2002 Mercury Mercury Cougar steering wheel

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).
Driving
122

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
R8 Ð High speed engine cooling fan
R9 Ð Engine cooling fan
R10 Ð Not used
R11 Ð Daytime running lamps (Canada
only)
D1 Ð Starter relay
D2 Ð Air conditioning
* Have these fuses replaced by your dealer or qualified technician.
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may compromise the
integrity of your tires. The use of tire sealants may also affect your tire
pressure monitoring system (if equipped).
Temporary spare tire information
The temporary spare tire for your vehicle is labeled as such. It is smaller
than a regular tire and is designed for emergency use only.
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow
these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control
of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.
When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
²use more than one temporary spare tire at a time
²exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) or drive further than 3 200 km (2 000
miles) total under any circumstances
²load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
²tow a trailer
²use tire chains
²drive through an automatic car wash, because of the vehicle's reduced
ground clearance
Roadside Emergencies
142

²For routine cleaning, use Detail Wash (ZC-3±A).
²If tar or grease spots are present, use Ford Extra Strength Tar and
Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520±AA).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
²The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23),
available from your dealer.
²Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
²Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
²Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
²Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
²Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.
CLEANING SEATS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. In order to remove
stains and soil, clean with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner
(E8AZ-19523±AA).
Never saturate the seat covers with any cleaning solution.
Cleaning
164

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

P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................73
Parking brake ............................118
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....198
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................139
Power door locks ........................70
Power mirrors .............................60
Power steering ..........................120
fluid, checking and adding ....190
fluid, refill capacity ................199
fluid, specifications .........200±201
Power Windows ...........................60
R
Radio ......................................26, 34
Radio reception .....................42±43
Rear window defroster ...............46
Relays ........................................136
Remote entry system ...........71, 73
locking/unlocking doors .....70, 72
opening the trunk .....................73
panic alarm ...............................73
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................74
replacing the batteries .............73
Roadside assistance ..................134
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................15, 83, 85±88
Safety defects, reporting ..........160
Safety restraints ..............83, 85±88belt minder ...............................89
cleaning the safety belts ..........93
extension assembly ..................93
for adults .............................85±87
for children .....................102±103
warning light and
chime .............................12, 15, 88
Safety seats for children ..........106
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................83
Seats ............................................79
child safety seats ....................106
cleaning ...................................164
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................74±76
Servicing your vehicle ..............167
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................142
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................198, 201
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................200±201
Speed control ..............................61
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your
vehicle ........................112±113, 115
jump starting ..........................145
Steering wheel
controls ................................59, 61
tilting .........................................59
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................142, 195±196
changing ..........................142±143
checking the pressure ............196
replacing ..................................197
Index
211