2002 Mercury Mercury Cougar brake

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake and push the handle
down as far as possible to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
TRACTION CONTROLY
Your vehicle is equipped with a Traction Controlysystem. This system
helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle. It is
especially useful on slippery road surfaces. The system operates by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the
electronic and mechanical elements already present in the anti-lock
braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow, ice covered
and gravel roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation, the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the engine will not ªrev-upº when you push
further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior.
Driving
119

The Traction Controlyon/off
switch, located in the center of the
instrument panel illuminates when
the system is OFF. The Traction
Controlysystem will revert to the
ON position every time the ignition
is turned OFF and ON.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road surface, try switching the Traction
Controlysystem off. This may allow excess wheel spin to ªdigº the
vehicle out and enable a successful ªrockingº maneuver.
If a system fault is detected the OFF indicator lamp on the traction
control switch will be illuminated and your vehicle should be serviced.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver's effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²Uneven vehicle loading
²High crown in center of road
²High crosswinds
²Wheels out of alignment
²Loose or worn suspension components
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed:
Driving
120

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.
Driving
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).
Driving
122

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in the N
(Neutral) position, the vehicle can
be started and is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this
position.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the transaxle control
switch (TCS) on the underside of
the gearshift handle.
The transaxle control indicator light
(TCIL) (O/D OFF) in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
Driving
123

When starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle:
1. Hold down the brake pedal and
clutch pedal.
2. Put the gearshift lever in neutral.
3. Start the vehicle.
4. Put the gearshift lever in 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
5. Release the clutch slowly while pressing gradually down on the
accelerator pedal.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use
the clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:
2.0L engine 5±speed transaxle shift speed schedules
Recommended
upshifts:During acceleration: During cruise*:
Shift from: km/h mph km/h mph
First to second 22 14 19 12
Second to third 40 25 32 20
Third to fourth 53 33 46 29
Fourth to fifth 77 48 64 40
*The vehicle can be shifted at lower speeds to improve fuel economy.
Driving
126

2.5L engine 5±speed transaxle shift speed schedules
Recommended
upshifts:During acceleration: During cruise*:
Shift from: km/h mph km/h mph
First to second 22 14 16 10
Second to third 40 25 32 20
Third to fourth 53 33 50 31
Fourth to fifth 77 48 64 40
*The vehicle can be shifted at lower speeds to improve fuel economy.
Parking
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Shift into 1 (First).
4. Turn ignition off.
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake
fully.
Reverse
1. Completely stop your vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gearshift lever in
the neutral position. Do not release the clutch pedal.
Driving
127

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