2002 Mercury Mercury Cougar brakes

3. Push the gearshift lever
completely to the right, pull up the
ring on the stalk of the gearshift
lever, and then pull rearward on the
gearshift lever to engage the R
(Reverse) gear.
4. When the R (Reverse) gear is engaged, slowly release the clutch pedal
from the floor.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
Driving
128

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Safety Certification Label, found on the driver's door pillar, lists
several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any
additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding weight
to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added to the
cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve capacity
(FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front axle reserve
capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e. restrict the
number of occupants or amount of cargo carried).
Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and front and rear gross
axle weight rating limits. Under no circumstance should these limitations
be exceeded.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 454 kg (1 000 lbs.) gross
trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lbs.). Do not
tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500
miles).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transaxle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss of control,
and personal injury.
Driving
130

Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Driving
131

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transaxle cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
²Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transaxle damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Driving
132

2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only brake fluids certified to
meet Ford specification ESA-M6C25±A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended. However, if
DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is not DOT 3 or
DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
191

Do not let the fluid level in the reservoir for the master cylinder
fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder runs dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Maintenance and Specifications
192

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................117
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................94±95, 99
and child safety seats ..............96
description ..........................95, 99
disposal ....................................102
driver air bag ....................97, 100
indicator light .............12, 98, 101
operation ...........................97, 100
passenger air bag .............97, 100
side air bag ................................99
Air cleaner filter .......................198
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................44
Air filter, cabin ............................46
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................177
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................117±118
Anti-theft system ........................77
arming the system ....................78
disarming a triggered system ..78
Audio system (see Radio) ...26, 34
Automatic transaxle
driving with .............................122
fluid, adding ............................192
fluid, checking ........................192
fluid, refill capacities ..............199
fluid, specification ..................201
Automatic transmission ............120
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........200
B
Battery .......................................175acid, treating emergencies .....175
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....145
maintenance-free ....................175
replacement, specifications ...198
servicing ..................................175
BeltMinder ...................................89
Brakes ........................................116
anti-lock ...........................117±118
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................11, 117
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....191
fluid, refill capacities ..............199
fluid, specifications .........200±201
lubricant specifications ..200±201
parking ....................................118
shift interlock ..........................120
Break-in period .............................6
Bulbs ............................................51
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....199
Cargo cover .................................68
Cargo net .....................................68
Cassette tape player ...................19
CD-6 disc .....................................34
CD-single premium .....................26
Certification Label ....................202
Changing a tire .........................142
Child safety restraints ..............103
child safety belts ....................103
Child safety seats ......................106
attaching with tether straps ..111
in front seat ............................108
in rear seat ..............................108
Index
207

Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................190
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................164
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................48
J
Jack ............................................142
positioning ...............................142
storage .....................................142
Jump-starting your vehicle ......145
K
Keys .......................................74±76
key in ignition chime ...............16
positions of the ignition .........112
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................51
cargo lamps ...............................48
daytime running light ...............47
fog lamps ...................................47
headlamps .................................47
headlamps, flash to pass ..........48
instrument panel, dimming .....48
interior lamps ...........................50
replacing bulbs .........................51
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................50
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....11, 117
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12check coolant ............................12
check engine .............................10
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................15
high beam .................................14
low fuel ......................................13
low washer fluid .......................15
oil pressure ...............................12
overdrive off ..............................13
safety belt .................................12
speed control ............................65
traction control active ..............13
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................129
GAWR ......................................129
GVWR ......................................129
trailer towing ..........................129
Locks
doors ..........................................70
Lubricant specifications ...200±201
M
Manual transaxle
fluid capacities ........................199
lubricant specifications ..........201
reverse .....................................127
Manual transmission .................125
Message center ...........................66
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts ........................198
O
Octane rating ............................185
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................172
Index
210