1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar wheel

220
*
[MC18000( ALL)12/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap securely.
*
[MC18100( ALL)12/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock.
*
[MC18200( ALL)12/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
%
*
[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[MC18600( BC )03/96]
3.8L SFI engine
*
[MC18700( ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18800( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18900( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC19000(MBC )01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[MC19200(MBC )01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

231
*
[MC28000( ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC28100( ALL)05/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
*
[MC28150( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straightahead) traction
tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
*
[MC28200( ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
*
[MC28300( ALL)05/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

252
*
[MC51800( ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC51900( ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[MC52000( ALL)01/96]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC52100( BCGV)04/96]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[MC52200( BCGV)04/96]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[MC52300( ALL)01/96]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%*
[MC52400( ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC52500( ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[MC52600( ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
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

Index 299
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 249
chrome and aluminum parts...... 250
engine compartment......... 252
exterior............... 249
exterior lamps............ 250
fabric................ 251
headlamps.............. 250
instrument panel.......... 59,251
instrument panel lens......... 251
interior............... 251
interior lamps............ 251
mirrors................ 93
plastic parts............. 250
polishing............... 249
rustproofing............. 250
safety belts.............. 250
tail lamps.............. 250
upholstery and interior trim...... 251
washing............... 249
waxing............... 249
wheels................ 252
Climate control system.......... 59
air conditioning.......... 59,62
heating.............. 59,62
Clock.................. 72
Cold engine starting........... 146
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . . 110
Compact disc player (see Electronic
sound system)........... 26,31
Compact disc radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 26
Console, description............ 94
Controls
mirrors................ 93
power seat.............. 106
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

312 Index
Spark plugs, specifications........ 253
Special driving conditions........ 168
Specification chart, lubricants....... 255
Speed control
turning off............... 81
when towing a trailer......... 167
Speedometer............... 22
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 145
starting a cold engine......... 146
starting after a collision........ 180
starting a warm engine........ 147
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 191
Steering, power............. 156
Steering wheel
horn.................. 79
locking................. 73
tilting................. 80
Storage compartments, center console.... 94
Storing your vehicle........... 256
Sunroof (moon roof)............ 85
Sun visor................. 89
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 13
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . . . 119
T
Tachometer................ 23
Tail lamps
bulb replacement.........243, 248
cleaning............... 250
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 59
Tilt steering wheel............. 80
Tires.................. 227
changing............... 181
checking the pressure......... 227
cleaning............... 252
inspection and maintenance...... 227
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

Index 313
Tires (continued)
replacing............... 229
rotating............... 228
snow tires and chains......... 232
spare tire.............. 183
storing your vehicle.......... 258
tire grades.............. 230
treadwear.............. 229
wear bands............. 229
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 164
Towing your vehicle.......... 198
using wheel dollies.......... 198
with a tow truck........... 198
Traction assist............. 155
Traction-lok rear axle.......... 154
Trailer towing............. 164
calculating maximum
trailer weight........... 164
safety chains............. 166
tips................. 167
trailer brakes............. 167
trailer lamps............. 167
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 157
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 223
fluid, refill capacities......... 254
lubricant specifications........ 255
Transmission control switch....... 160
Transmitter (see Remote entry)....... 99
Trip odometer.............. 23
Trunk
remote release lever........... 72
using the remote entry system to open . 100
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 242
Turn signal................ 74
indicator lights............. 17
lever................. 74
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

Index 315
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 162
Wheel dollies (see Towing)........ 198
Wheels
anti-theft lugnuts........... 190
cleaning............... 252
covers..............184, 188
inspection and maintenance...... 227
lug nuts............... 184
ornaments.............. 188
Windows................. 92
power windows, operating....... 92
rear, defrosting............. 66
Windshield, washing........... 76
Windshield washer fluid and wipers.... 76
checking and adding fluid....... 212
checking and replacing wiper blades . . 226
low washer fluid light.......... 20
operation............... 76
reservoir............... 212
specifications............. 255
variable interval wipers......... 76
Windshield wipers and washer....... 76
Wrecker towing............. 198
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996