check engine light Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 s User Guide

201
Maintenance and Care
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[MC00200( ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC00300( ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC00400( ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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[MC00500( ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[MC00600( ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[MC00700( ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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[MC00800( ALL)02/96]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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[MC00900( ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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[MC01000( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
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[MC01100( ALL)02/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise,
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208 %
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[MC06600( ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
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[MC06700( ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[MC06800( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
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[MC06900( BCGV)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
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[MC07100( ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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[MC07200( ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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[MC07300( ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[MC07400( BC )03/96]
one inch art:0011218-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 4.6 liter engines
[MC07600(MBC )12/95]
one inch art:0000970-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 3.8 liter engines
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209
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[MC07700( BCGV)03/96]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
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[MC07800( ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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[MC07900( ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
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[MC08000( ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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[MC08100( ALL)01/96]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
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[MC08200( ALL)01/96]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
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[MC08300( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0060618-C
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220
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q
Reinstall the pressure cap securely.
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[MC18100( ALL)12/95]
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Check for leaks at the draincock.
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[MC18200( ALL)12/95]
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Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
%
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[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
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[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
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[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[MC18600( BC )03/96]
3.8L SFI engine
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[MC18700( ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
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[MC18800( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
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[MC18900( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
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[MC19000(MBC )01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
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[MC19200(MBC )01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
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239
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[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
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[MC35600( ALL)01/96]
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Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
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[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
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[MC35800( ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
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[MC35900( ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
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[MC36000( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
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[MC36100( ALL)12/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
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[MC36200( ALL)12/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
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[MC36300( ALL)12/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
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[MC36400( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
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[MC36500( ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
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[MC36600( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
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[MC36700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
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241
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[MC37600( ALL)01/96]
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.
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[MC37700( ALL)01/96]
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.
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[MC37800( ALL)01/96]
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.
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[MC37900( ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
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[MC38000( ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
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[MC38100( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
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300 Index
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 213
checking and adding......... 215
drain and flush............ 217
preparing for storage......... 258
refill capacities............ 254
specifications............. 255
temperature gauge........... 21
Cooling fan............... 202
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 265
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........265, 271
D
Daytime running light system....... 67
Defrost
rear window.............. 66
windshield............. 59,64
Dipstick................ 208
automatic transmission fluid...... 223
engine oil.............. 208
power steering fluid.......... 221
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 198
Dispute Settlement Board........ 266
Doors.................. 90
door ajar warning light......... 18
lubricant specifications......... 255
Driving under special conditions..... 168
bad weather............. 169
heavy load.............. 162
high water.............. 170
slippery roads............ 169
tips for safe driving.......... 168
towing a trailer............ 164
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Index 301
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 179
fuses................ 171
Electronic sound system
tuning the radio........ 27,37,47
warranty and service information.... 58
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 37
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 263
battery acid spills........... 192
fuel................. 233
jump-starting............. 191
towing................ 198
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 152
Emission control system......... 239
catalytic converter.......... 239
emissions warranty......... 4,239
Engine
does not start..........147, 180
fuel injected engine, starting...... 145
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 180
preparing to start........... 145
refill capacities............ 254
service points............ 204
starting............... 145
starting after a collision........ 180
storing your vehicle.......... 256
Engine block heater........... 148
Engine coolant............. 213
checking and adding......... 213
checking hoses............ 214
disposal............... 202
drain and flush............ 217
low coolant warning light........ 13
preparing for storage......... 258
proper solution............ 216
recovery reservoir........204, 213
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302 Index
Engine coolant (continued)
refill capacities............ 254
specifications............. 255
temperature gauge........... 21
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 21
description............... 21
mechanical............... 21
Engine fan............... 202
Engine oil............... 207
changing oil and oil filter....... 208
checking and adding......... 208
dipstick............... 208
disposal............... 210
engine oil pressure warning light..... 18
filter, specifications.......... 253
refill capacities............ 254
specifications...........207, 255
synthetic oil............. 207
ªbreak-inº oils............. 6
viscosity............... 207
Entry system
illuminated............... 91
remote................. 99
Exhaust fumes............. 149
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan .................. 202
engine fan, avoiding injury....... 202
Federal Communications Commission.... 57
Flashers, hazard.............. 78
Flashing the lights............. 76
Flat tire................. 181
Floor mats................ 95
Fluid refill capacities........... 254
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 265
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 266
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
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Index 303
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 271
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 271
Foreign registration........... 272
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
Fuel.................. 233
capacity............... 254
choosing the right fuel........ 234
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 233
filter, specifications.......... 253
fuel gauge............... 20
low fuel warning light......... 19
octane rating............. 235
quality................ 235
running out of fuel.......... 237
safety information relating to
automotive fuels.......... 236
storing your vehicle.......... 257
treating emergencies......... 236
Fuel cap................ 233
removing.............. 233
replacing............... 233
Fuel filter, specifications......... 253
Fuel gauge................ 20
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start......... 180
starting after a collision........ 180
Fuse panels
engine compartment......... 174
high current fuse panel........ 174
instrument panel........... 178
Fuses
charts..............173, 178
checking and replacing........ 178
circuit breakers............ 179
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