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![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 208 %
*
[MC06500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600( ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each t Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 208 %
*
[MC06500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600( ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each t](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-207.png)
208 %
*
[MC06500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600( ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[MC06700( ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC06800( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[MC06900( BCGV)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[MC07100( ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[MC07200( ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[MC07300( ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[MC07400( BC )03/96]
one inch art:0011218-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 4.6 liter engines
[MC07600(MBC )12/95]
one inch art:0000970-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 3.8 liter engines
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![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 209
*
[MC07700( BCGV)03/96]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 209
*
[MC07700( BCGV)03/96]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full,](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-208.png)
209
*
[MC07700( BCGV)03/96]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[MC07800( ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[MC07900( ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[MC08000( ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[MC08100( ALL)01/96]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[MC08200( ALL)01/96]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[MC08300( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0060618-C
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![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 210
*
[MC08350( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 210
*
[MC08350( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-209.png)
210
*
[MC08350( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
ªMotorcraftº oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
*
[MC08400( ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%*
[MC08500( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[MC08600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC08700( ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC08800( ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC08900( ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
[MC09000( BCGV)04/96]
Check the brake fluid at each scheduled engine
oil change or at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic
reservoir on the master cylinder. Also, see label
on reservoir cap. (To locate the master cylinder,
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![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 211
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MAX fill mark and
3/8" below the MAX fill line.
*
[MC09200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC09300( ALL)01/96] Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 211
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MAX fill mark and
3/8" below the MAX fill line.
*
[MC09200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC09300( ALL)01/96]](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-210.png)
211
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MAX fill mark and
3/8" below the MAX fill line.
*
[MC09200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC09300( ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC09400( ALL)03/96]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC09500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[MC09600( ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
[MC10000( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010387-A
The brake system fluid reservoir
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212
*
[MC10100( ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC10200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%
*
[MC10900( ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC11000( ALL)03/96]
Washer Fluid
[MC11100( ALL)04/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
periodically. The reservoir for washer fluid is
located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment. Do not operate the washer when
the reservoir is empty.
[MC11300( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010375-B
The reservoir for the windshield washer fluid
*
[MC11500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
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![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 213 %
*
[MC11600( ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 213 %
*
[MC11600( ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-212.png)
213 %
*
[MC11600( ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
*
[MC11700( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC11800( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC11900( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC12100( BCGV)05/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[MC12200( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
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Page 214 of 308
214
*
[MC12300( ALL)02/96]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
[MC12500( BCGV)03/96]
half page art:0010761-D
The engine coolant reservoir
%*
[MC12700( ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
[MC12800( ALL)04/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. Repair or replace with
Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
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Page 215 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 215
*
[MC12900( ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[MC13000( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC13100(MBC )05/96]
If sprayed to clean Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 215
*
[MC12900( ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[MC13000( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC13100(MBC )05/96]
If sprayed to clean](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-214.png)
215
*
[MC12900( ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[MC13000( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC13100(MBC )05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
[MC13200(MBC )05/96]
RWARNING
Never remove the radiator cap or vent
plug while the engine is running or hot.
[MC13400(MBC )05/96]
Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that
can be caused by escaping steam or engine
coolant.
[MC13500(MBC )12/95]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool. Even when the engine is
cool, be careful when you remove the
radiator cap or vent plug.
[MC13700(MBC )05/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to unscrew.
*
[MC13800(MBC )05/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
[MC13900(MBC )05/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press the cap
down, turn it counterclockwise, and remove
it.
*
[MC14000(MBC )05/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996