engine Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 s User Guide

23 %
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[IS20400( ALL)01/96]
Trip Odometer
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[IS20500( ALL)04/96]
If you want to track your mileage up to 999.9
miles (kilometers), use the trip odometer. Simply
set the trip odometer to zero by pressing the
reset control firmly when beginning the distance
you wish to measure.
[IS20600( ALL)04/96]
Since the trip odometer displays distance
independent of the odometer it will not always
advance to the next mile (kilometer) at the same
time as the odometer.
%*
[IS20700(MBC )03/96]
Tachometer
[IS20800( BC )04/96]
one third page art:0011342-B
The tachometer
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[IS21000(MBC )01/96]
The tachometer displays the approximate engine
revolutions per minute (rpm), or how fast the
engine is running.
*
[IS21200( BC )01/96]
You can drive your vehicle at most rpm points
on the tachometer but you must stay out of the
red zone.
[IS21300( BC )01/96]
Regardless of the type of transmission in your
vehicle, if you drive with the tachometer pointer
in the red zone, you may damage the engine.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

64 [CF07300( BC )05/96]If the control is pressed after65ÊF (18ÊC) is
reached, only60ÊF (16ÊC)will be displayed and
the system will provide continuous maximum
cooling.
[CF07400( BC )05/96]
Warm control
[CF07500( BC )05/96]
This control is used to RAISE the temperature
setting. Press the control once to raise the
displayed temperature one degree. Holding the
control in will continuously increase the
temperature setting in one degree increments
until you either release it or85ÊF (29ÊC) is
reached.
[CF07600( BC )05/96]
If the control is pressed after85ÊF (29ÊC) is
reached, only90ÊF (32ÊC)will be displayed and
the system will provide continuous maximum
heating.
[CF07700( BC )12/95]
System Operation
[CF07800( BC )05/96]
To heat the inside of your vehicle, turn the
SELECT control to FLOOR and turn the FAN
control to AUTO. The fan will remain off until
the engine reaches operating temperature or
until 3-1/2 minutes have elapsed. As the interior
of your vehicle warms up, the discharge air
temperature and the fan speed will be
automatically and gradually changed to maintain
the set temperature. If you prefer a fixed fan
speed, turn the fan speed control to the desired
setting.
% [CF07900( BC )05/96]
To defrost the windshield and side windows,
turn the SELECT control to DefrostV, turn the
FAN control to HI and set the temperature as
necessary to clear the windshield.
[CF08000( BC )05/96]
To direct either cooled or heated air to the panel
registers and the floor at the same time, turn the
SELECT control to PANEL & FLOOR, push the
COOL or WARM control for the desired
temperature and set the FAN speed as desired.
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65 [CF08100( BC )05/96]
To cool your vehicle quickly in warm weather,
turn the SELECT control to MAX A/C and turn
the FAN control to AUTO. As the vehicle
interior cools down, the discharge air
temperature and fan speed will automatically
and gradually be changed to maintain the set
temperature with airflow from the instrument
panel registers.
[CF08200( BC )12/95]
If the interior of your vehicle is very warm,
drive for the first few minutes with the windows
open. This will force the hot, stale air out and
allow the air conditioning to work faster.
% [CF08300( BC )05/96]
To cool your vehicle with outside air, turn the
SELECT control to A/C and turn the FAN
control to AUTO or to a fixed speed setting as
you desire. Cooling your vehicle in this manner
provides a quieter system operation, but it will
not cool as efficiently and is not as fuel efficient
as MAX A/C which uses recirculated air.
[CF08400( BC )05/96]
To ventilate your vehicle with outside air, turn
the SELECT control to PANEL and the FAN
control to AUTO. The fan will remain off until
the engine is warm enough to provide heat.
However, if the interior temperature is above the
set temperature, the fan will turn on
immediately. Temperature may be set as desired
and FAN speed can be selected.
[CF08500( BC )12/95]
A/C compressor override
[CF08600( BC )05/96]
The A/C compressor can be disengaged for
more economical driving. This can be done by
turning the SELECT control to PANEL. The A/C
compressor is automatically engaged by the
control in MAX A/C, PANEL & FLOOR, NORM
A/C, FLOOR & DEF, and DEFROST positions if
the outside temperature is above45ÊF (7ÊC).
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996

66
%*
[CF14400(MBC )03/96]
Rear Window Defroster
(If equipped)
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[CF14600( ALL)03/96]
The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside
of the rear window.
[CF14900( BC )05/96]
The control for the rear window defroster is
located on the lower right side of the instrument
panel, just left of the climate control panel.
[CF15000( BC )05/96]
one third page art:0010190-B
The control for the rear window defroster
[CF15300( ALL)12/95]
Clear away any snow that is on the rear
window before using the defroster. With the
engine running, push the defrost button.
[CF15400( ALL)12/95]
After approximately 10 minutes, the defroster
will turn off. If the window is still not clear,
turn the defroster on again.
[CF15500( ALL)12/95]
The defroster will turn off when the ignition key
is turned to the OFF position.
*
[CF15600( ALL)12/95]
The heating elements are bonded to the inside of
the rear window. Do not use sharp objects to
scrape the inside of the rear window or use
abrasive cleaners to clean it. Doing so could
damage the heating elements.
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73
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[CF24100( ALL)01/96]
Ignition
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[CF24200( ALL)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[CF24300( ALL)12/95]
quarter page art:0010035-B
The positions of the key in the ignition
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[CF24500( BCGV)04/96]
ACC allows some of your vehicle's electrical
accessories such as the radio and the windshield
wipers to operate while the engine is not
running.
% [CF24600( ALL)12/95]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
automatic transmission gearshift lever.
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[CF24700( ALL)01/96]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
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[CF24800( ALL)01/96]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
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[CF24900( ALL)01/96]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
*
[CF25000( ALL)01/96]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
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145
Starting
%*
[TO00200( ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
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[TO00300( ALL)01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when
you have problems getting your vehicle started.
SeeStarting Your Enginein this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.
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[TO00400( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[TO00500( ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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[TO00600( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
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[TO00700( ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
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[TO00800( ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
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[TO00900( ALL)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[TO01200( BCGV)01/96]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
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146
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[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
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[TO01500( ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
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[TO01600( ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
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[TO01700( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
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[TO01800( ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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[TO01900( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
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[TO02000( ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[TO02100( ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
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[TO02200( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO02300( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
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147 %
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[TO02400( ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO02500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
*
[TO02600( ALL)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[TO02700( ALL)01/96]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
*
[TO02800( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that
prevents you from shifting out of P
(Park) unless your foot is on the brake
pedal.
%*
[TO02900( ALL)01/96]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
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[TO03000( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[TO03100( ALL)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
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[TO03200( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[TO03300( ALL)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[TO03400( ALL)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
[TO03500( ALL)03/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the Index.
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148
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[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO03700( ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO03800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO03900( 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.
*
[TO04000( ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO04100( ALL)01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO04200( ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
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Update:Thu May 30 10:28:08 1996

149
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[TO04300( ALL)01/96]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[TO04400( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[TO04500( ALL)01/96]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[TO04600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block
heater before driving your vehicle.
*
[TO04700( ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[TO04800( ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[TO04900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO05000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
File:08rctoc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:28:08 1996