brake fluid Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owner's Manuals

10
%*
[IS01700( BCGV)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[IS02000( BCGV)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[IS02600( ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[IS02700( ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.
[IS02800( BC )04/96]
one inch art:0000108-E
The brake system warning light
[IS03100( ALL)12/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to START. It normally
goes off shortly after the engine starts and you
release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[IS03200( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

210
*
[MC08350( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
ªMotorcraftº oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
*
[MC08400( ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%*
[MC08500( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[MC08600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC08700( ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC08800( ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC08900( ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
[MC09000( BCGV)04/96]
Check the brake fluid at each scheduled engine
oil change or at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic
reservoir on the master cylinder. Also, see label
on reservoir cap. (To locate the master cylinder,
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

211
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MAX fill mark and
3/8" below the MAX fill line.
*
[MC09200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC09300( ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC09400( ALL)03/96]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC09500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[MC09600( ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
[MC10000( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010387-A
The brake system fluid reservoir
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

212
*
[MC10100( ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC10200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%
*
[MC10900( ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC11000( ALL)03/96]
Washer Fluid
[MC11100( ALL)04/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
periodically. The reservoir for washer fluid is
located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment. Do not operate the washer when
the reservoir is empty.
[MC11300( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010375-B
The reservoir for the windshield washer fluid
*
[MC11500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

223 [MC21100(MBC )05/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification MerconHATF XT-2-QDX or an
equivalent.
*
[MC21200(MBC )01/96]
NOTE: If the power steering fluid is low, do
not drive your vehicle for a long
period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering
pump.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC21400( ALL)03/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[MC21500( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[MC21600( ALL)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[MC21700( ALL)12/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

Index 297
Battery (continued)
voltage gauge............. 14
when storing your vehicle....... 258
Brake fluid............... 210
brake warning light........... 10
checking and adding......... 210
description.............. 210
specifications...........211, 255
Brakelamp............... 243
bulb replacement........... 244
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
Brakes................. 151
adjustment.............. 151
anti-lock............... 151
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............ 11
applying the brakes.......... 151
brake warning light........... 10
fluid, checking and adding...... 210
fluid, refill capacities.......210, 254
fluid, specifications........211, 255
front disc.............. 151
if brakes do not grip well....... 151
master cylinder............ 210
new brake linings............ 6
noise................ 151
parking............... 152
power braking............ 151
servicing............... 210
stopping distances.......... 169
trailer................ 167
when storing your vehicle....... 258
Brake-shift interlock........... 157
Break-in period.............. 6
Brights (high beams)........... 16
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

298 Index
Bulbs, replacing............. 243
halogen............... 244
headlamps.............. 244
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
specifications............. 248
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 271
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 271
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 254
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 149
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 125
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)............. 36
Catalytic converter............ 239
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . . . 25
Chains, tires.............. 232
Changing a tire............. 181
Charging system warning light....... 14
Child safety restraints.......... 124
child safety belts........... 142
child safety seats........... 125
Child safety seats............ 125
and air bags............. 125
automatic locking mode
(retractor)...........112, 125
in front seat............. 125
in rear outboard seat......... 125
in rear seat............125, 140
tether anchorage hardware....... 141
Chime
key in ignition............. 74
safety belt............... 12
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 179
see also fuses............. 171
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

Index 307
Lamps (continued)
flashing the lamps........... 76
hazard flashers............. 78
headlamps............... 68
high beams.............. 75
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
illuminated entry system........ 91
illuminated mirrors........... 89
instrument panel, dimming....... 71
interior lamps............. 71
replacing bulbs............ 243
trailer................ 167
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . . 74
Lap belts................ 117
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 13
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 11
anti-theft................ 16
brake................. 10
charging system............ 14
door ajar................ 18
engine oil pressure........... 18
hazard warning light.......... 78
high beam............... 16
low coolant.............. 13
low fuel................ 19
low washer fluid............ 20
oil pressure.............. 18
overdrive off.............. 14
safety belt............... 12
service engine soon........... 16
theft system.............. 16
turn signal indicator.......... 17
Load limits............... 162
GAWR................ 162
GVWR................ 162
trailer towing............. 164
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

Index 309
P
Panic alarm feature, remote entry system . 100
Parking brake.............. 152
operation.............. 152
warning light.............. 10
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)....... 253
PCV valve, specifications........ 253
Power distribution box (see Fuses).... 171
Power door locks............. 90
Power features
door locks............... 90
mirrors................ 93
moon roof............... 85
seats................. 106
windows................ 92
Power steering
dipstick............... 220
driving with power steering...... 156
fluid, checking and adding...... 220
fluid, refill capacity.......... 254
fluid, specifications.......... 255
servicing............... 156
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 25
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 255
refill capacity............. 254
Rearview mirror............. 88
Rear window............... 92
defroster................ 66
washer reservoir........... 212
Refill capacities for fluids........ 254
Relays................. 171
Remote control, trunk........... 72
Remote entry system........... 99
locking/unlocking doors....... 100
opening the trunk.......... 100
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996

Index 313
Tires (continued)
replacing............... 229
rotating............... 228
snow tires and chains......... 232
spare tire.............. 183
storing your vehicle.......... 258
tire grades.............. 230
treadwear.............. 229
wear bands............. 229
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 164
Towing your vehicle.......... 198
using wheel dollies.......... 198
with a tow truck........... 198
Traction assist............. 155
Traction-lok rear axle.......... 154
Trailer towing............. 164
calculating maximum
trailer weight........... 164
safety chains............. 166
tips................. 167
trailer brakes............. 167
trailer lamps............. 167
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 157
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 223
fluid, refill capacities......... 254
lubricant specifications........ 255
Transmission control switch....... 160
Transmitter (see Remote entry)....... 99
Trip odometer.............. 23
Trunk
remote release lever........... 72
using the remote entry system to open . 100
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 242
Turn signal................ 74
indicator lights............. 17
lever................. 74
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996