wheel 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.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

183 %
*
[DR21150( ALL)01/95]
Using the hitch
*
[DR21200(MBC )01/95]
Your vehicle uses aload carryinghitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a
trailer on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you
must distribute the load in your trailer so that
only 10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer
is on the tongue.
*
[DR21600( ALL)01/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will
prevent damage to your vehicle and make your
vehicle easier to handle.
%*
[DR21650( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[DR21700( ALL)01/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
*
[DR21800( ALL)01/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[DR21900( ALL)01/95]
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and attach them to your vehicle's frame or
hook retainers. Never attach the safety
chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper
is not designed to bear the weight of a
trailer.
*
[DR22000( ALL)01/95]
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in
the chains to allow you to turn corners.
*
[DR22100( ALL)01/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:47:03 1995

193 [RE03820( BC )05/94]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.6L
engine you will need to perform
additional steps after your vehicle has
been jump started. SeeReadiness for
Inspection/Maintenance Testingin
Servicing Your Vehicle chapter.
%
*
[RE03900( ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE04000( ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[RE04100( ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
[RE04225(MBC )03/94]
You have a high pressure temporary spare tire.
This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and
is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon
as you can. This spare tire is marked with the
words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you
can easily identify it.
*
[RE04250( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Extended use of other than
conventional spare tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness.
This loss of effectiveness does not
affect normal driving and should not
be noticeable to the driver.
*
[RE04300( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire
continuously or do not follow these
precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 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

196 %
*
[RE07300( ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE07525( BCGV)03/95]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. Put the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the tire that you are
changing.
[RE07550( BCGV)05/95]
When one of the back wheels is off the ground,
the transmission alone will not prevent the
vehicle from moving or slipping off the jack,
even if the vehicle is in P (Park). To prevent the
vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block the
wheel (both directions) that is diagonally
opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
*
[RE07560( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
*
[RE07875( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
*
[RE07900( ALL)05/95]
2. Get out the spare tire and jack.
[RE08000( BC )11/92]
3. Remove any optional wheel covers or
hubcaps with the tapered end of a wheel nut
wrench. Insert the handle of the wrench and
twist it against the inner wheel cover flange.
For more about removing wheel covers, see
the information later in this chapter.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

197
*
[RE08100( ALL)01/95]
4. Loosen each wheel lug nut one-half turn
counterclockwise, but do not remove them
until the tire is raised off the ground. You
should pull up on the handle rather than
push to develop maximum force to loosen
wheel lug nuts. SeeAnti-Theft Wheel Lug
Nutslater in this chapter for information on
removing anti-theft lug nuts.
%*
[RE08150( ALL)05/95]
Removing and Replacing the Tire
[RE08250( BC )12/94]
1. Find the underbody notches closest to the
wheel to be removed. Center the jack
between (2) underbody notches and turn the
handle of the jack clockwise until the wheel
is completely off the ground.
*
[RE08400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To lessen the risk of personal injury, do
not put any part of your body under the
vehicle while changing a tire. Do not start
the engine when your vehicle is on the
jack. The jack is only meant for changing
the tire.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

199 % [RE08600( BC )02/92]
half page art:0010346-C
The notches for the jack
*
[RE08900( ALL)01/95]
2. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the
wheel clears the ground. Remove the wheel
lug nuts.
*
[RE08920( ALL)01/95]
3. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire,
making sure that the air valve stem is facing
outward.
*
[RE08940( ALL)03/95]
4. Reinstall the lug nuts, tightening until the
wheel is snug against the hub. The beveled
edges on the lug nuts face inward. Do not
fully tighten the lug nuts until you lower the
vehicle. If you do, you could force the
vehicle off the jack.
*
[RE08960( ALL)02/95]
5. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

200
*
[RE08980( ALL)01/95]
6. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug
nuts in the order shown in the following
illustration. As soon as possible, have your
dealer or a qualified service technician check
the lug nuts for proper torque specifications.
% [RE09100( ALL)03/93]
quarter page art:0010350-A
The lug nuts on the wheel
[RE09400( ALL)01/95]
7. Place any wheel covers and ornaments in the
trunk.
*
[RE09500( ALL)03/95]
8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make
sure the jack is securely fastened so it does
not rattle when you drive.
*
[RE09600( ALL)03/95]
9. Unblock the wheels.
% [RE10600(MBC )12/94]
Aluminum Road Wheel Ornaments
(If equipped)
[RE10700(MBC )03/93]
To remove the ornament, stick the tapered end
of the jack handle between the ornament and
wheel and pry off the ornament.
[RE10800(MBC )03/93]
To replace the ornament, stick one side of the
ornament into the center of the wheel and strike
the other side with the palm of your hand.
File:rcrec.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

201 %
*
[RE10900( BC )02/95]
Center Wheel Cover
[RE11000(BC )02/95]
To remove the wheel cover:
[RE11100( BC )03/91]
1. Pry the center ornament from the wheel
cover using the tapered end of the jack
handle. Do not use a screwdriver or any
other tool. If you do, you may damage the
cover. The wheel, with the wheel cover still
attached, may now be removed from the
vehicle by removing the five lug nuts.
[RE11300( BC )03/91]
2. If the tire needs to be removed from the
wheel, remove the five screws, using a
Phillips head screwdriver. Then pull the
wheel cover off the wheel.
[RE11400( BC )05/92]
half page art:0010353-B
The center attachment wheel cover
[RE11500(BC )02/95]
To replace the wheel cover:
[RE11600( BC )03/91]
1. Place the tire valve stem hole in the wheel
cover over the tire valve stem. Align the
holes in the wheel cover mounting pad with
the center holes in the metal inserts. Install
and tighten the five screws.
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Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995

202 [RE11700( BC )03/91]2. Align the legs of the ornament with the slots
on the wheel cover. Strike the ornament with
the palm of your hand.
%*
[RE12700(MBC )03/95]
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts (If equipped)
*
[RE12800( BC )01/95]
If your vehicle has this option, one of the lug
nuts on each wheel locks and must be unlocked
with a special key. The key and registration card
are attached to the lug wrench and stored with
the spare tire. If you lose the key, send the
registration card to the manufacturer (not the
dealer) to get a replacement key.
*
[RE12850(MBC )03/95]
NOTE: If entire lug wrench/lug nut key
assembly is lost, see your nearest Ford
or Lincoln-Mercury dealer who has
access to a master set of keys.
*
[RE12875(MBC )03/95]
DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT WRENCH
ON THE LUG NUT KEY.
[RE13000(MBC )03/95]
quarter page art:0010357-B
The anti-theft lug nut and key
*
[RE13100(MBC )03/95]
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE13300(MBC )03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make
sure that you hold the key square to the lug nut.
If you hold the key on an angle, you may
damage the key and the lug nut.
*
[RE13400(MBC )03/95]
Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key
and apply pressure on the key with the wrench.
Turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction
to remove the lug nut.
File:rcrec.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:46:41 1995