1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar oil pressure

18 % [IS13001( BC )03/96]Door Ajar Light (If equipped)
[IS13101( BC )03/96]
This light tells you when any door is not
completely shut. It glows when the key is in the
ON position.
[IS13201( BC )03/96]
one inch art:0010126-C
The door ajar light
%*
[IS13250( BC )04/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Light
[IS13300( BC )05/96]
This light indicates the engine oil pressure, not
the oil level. However, if your engine's oil level
is low, it could affect the oil pressure. The light
should come on every time your ignition key is
turned to ON or START, and should go out
when the engine starts. If the light stays on or
turns on while the engine is running, you have
lost oil pressure andcontinued operation will
cause severe engine damage.
[IS13350( BC )05/96]
one inch art:0010532-A
The engine oil pressure light
*
[IS13400( BC )05/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS13450( BC )04/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS13500( BC )05/96]
2. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do
not stop the engine as soon as safely
possible, severe engine damage could result.
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

192 %
*
[ER20200( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[ER20300( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[ER20400( ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[ER20500( ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
File:10rcerc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:30:02 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

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

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