1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar battery replacement

202vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
*
[MC01200( ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
%*
[MC01300( 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.
%
*
[MC01400( ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01500( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01600(MBC )01/96]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[MC01700(MBC )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.
*
[MC01800( ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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

Index 297
Battery (continued)
voltage gauge............. 14
when storing your vehicle....... 258
Brake fluid............... 210
brake warning light........... 10
checking and adding......... 210
description.............. 210
specifications...........211, 255
Brakelamp............... 243
bulb replacement........... 244
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
Brakes................. 151
adjustment.............. 151
anti-lock............... 151
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............ 11
applying the brakes.......... 151
brake warning light........... 10
fluid, checking and adding...... 210
fluid, refill capacities.......210, 254
fluid, specifications........211, 255
front disc.............. 151
if brakes do not grip well....... 151
master cylinder............ 210
new brake linings............ 6
noise................ 151
parking............... 152
power braking............ 151
servicing............... 210
stopping distances.......... 169
trailer................ 167
when storing your vehicle....... 258
Brake-shift interlock........... 157
Break-in period.............. 6
Brights (high beams)........... 16
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