warning light Mercury Mercury Cougar 1996 s Owner's Guide

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.
File:rcdrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

182
*
[DR18175( ALL)01/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[DR18250( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when the temporary
spare tire is being used.
[DR18300( ALL)12/94]
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the optional equipment
on your vehicle. See the following chart.
% [DR18400( ALL)03/90]
Trailer towing specifications
[DR18600( BC )03/95]
six pica chart:0010654-D*
[DR20900( ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR21000( ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR21100( ALL)01/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
*
[DR21125( ALL)01/95]
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).
File:rcdrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

184 %
*
[DR22150( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[DR22200( ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
[DR22250( ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, provisions have been made
under the instrument panel for installation of an
electronic brake controller.
*
[DR22300( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR22350( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR22400( ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
[DR22450( ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, the proper lamp wiring and
equipment has been installed at the factory. The
trailer feed wire (supplied in a box in the
luggage compartment) needs a connector
compatible with your trailer prior to installation.
*
[DR22500( ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
File:rcdrc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

187
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[RE00400( ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[RE00450( ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights on or any electrical equipment on after
you turn the engine off. If this happens, you
may be able to jump-start from a booster battery
to start your vehicle.
*
[RE00500( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[RE00600( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[RE00700( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[RE00800( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
File:rcrec.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

286
*
[SV53075( ALL)03/95]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[SV53150( ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emissions control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
*
[SV53175( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[SV53200( ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[SV53300( ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

Index 313
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 58
Accessory position on the ignition..... 45
Additives, engine oil.......... 241
Air bag supplemental restraint system
description............... 18
disposal................ 25
driver air bag............. 18
indicator light............. 60
operation............... 21
proper seating............. 19
tone generator............. 25
wearing safety belts........... 18
Air cleaner filter, location........ 231
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 74
semi-automatic temperature
control system............ 77
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 112
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 244
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 174
see also Brake............ 173
warning light.............. 58
Anti-theft lug nuts and key....... 202
Anti-theft system
arming the system.......... 106
description.............. 104
disarming an untriggered system.... 108
disarming a triggered system..... 109
triggering.............. 108
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 205
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Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

314 Index
Audio system
(see Electronic sound system)..... 131
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 84
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..... 165
fluid, adding............. 262
fluid, checking............ 261
fluid, refill capacities......... 290
fluid, specifications.......... 292
Axle, traction lok............ 170
B
Backing up............... 167
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery
acid, treating emergencies....... 187
charging system warning light...... 60
disconnecting............. 252
how to service............ 251
jumping a disabled battery....... 187
maintenance-free........... 251
proper disposal, recycling....... 252
replacement, specifications....... 291
voltage gauge.............. 69
when storing your vehicle....... 295
Brake fluid
brake warning light........... 57
specifications............. 292
Brakelamp
bulb replacement........... 284
high-mount brakelamp........ 282
Brakes
adjustment.............. 173
anti-lock............... 174
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............. 58
applying the brakes.......... 173
brake warning light........... 57
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Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

Index 315
fluid, checking and adding...... 263
fluid, refill capacities......... 290
fluid, specifications.......... 292
front disc.............. 173
new brake linings............ 4
noise................ 174
parking............... 175
trailer................ 184
when storing your vehicle....... 295
Brake-shift interlock........... 166
Break-in period.............. 4
Bulbs, replacing
headlamps.............. 280
specifications............. 284
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 214
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration
Plan (CAMVAP)........... 214
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 290
Carbon monoxide in exhaust........ 51
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 27
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)..........141, 150
Catalytic converter........... 285
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . 131
Chains, tires.............. 260
Changing a tire............. 193
Charging system gauge.......... 69
Charging system warning light....... 60
Child safety restraints........... 25
child safety belts............ 43
child safety seats............ 27
Child safety seats
and air bags............ 20,27
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 29
in front seat.............. 29
in rear outboard seat.......... 35
in rear seat............... 42
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Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 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