tow Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 s Owner's Guide

185 %
*
[DR22600( ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR22650( ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR22950(MBC )09/93]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, depress the
Transmission Control Switch (TCS). This will
also give the engine more power going up hills
and better engine braking going down hills.
%*
[DR23000( ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
*
[DR23100( ALL)01/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[DR23200( ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
File:rcdrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

194
*
[RE04400( ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT:
*
[RE04500( ALL)01/95]
q
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
*
[RE04600( ALL)01/95]
q
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than
the maximum vehicle load rating listed on
the tire decal.
*
[RE04700( ALL)01/95]
q
tow a trailer.
*
[RE04800( ALL)01/95]
q
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[RE04900( ALL)01/95]
q
try to repair the temporary spare tire or
remove it from its wheel.
*
[RE05000( ALL)01/95]
q
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
*
[RE05100( ALL)01/95]
q
drive through an automatic car wash with
this tire. Because the temporary spare tire is
smaller than a conventional tire, it reduces
the ground clearance. Your vehicle may get
caught in the rails and it could be damaged.
File:rcrec.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

203
*
[RE13500(MBC )03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE13600(MBC )03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the
lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and, while
applying pressure on the key, install the lug nut.
*
[RE13800( ALL)02/95]
If the Engine Cranks But Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
*
[RE13810( ALL)04/95]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE13900( ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you
have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device that stops the fuel pump
when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
*
[RE14000( ALL)01/95]
For information on how to check and reset the
fuel pump shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off
switchin the Index.
%
*
[RE14100( ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[RE14201( ALL)05/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
Recommended towing options include wheel lift
towing or flat bed towing.
File:rcrec.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

204
*
[RE14300( ALL)05/95]
three fourths page art:0001463-A
*
[RE14400( ALL)05/95]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
File:rcrec.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

205
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
that put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3
years/36,000 miles (3 years/60,000 km),
whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside
Assistance coverages beyond this period,
through Ford Auto Club, contact your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer (not available in
Canada).
*
[HS00215( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220( ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225( ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230( ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235( ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240( ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:rchsc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:04 1995

246 [SV19000(MBC )05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the radiator cap or vent
plug while the engine is running or hot.
[SV19030( ALL)05/95]
Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that
can be caused by escaping steam or engine
coolant.
[SV19040(MBC )03/95]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool. Even when the engine is
cool, be careful when you remove the
radiator cap or vent plug.
[SV19145( ALL)03/95]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick towel
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to unscrew.
*
[SV19150( ALL)03/95]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
[SV19160( ALL)12/94]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press the cap
down, turn it, and remove it.
*
[SV19170(MBC )03/95]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
*
[SV19190( ALL)03/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
% [SV19200( ALL)12/94]
Add engine coolant only to the recovery
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add a 50/50
or appropriate mixture of water and the type of
engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may add
water by itself only in an emergency, but you
should replace it with a 50/50 or appropriate
mixture as soon as possible.
*
[SV19300( ALL)01/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant more than once a
month.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

283 % [SV48900( BCGV)06/94]
Toremovethe high-mount brakelamp:
[SV49200( BC )01/89]
1. Slide the trim cover toward the front of the
vehicle to disengage the retaining clips.
[SV49500( BC )01/89]
2. Twist the socket counterclockwise and
remove from lamp.
[SV50015( BC )03/91]
3. Pull bulb out of socket.
[SV50100( BC )01/89]
4. Remove the retaining screw.
[SV50200( BC )01/89]
5. Lift the lamp above the carpet and slide
away from the rear window.
[SV50260( BC )05/94]
6. Replace the burned out bulbs.
*
[SV50300( BCGV)02/95]
Toinstallthe high-mount brakelamp:
[SV50400( BC )01/89]
1. Slide the lamp into slots, toward the rear
window.
[SV50700( BC )01/89]
2. Install the screw.
[SV51000( BC )01/89]
3. Push bulb into the socket.
[SV51300( BC )01/89]
4. Install the bulb and socket into the lamp and
twist socket clockwise until it locks.
[SV51500( BC )01/89]
5. Slide the trim cover toward rear of vehicle
to engage the retaining clips.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

Index 317
Coolant (see Engine coolant) (continued)
proper solution............ 246
refill capacities............ 290
refill procedure............ 248
specifications............. 292
temperature gauge........... 66
Cooling fan............... 228
Cruise control (see Speed control)..... 97
Customer Assistance Center,
Ford (U.S.).............. 208
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada............ 208
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)..... 73
Daytime running light system....... 82
Defrost
rear window.............. 81
windshield............. 75,79
Dipstick, automatic transmission fluid . . . 262
Dispute Settlement Board........ 209
Doors
door ajar warning light......... 71
lubricant specifications........ 292
Driving under special conditions
bad weather............. 177
heavy load.............. 179
high water.............. 178
slippery roads............ 177
towing a trailer............ 181
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 278
fuses................ 269
operating when the engine is off..... 45
Electronic sound system
radio reception............ 161
tuning the radio.........133, 152
warranty and service information . . . 164
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

318 Index
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 142
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 205
battery acid spills........... 187
jump-starting............. 187
towing................ 203
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 175
Emission control system, catalytic
converter............... 285
Engine
check engine warning light....... 63
does not start.............. 49
fuel injected engine, starting....... 47
fuel pump shut-off switch........ 53
preparing to start............ 47
service points............. 231
starting................. 48
starting after a collision......... 53
storing your vehicle.......... 294
Engine block heater............ 50
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 244
checking hoses............ 245
disposal............... 248
low coolant warning light........ 72
preparing for storage......... 295
proper solution............ 246
recovery reservoir........... 244
refill capacities............ 290
specifications............. 292
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description............... 66
mechanical............... 66
Engine fan............... 228
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 243
checking and adding......... 241
dipstick............... 241
disposal............... 243
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

324 Index
Load limits
GAWR................ 179
GVWR................ 179
trailer towing............. 181
Lubricant specifications......... 292
Luggage compartment.......... 128
Lug nuts
anti-theft............... 202
tightening sequence.......... 200
M
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 227
Map pockets.............. 127
Master cylinder, brakes......... 263
Mirrors
rearview............... 124
side view mirrors (power)....... 124
vanity mirror, illuminated....... 126
Moon roof............... 115
Motorcraft parts............. 291
N
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 213
O
Odometer
description............... 67
trip odometer.............. 68
Oil filter................ 291
Oil (see Engine oil)........... 240
Oil viscosity.............. 241
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 287
Overdrive................ 168
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995