1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar adding oil

19 [IS13550( BC )04/96]
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil, seeEngine Oilin the Index. If you do
not follow these instructions, you or others
could be injured. To assure an accurate
reading, your vehicle should be on level
ground.
[IS13600( BC )03/96]
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if
the light is on, regardless of the oil level.
Contact your nearest dealer for service as
soon as possible.
*
[IS13700( BC )03/96]
For more information about adding oil, see
Adding engine oilin theMaintenance and Care
chapter of this guide.
%*
[IS13750( BC )04/96]
Low Fuel Light
[IS13800( BC )04/96]
This light comes on when your fuel gauge
indicates approximately 1/8 to 1/16 of a tank.
Your vehicle must be turned to ON for this light
to come on. This light will either flicker or glow
steadily.
[IS13850( BC )04/96]
one inch art:0000116-C
The low fuel light
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

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
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

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
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

300 Index
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 213
checking and adding......... 215
drain and flush............ 217
preparing for storage......... 258
refill capacities............ 254
specifications............. 255
temperature gauge........... 21
Cooling fan............... 202
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 265
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........265, 271
D
Daytime running light system....... 67
Defrost
rear window.............. 66
windshield............. 59,64
Dipstick................ 208
automatic transmission fluid...... 223
engine oil.............. 208
power steering fluid.......... 221
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 198
Dispute Settlement Board........ 266
Doors.................. 90
door ajar warning light......... 18
lubricant specifications......... 255
Driving under special conditions..... 168
bad weather............. 169
heavy load.............. 162
high water.............. 170
slippery roads............ 169
tips for safe driving.......... 168
towing a trailer............ 164
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

302 Index
Engine coolant (continued)
refill capacities............ 254
specifications............. 255
temperature gauge........... 21
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 21
description............... 21
mechanical............... 21
Engine fan............... 202
Engine oil............... 207
changing oil and oil filter....... 208
checking and adding......... 208
dipstick............... 208
disposal............... 210
engine oil pressure warning light..... 18
filter, specifications.......... 253
refill capacities............ 254
specifications...........207, 255
synthetic oil............. 207
ªbreak-inº oils............. 6
viscosity............... 207
Entry system
illuminated............... 91
remote................. 99
Exhaust fumes............. 149
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan .................. 202
engine fan, avoiding injury....... 202
Federal Communications Commission.... 57
Flashers, hazard.............. 78
Flashing the lights............. 76
Flat tire................. 181
Floor mats................ 95
Fluid refill capacities........... 254
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 265
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 266
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996