1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar warning light

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[IS00600( ALL)01/96]
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your
vehicle is divided into several different sections.
The illustrations on the following pages show
the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown
may not be on all vehicles.
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[IS00800( BC )04/96]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

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[IS01700( BCGV)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
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[IS02000( BCGV)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
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[IS02600( ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
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[IS02700( ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.
[IS02800( BC )04/96]
one inch art:0000108-E
The brake system warning light
[IS03100( ALL)12/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to START. It normally
goes off shortly after the engine starts and you
release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
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[IS03200( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

11 % [IS03300( ALL)04/96]
Anti-Lock Brake System Light
(If equipped)
[IS03400( ALL)12/95]
This warning light will go on each time you
start your vehicle. If it remains on for longer
than five seconds, you should shut off your
engine and restart. If the anti-lock brake light
stays on, this indicates that the anti-lock feature
is disabled and should receive immediate
attention by a qualified service technician.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake
warning light is also lit.
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[IS03500( ALL)03/96]
The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check
capabilities. As previously described, the system
turns on the anti-lock light each time you start
your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light is out, the system performs
another test the first time the vehicle reaches
14 mph (22 km/h). The system turns on the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) pump motor for
approximately 1/2 second. At this time a
mechanical noise may be heard. This is a normal
part of the self-check feature. If a malfunction is
found during this check the anti-lock light will
come on.
[IS03600( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0011194-B
The anti-lock brake system light
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

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[IS03700( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
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[IS03800( ALL)03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
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[IS04600( ALL)03/96]
Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
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[IS04700( ALL)03/96]
This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:
[IS05000( BC )12/95]
q
If the safety belt is not buckled when the key
is turned to the ON position, the light will
come on for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime
will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
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[IS05100(MBC )01/96]
q
If the safety belt is buckled while the light is
on and the chime is sounding, both the light
and chime will turn off.
[IS05500( BC )04/96]
q
If the safety belt is buckled before the key is
turned to the ON position, the light will not
come on and the chime will not sound.
[IS05600( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0010118-A
The safety belt warning light
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

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[IS09000( ALL)03/96]
High Beam Light
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[IS09100( ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.
[IS09200( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0010125-B
The high beam light
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[IS11050( BC )12/95]
Service Engine Soon Warning Light
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[IS11100( ALL)05/96]
This light illuminates when the engine's
Emission Control System requires service. It will
also illuminate when the ignition key is in the
ON position and the engine is off.
[IS11350( BC )05/96]
one inch art:0000282-B
The service engine soon warning light
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[IS12100( BC )04/96]
Anti-Theft Alarm Light (If equipped)
[IS12150(MBC )04/96]
one inch art:0001389-A
Anti-theft alarm light
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

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[CF15810( ALL)03/96]
The Interior and Exterior Lights
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[CF15820( ALL)03/96]
Daytime Running Light System
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[CF15900( ALL)03/96]
(Canadian vehicles only)
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[CF16000( ALL)03/96]
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns
the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced
light output, when:
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[CF16100( ALL)03/96]
q
The headlamp system is in the OFF position,
and
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[CF16200( ALL)01/96]
q
The vehicle is running, and
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[CF16300( ALL)03/96]
q
The vehicle has a fully released parking
brake.
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[CF16400( BCGV)12/95]
NOTE: If you have a vehicle with an
automatic lighting system, the DRL
system is active until the automatic
system turns on the headlamps.
[CF16500( ALL)04/96]
NOTE: The high beam indicator will not turn
on in the flash-to-pass mode during
nighttime driving.
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[CF16600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: You may notice that the lights flicker
when the vehicle is turned on or off.
This is a normal condition.
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[CF16700( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system
will not illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps
at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a
collision.
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[CF24100( ALL)01/96]
Ignition
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[CF24200( ALL)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[CF24300( ALL)12/95]
quarter page art:0010035-B
The positions of the key in the ignition
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[CF24500( BCGV)04/96]
ACC allows some of your vehicle's electrical
accessories such as the radio and the windshield
wipers to operate while the engine is not
running.
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LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
automatic transmission gearshift lever.
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[CF24700( ALL)01/96]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
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[CF24800( ALL)01/96]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
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[CF24900( ALL)01/96]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
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[CF25000( ALL)01/96]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996

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[SS11400( ALL)02/96]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning Light and Chimein
theInstrumentationchapter.
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[SS11500( ALL)02/96]
See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for Childrenin this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
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[SS11600( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
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[SS11700( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Always drive and ride with your seatback
upright and the lap belt snug and low
across the hips.
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[SS11800( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies and attaching hardware should
be inspected by a qualified technician
after any collision. Safety belt assemblies
not in use during a collision should also
be inspected and replaced if either
damage or improper operation is noted.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:59:45 1996