Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 Owner's Manuals

171
%*
[DR09760( BCGV)03/95]
Traction Assist
TM
(If equipped)
*
[DR09770( BCGV)01/95]
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional
Traction Assist
TM
system. This system helps
prevent wheel spin in order to improve tire
traction and is an especially useful feature when
you drive in hilly areas or on slippery, icy or
snowy roads.
*
[DR09780( BCGV)03/95]
Traction Assist
TM
works automatically by rapidly
applying and releasing the brakes to prevent one
or both of the rear drive wheels from spinning
during acceleration.
*
[DR09782( BC )01/95]
The Traction Assist
TM
system can be manually
turned off, to allow wheelspin if you want, by
pushing the TRACTION ASSIST. switch (located
on the console) when the vehicle is not in the
Traction Assist
TM
mode. The word ªOFFº in the
switch will light up to indicate the system is off.
The Traction AssistTM
system will automatically
be on each time the engine is started. During
ordinary driving, it is recommended to leave the
system turned on. The Traction Assist
TM
system
will then always be ready to operate when
needed.
[DR09783( BC )03/94]
one third page art:0011288-A
The Traction Assist
TM
switch
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172 [DR09785( BCGV)03/95]During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which
most often occurs during low speed acceleration
on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard
coming from the engine compartment. This noise
is created by the ABS pump and is normal and
may last for a few seconds during the
acceleration of the vehicle.
*
[DR09790( BCGV)03/95]
In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Assist
TM
is fully
effective up to approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h). At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function
begins to taper off until it no longer operates
above 34 mph (55 km/h).
[DR09793( BCGV)01/95]
If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the traction assist switch will be illuminated
showing that the traction assist system is
inoperative. A cooling down period is required
to prevent damage to the rear brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage
during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock
braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
[DR09795( BCGV)05/95]
NOTE: Traction-Lok axles are not an available
option on vehicles equipped with
traction assist.
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173
*
[DR09800( ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR09900( ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR09950( ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. 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.
*
[DR10000( ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[DR10200( BCGV)12/94]
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
(If equipped)
[DR10401( BC )06/94]
The steering system in 4.6L engine vehicles is
speed sensitive. This means that the steering
effort is light for parking and heavier for
highway driving. However, if you have to
swerve around an object or another vehicle, your
steering will have full power assist.
%
*
[DR10500( ALL)03/95]
Brakes
%*
[DR10600( ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR10650( ALL)01/95]
Braking non ABS models
[DR10900( C )03/93]
Your vehicle has power front disc brakes and
rear drum brakes. Anti-lock disc brakes on all
four wheels are optional. They adjust
automatically as the brake pads or linings wear
down.
*
[DR11100( ALL)04/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
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174 [DR11300( ALL)03/95]On vehicles without anti-lock brakes, extreme
braking can make the wheels lock and slide,
possibly decreasing your control of the steering.
If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal
and repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
[DR11310( ALL)05/95]
Braking with ABS brakes
[DR11400( ALL)03/95]
On vehicles with anti-lock brakes, the wheels
will not lock and slide when you press down
hard on the brake pedal. The anti-lock brakes
automatically start releasing and reapplying the
front brakes independently and the rear brakes
together whenever your wheels start to lock. Do
not ªpumpº the brake pedal on vehicles
equipped with anti-lock brakes. When this
happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulse.
This ªpulseº may be an unfamiliar feeling but it
is normal and indicates the ABS is working as
designed.
*
[DR11650( ALL)05/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually occur.
*
[DR11700( ALL)03/95]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
%*
[DR11800( ALL)03/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
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175 [DR11900( ALL)05/94]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
with the anti-lock brake system, if the equipment
is installed according to the manufacturer's
instructions. However, if mobile radio
transmitting equipment is installed in your
vehicle and, if either the anti-lock brake system
cycles or the check anti-lock light comes on at
any time other than right after you turn the key
to ON or during a sudden stop, have your
mobile radio dealer inspect the installation.
%*
[DR12000( ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
*
[DR12050( ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[DR12500( BCGV)03/95]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
the brake pedal.
[DR12900( BC )03/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. The brake
system warning light will glow.
[DR13500( BC )03/95]
one third page art:0010315-A
The parking brake
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176
*
[DR13800( BCGV)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
[DR14050( BC )03/95]
To release the parking brake, press down on the
pedal until you hear a click. Lift your foot off
the pedal. The brake is now released and will
reset to lock the next time you press the pedal,
located below the lower left corner of the
instrument panel. The Brake System Warning
Light will glow if the parking brake is not fully
released when the engine is running.
*
[DR14200( ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[DR14300( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
[DR14400( ALL)07/93]
The parking brake system is designed for static
parking only and is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
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177
*
[DR14500( ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR14600( ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR14700( ALL)03/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR14800( ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
%*
[DR15200( ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR15300( ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR15400( ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR15500( ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR15600( ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
[DR15700( ALL)03/95]
q
Do not use speed control.
*
[DR15800( ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR15900( ALL)03/92]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
*
[DR16000( ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR16200( BCGV)01/93]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into First
(1) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (32 km/h).
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178
*
[DR16225( ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not
use it on slippery roads. You could lose
control of your vehicle and could injure
someone.
[DR16300(MBC )03/92]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the
spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward
and reverse gears. At the same time, press
lightly on the accelerator.
*
[DR16400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
[DR16500( ALL)12/94]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transmission, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
%*
[DR16700( ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR16800( ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[DR16900( ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR17000( ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
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179
%*
[DR17100( ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR17200( ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
% [DR17300( ALL)05/94]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or the door latch
post pillar.
*
[DR17400( ALL)01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limit than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR17500( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
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180 %
*
[DR17503( ALL)01/95]
Limiting Your Vehicle's Load
*
[DR17506( ALL)01/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Decal attached to the
left front door pillar.
*
[DR17509( ALL)01/95]
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add
the weights of:
*
[DR17512( ALL)01/95]
q
the driver and passengers
*
[DR17515( ALL)01/95]
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
*
[DR17518( ALL)01/95]
q
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
*
[DR17521( ALL)01/95]
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered
to your dealer
*
[DR17524( ALL)01/95]
If you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
*
[DR17527( ALL)01/95]
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take
your vehicle to a shipping company or an
inspection station for trucks.
*
[DR17530( ALL)01/95]
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
*
[DR17533( ALL)01/95]
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
*
[DR17536( ALL)01/95]
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus
the load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also,
make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the
respective axle.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995