2002 Mercury Mercury Cougar key

²A second key on the same key ring as thecoded key
If any of these items are present, you need to keep these objects from
touching thecoded keywhile starting the engine. These objects and
devices cannot damage thecoded key,but can cause a momentary ªno
startº condition if they are too close to the key during engine start. If a
problem occurs, turn ignition OFF and restart the engine with all other
objects on the key ring held away from the ignition key. Check to make
sure thecoded keyis an approved Mercurycoded key.
If your keys are lost or stolen you will need to do the following:
²Use your spare key to start the vehicle. or
²Have your vehicle towed to a dealership. The key codes will need to
be erased from your vehicle and new key codes will need to be
re-coded.
Replacing coded keys can be very costly and you may want to store an
extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to prevent
an unforeseen inconvenience.
The correctcoded keymust be used for your vehicle. The use of the
wrong type ofcoded keymay lead to a ªno startº condition.
If an unprogrammed key is used in the ignition it will cause a ªno
startº condition.
Programming spare keys
A maximum of seven keys can be coded to your vehicle. Only
SecuriLockykeys can be used. To program acoded keyyourself, you
will need two previously programmedcoded keys(keys that already
operate your vehicle's engine) and the new unprogrammed key(s) readily
accessible for timely implementation of each step in the procedure.
If two previously programmed coded keys are not available, you must
bring your vehicle to your dealership to have the spare coded key(s)
programmed.
Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin.
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76

1. Insert the first previously
programmedcoded keyinto the
ignition switch and turn to position
No. 3.
2. Turn the key back to positionNo.
1and remove from the ignition
within 5 seconds.
3. Insert the second previously
programmedcoded keyinto the
ignition switch and turn to position
No. 3within 3±5 seconds.
4. Turn the key back to positionNo. 1and remove from the ignition
within 5 seconds, the key coding mode is now activated.
5. If an uncoded key is now inserted in the ignition switch and turned to
positionNo. 3within 10 seconds, this key is coded to the system.
If coding is not completed correctly, indicator light flashes after the
ignition is switched on with the newly coded key. Repeat the coding
process. This process can be repeated after waiting 20 seconds.
If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your dealership to have the new
spare key(s) programmed.
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
When armed, the anti-theft system will help prevent your vehicle from
unauthorized entry.
If there is any potential perimeter anti-theft problem with your vehicle,
ensureALL remote entry transmittersare brought to the dealership,
to aid in troubleshooting.
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77

Activation
The system is activated by pressing
the control once. The ignition key
must be removed from the ignition
and the doors, hood and luggage
compartment fully closed, to allow
activation.
The lamps will flash once to indicate
the system is activated. If the lamps
do not flash once, the system is not
activated.
Arming the system
Opening any door, hood, or luggage compartment will activate the alarm
when activated.
When unauthorized entry occurs, the system will flash the turn signal
lamps and will sound the horn.
Disarming the system
You can disarm the system by any of
the following actions:
²Unlock the doors by using your
remote entry transmitter.
²Unlock the door by using your
key.
Either of these actions will disarm
an Untriggered or Triggered alarm
system.
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78

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
gearshift lever (automatic transaxle
only) and allows key removal. On
vehicles with a manual transaxle
push the key in while turning to
lock.
2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
3. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
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.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
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If starting a vehicle with a manual
transaxle:
²Push the clutch pedal to the
floor, put the gearshift in neutral.
4. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
If there is difficulty in turning the
key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns
freely. This condition may occur
when:
²front wheels are turned
²front wheel is against the curb
²steering wheel is turned when
getting in or out of the vehicle
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
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114

²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, thelight may not illuminate.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 4 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
3 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12É
C (10É F) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10
seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, Press
the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to
START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake, shift into gear and
drive.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23É C
(-10É F) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
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1. Turn the ignition off and remove
the key.
2. Apply the parking brake and the
brake pedal.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar
item about 5 cm (2 inches) into the
square opening to the right of the
gearshift at the base of the console.
On vehicles without the opening, insert a screwdriver or similar item
about 5 cm (2 inches) inward, directly below the arrow symbol located
to the right of the gearshift at the base of the console.
4. Rotate the screwdriver point
rearward.
5. Push and hold the thumb button
and move the gearshift.
6. Remove the screwdriver when the
gearshift moves from the P (Park)
position.
This procedure may have to be
repeated each time the gearshift is
placed in P (Park) until repairs are
completed.
The brake-shift interlock feature is designed to further enhance
the safety of the vehicle occupants when the vehicle is placed
into gear. To preserve the benefits of this feature, have any repairs
completed promptly.
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121

The console-mounted gearshift will lock when you turn the key to the
LOCK position. When the gearshift is in any position except P (Park),
the ignition key cannot be turned to LOCK or removed from the steering
column. To remove the key, the gearshift lever must be in P (Park).
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired position, release the brake
pedal and use the accelerator as necessary.
Understanding gearshift positions
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure that the gearshift lever is
securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
the gearshift lever is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. You should always come
to a complete stop before shifting in
and out of R (Reverse).
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