1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar coolant reservoir

212
*
[MC10100( ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC10200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%
*
[MC10900( ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC11000( ALL)03/96]
Washer Fluid
[MC11100( ALL)04/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
periodically. The reservoir for washer fluid is
located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment. Do not operate the washer when
the reservoir is empty.
[MC11300( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010375-B
The reservoir for the windshield washer fluid
*
[MC11500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

213 %
*
[MC11600( ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
*
[MC11700( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC11800( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC11900( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC12100( BCGV)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.
%*
[MC12200( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

214
*
[MC12300( ALL)02/96]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
[MC12500( BCGV)03/96]
half page art:0010761-D
The engine coolant reservoir
%*
[MC12700( ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
[MC12800( ALL)04/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. Repair or replace with
Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

218 [MC15700(MBC )12/95]3.8L engine only
[MC15800(MBC )12/95]
q
Open the vent plug.
[MC15900(MBC )12/95]
q
Remove coolant recovery reservoir cap.
[MC16000(MBC )12/95]
q
Remove radiator pressure cap.
[MC16100(MBC )12/95]
q
With the engine off and cool, add a 50/50
mixture of recommended cooling system fluid
and water to the radiator until full, then add
to the reservoir until the reservoir is at the
FULL-HOT level.
[MC16200(MBC )12/95]
q
Close the vent plug.
[MC16300(MBC )12/95]
q
Reinstall the coolant recovery reservoir cap
by installing the cap to the fully installed
position.
[MC16400(MBC )12/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap to the pressure
relief position by installing the cap to the
fully installed position, and then backing off
to the first stop.
[MC16500(MBC )12/95]
q
Start and idle engine until the radiator upper
hose is warm (this indicates the thermostat is
open and coolant is flowing through the
entire system).
[MC16600(MBC )12/95]
q
Immediately shut off engine. Cover cap
completely with a thick cloth and cautiously
remove radiator pressure cap and add a
50/50 mixture of recommended coolant and
water until system is full.
[MC16700(MBC )12/95]
q
Reinstall the radiator cap securely.
[MC16800(MBC )12/95]
q
Remove the cap from the engine coolant
recovery reservoir and add a 50/50 mixture
of recommended cooling system fluid and
water to the FULL-HOT mark on the engine
coolant recovery reservoir. Check that
reservoir hose is not kinked.
[MC16900(MBC )12/95]
q
Reinstall the reservoir cap.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

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

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