Page 239 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 239
*
[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC35600( ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
*
[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC35800( Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 239
*
[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC35600( ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
*
[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC35800(](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-238.png)
239
*
[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC35600( ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
*
[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC35800( ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[MC35900( ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[MC36000( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC36100( ALL)12/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
*
[MC36200( ALL)12/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC36300( ALL)12/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC36400( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[MC36500( ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC36600( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC36700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996
Page 240 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 240
*
[MC36800( ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC36900( ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC37000( ALL)01 Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 240
*
[MC36800( ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC36900( ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC37000( ALL)01](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-239.png)
240
*
[MC36800( ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC36900( ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC37000( ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC37100( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC37200( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not push start your vehicle.
*
[MC37300( ALL)02/96]
q
Have the services listed in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule. The scheduled
maintenance services are required because
they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
*
[MC37400( ALL)01/96]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC37500( ALL)01/96]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996
Page 290 of 308

298 Index
Bulbs, replacing............. 243
halogen............... 244
headlamps.............. 244
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
specifications............. 248
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 271
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 271
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 254
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 149
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 125
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)............. 36
Catalytic converter............ 239
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . . . 25
Chains, tires.............. 232
Changing a tire............. 181
Charging system warning light....... 14
Child safety restraints.......... 124
child safety belts........... 142
child safety seats........... 125
Child safety seats............ 125
and air bags............. 125
automatic locking mode
(retractor)...........112, 125
in front seat............. 125
in rear outboard seat......... 125
in rear seat............125, 140
tether anchorage hardware....... 141
Chime
key in ignition............. 74
safety belt............... 12
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 179
see also fuses............. 171
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996
Page 293 of 308

Index 301
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 179
fuses................ 171
Electronic sound system
tuning the radio........ 27,37,47
warranty and service information.... 58
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 37
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 263
battery acid spills........... 192
fuel................. 233
jump-starting............. 191
towing................ 198
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 152
Emission control system......... 239
catalytic converter.......... 239
emissions warranty......... 4,239
Engine
does not start..........147, 180
fuel injected engine, starting...... 145
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 180
preparing to start........... 145
refill capacities............ 254
service points............ 204
starting............... 145
starting after a collision........ 180
storing your vehicle.......... 256
Engine block heater........... 148
Engine coolant............. 213
checking and adding......... 213
checking hoses............ 214
disposal............... 202
drain and flush............ 217
low coolant warning light........ 13
preparing for storage......... 258
proper solution............ 216
recovery reservoir........204, 213
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996