1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar fuel pressure

227
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[MC24600( ALL)01/96]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn
your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF
position. Do not move the wipers manually.
Manually moving the wipers across the
windshield may damage them.
*
[MC24700( ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[MC24800( ALL)01/96]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly
after you clean them, you may need to replace
the wiper blade assembly or the blade element.
When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent. To replace the blades, follow the
instructions that come with them.
%
*
[MC24900( ALL)01/96]
Tires
%*
[MC25001( ALL)03/96]
Checking Tire Pressure
*
[MC25100( ALL)02/96]
q
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC25200( ALL)02/96]
q
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold,
after the vehicle has been parked for at least
one hour or has been driven less than 3 miles
(5 km).
*
[MC25400( ALL)03/96]
q
Adjust tire pressure to recommended
specifications found on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[MC25900( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

233
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[MC29000( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[MC29200( ALL)01/96]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC29300( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[MC29400( ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC29500( ALL)01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%
*
[MC29600( ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
*
[MC29800(MBC )12/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger
side near the back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[MC29900( ALL)01/96]
1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove
the cap carefully and slowly by turning it
counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
*
[MC30000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

234
*
[MC30100( ALL)01/96]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[MC30200( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it off immediately.
The fuel may dull or soften the paint
if you do not wash it off.
%*
[MC30300( ALL)03/96]
3. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until
it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
*
[MC30400( ALL)01/96]
4. Push the fuel door closed.
%*
[MC30500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
*
[MC30600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
%*
[MC30700( ALL)01/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC30801( ALL)05/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded
fuel is prohibited by law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
*
[MC30901( ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control
Information label) are designed to operate on
California reformulated gasolines. If California
reformulated gasoline is not available when you
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

252
*
[MC51800( ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC51900( ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[MC52000( ALL)01/96]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC52100( BCGV)04/96]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[MC52200( BCGV)04/96]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[MC52300( ALL)01/96]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%*
[MC52400( ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC52500( ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[MC52600( ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

Index 307
Lamps (continued)
flashing the lamps........... 76
hazard flashers............. 78
headlamps............... 68
high beams.............. 75
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
illuminated entry system........ 91
illuminated mirrors........... 89
instrument panel, dimming....... 71
interior lamps............. 71
replacing bulbs............ 243
trailer................ 167
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . . 74
Lap belts................ 117
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 13
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 11
anti-theft................ 16
brake................. 10
charging system............ 14
door ajar................ 18
engine oil pressure........... 18
hazard warning light.......... 78
high beam............... 16
low coolant.............. 13
low fuel................ 19
low washer fluid............ 20
oil pressure.............. 18
overdrive off.............. 14
safety belt............... 12
service engine soon........... 16
theft system.............. 16
turn signal indicator.......... 17
Load limits............... 162
GAWR................ 162
GVWR................ 162
trailer towing............. 164
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996