1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar check 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
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Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

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

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

241
*
[MC37600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[MC37700( ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC37800( ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC37900( ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38000( ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC38100( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
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