Page 219 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 219
*
[MC17000(MBC )12/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock, block plug
and vent plug.
*
[MC17100(MBC )12/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
oc Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 219
*
[MC17000(MBC )12/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock, block plug
and vent plug.
*
[MC17100(MBC )12/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
oc](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-218.png)
219
*
[MC17000(MBC )12/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock, block plug
and vent plug.
*
[MC17100(MBC )12/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
[MC17200( BC )12/95]
4.6L engine only
*
[MC17400( ALL)12/95]
q
With the engine OFF and cool, remove the
pressure cap, located on the coolant reservoir.
Remove the heater hose and clamp, located
on the rear of the intake manifold.
*
[MC17500( ALL)12/95]
q
Add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water to the coolant reservoir. Refer toRefill
Capacitieslater in this chapter for the correct
amount. Add coolant to the reservoir until
the coolant continuously flows out of the tube
in the rear of engine. Reattach hose and
secure clamp.
[MC17600( ALL)12/95]
q
Continue to fill the reservoir until the coolant
is at the FULL COLD level.
*
[MC17700( ALL)12/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap to the fully
installed position.
*
[MC17800( ALL)12/95]
q
Start and idle the engine until the radiator
upper hose is warm (this indicates the
thermostat is open and coolant is flowing
through the entire system).
*
[MC17900( ALL)12/95]
q
Immediately shut off the engine and let cool.
Cautiously remove the pressure relief cap and
add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water until the coolant is at the COLD FILL
level in the coolant reservoir.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996
Page 233 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 233
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicles tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[M Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 233
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicles tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[M](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-232.png)
233
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[MC29000( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[MC29200( ALL)01/96]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC29300( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[MC29400( ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC29500( ALL)01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%
*
[MC29600( ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
*
[MC29800(MBC )12/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger
side near the back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[MC29900( ALL)01/96]
1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove
the cap carefully and slowly by turning it
counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
*
[MC30000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996
Page 234 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 234
*
[MC30100( ALL)01/96]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[MC30200( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it o Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 234
*
[MC30100( ALL)01/96]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[MC30200( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it o](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-233.png)
234
*
[MC30100( ALL)01/96]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[MC30200( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it off immediately.
The fuel may dull or soften the paint
if you do not wash it off.
%*
[MC30300( ALL)03/96]
3. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until
it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
*
[MC30400( ALL)01/96]
4. Push the fuel door closed.
%*
[MC30500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
*
[MC30600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
%*
[MC30700( ALL)01/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC30801( ALL)05/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded
fuel is prohibited by law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
*
[MC30901( ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control
Information label) are designed to operate on
California reformulated gasolines. If California
reformulated gasoline is not available when you
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996
Page 245 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 245
*
[MC43400( ALL)03/96]
Removing the headlamp bulb
*
[MC43500( ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure that the headlamp switch is in
the OFF position.
*
[MC43800( BC )01/96]
2. Lift the hood and find the bulb in Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 245
*
[MC43400( ALL)03/96]
Removing the headlamp bulb
*
[MC43500( ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure that the headlamp switch is in
the OFF position.
*
[MC43800( BC )01/96]
2. Lift the hood and find the bulb in](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-244.png)
245
*
[MC43400( ALL)03/96]
Removing the headlamp bulb
*
[MC43500( ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure that the headlamp switch is in
the OFF position.
*
[MC43800( BC )01/96]
2. Lift the hood and find the bulb in the
headlamp socket.
*
[MC44100( BC )12/95]
3. Remove the electrical connector from the
bulb by grasping the wire with a quick pull
rearward.
*
[MC44300( BC )12/95]
4. Remove the retaining ring by turning it 1/8
of a turn to free it from the socket. Then
slide the ring off the plastic base.Keep the
ring.You must use it again to hold the new
bulb in place.
*
[MC44800( ALL)03/96]
Installing the headlamp bulb
*
[MC45000(MBC )01/96]
1. With the flat side of the bulb's plastic base
facing upward, insert the glass end of the
bulb into the socket. You may need to turn
the bulb left or right to line up the grooves
in the plastic base with the tabs in the
socket. When the grooves are aligned, push
the bulb into the socket until the plastic base
contacts the rear of the socket.
*
[MC45200(MBC )01/96]
2. Slip the bulb retaining ring over the plastic
base until it contacts the rear of the socket.
Lock the ring into the socket by rotating it
clockwise until you feel a ªstop.º
*
[MC45300( ALL)01/96]
3. Push the electrical connector into the rear of
the plastic base until it snaps, locking it into
position.
*
[MC45400(MBC )01/96]
4. Turn the headlamps on and make sure that
they work properly. If the headlamp was
correctly aligned before you changed the
bulb, you should not need to align it again.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996
Page 247 of 308
247 % [MC46200( BCGV)12/95]
Toremovethe high-mount brakelamp:
[MC46300( BC )12/95]
1. Slide the trim cover toward the front of the
vehicle to disengage the retaining clips.
[MC46500( BC )12/95]
2. Twist the socket counterclockwise and
remove from lamp.
[MC46800( BC )12/95]
3. Pull bulb out of socket.
[MC47000( BC )12/95]
4. Remove the retaining screw.
[MC47100( BC )12/95]
5. Lift the lamp above the carpet and slide
away from the rear window.
[MC47300( BC )12/95]
6. Replace the burned out bulbs.
*
[MC47400( BCGV)01/96]
Toinstallthe high-mount brakelamp:
[MC47500( BC )12/95]
1. Slide the lamp into slots, toward the rear
window.
[MC47700( BC )12/95]
2. Install the screw.
[MC47900( BC )12/95]
3. Push bulb into the socket.
[MC48000( BC )12/95]
4. Install the bulb and socket into the lamp and
twist socket clockwise until it locks.
[MC48100( BC )12/95]
5. Slide the trim cover toward rear of vehicle
to engage the retaining clips.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996
Page 252 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 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.
Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 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.](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-251.png)
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
Page 261 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 263
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 263
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-260.png)
263
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220( ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225( ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230( ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235( ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240( ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:14rchsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:32:19 1996
Page 287 of 308

Index 295
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 11
Accessory position on the ignition..... 73
Additives, engine oil.......... 207
Air bag supplemental
restraint system............ 119
and child safety seats......... 211
description.............. 119
driver air bag............ 119
indicator light............. 13
operation.............. 121
passenger air bag........... 121
service and information labels..... 285
tone generator............ 121
Air cleaner filter
location............... 204
specifications............. 253
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 59
semi-automatic temperature
control system............ 62
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 100
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 25
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 213
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 151
see also Brake............ 151
warning light.............. 11
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996