacing............. 243
halogen............... 244
headlamps.............. 244
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
specifications............. 248
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 271
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 271
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 254
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 149
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 125
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)............. 36
Catalytic converter............ 239
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . . . 25
Chains, tires.............. 232
Changing a tire............. 181
Charging system warning light....... 14
Child safety restraints.......... 124
child safety belts........... 142
child safety seats........... 125
Child safety seats............ 125
and air bags............. 125
automatic locking mode
(retractor)...........112, 125
in front seat............. 125
in rear outboard seat......... 125
in rear seat............125, 140
tether anchorage hardware....... 141
Chime
key in ignition............. 74
safety belt............... 12
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 179
see also fuses............. 171
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996