Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owner's Manuals

251 %
*
[MC50900( ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Interior Lamps
*
[MC51000( ALL)02/96]
Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are
plastic and should be cleaned with a mild
detergent diluted in water. Rinse them with clear
water.
*
[MC51100( ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Instrument Panel Lens
*
[MC51200( ALL)01/96]
Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth
and a glass cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear
Spray Glass Cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use
paper towel or any abrasive cleaner to clean the
lens as these may cause scratches.
%*
[MC51250( ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Seats
*
[MC51300( ALL)01/96]
Leather and vinyl
*
[MC51400( ALL)01/96]
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a
soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning,
wipe the surface with a leather and vinyl cleaner
or a mild soap.
%*
[MC51500( ALL)05/96]
Fabric
*
[MC51600( ALL)05/96]
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom
or a vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots
immediately. Follow the directions that come
with the cleaner.
*
[MC51700( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a
small, hidden area of fabric. If the
fabric's color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

252
*
[MC51800( ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC51900( ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[MC52000( ALL)01/96]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC52100( BCGV)04/96]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[MC52200( BCGV)04/96]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[MC52300( ALL)01/96]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%*
[MC52400( ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC52500( ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[MC52600( ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

253
Capacities and
Specifications
*
[CS00200( ALL)01/96]
Refill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts,
and Lubricant Specifications
%*
[CS00300( ALL)01/96]
Motorcraft Parts
% [CS00500( BC )05/96]
fourteen pica chart:0010452-N[CS00700( ALL)12/95]
If a spark plug is removed for examination, it
must be reinstalled in the same cylinder.
[CS00800(MBC )12/95]
For 3.8L engines:
[CS00900(MBC )12/95]
Cylinders #1, #2, #3 have an EG suffix.
[CS01000(MBC )12/95]
Cylinders #4, #5, #6 have an E suffix.
[CS01100( ALL)12/95]
For 4.6L (2V) engines:
[CS01200( ALL)12/95]
Cylinders #1, #2, #3, #4 have a PG suffix.
[CS01300( ALL)12/95]
Cylinders #5, #6, #7, #8 have a P suffix.
[CS01700( ALL)12/95]
If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use only
spark plugs with the service number suffix letter
as shown on the engine decal.
File:12rccsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:31:57 1996

254 %
*
[CS01800( ALL)02/96]
Fluid Specifications and Capacities
[CS02000( BC )05/96]
twenty-two pica chart:0010447-P*
[CS02200( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
File:12rccsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:31:57 1996

255
File:12rccsc.ex

256
%*
[CS03000( ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS03100( ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS03200( ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[CS03300( ALL)01/96]
General
*
[CS03400( ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[CS03500( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[CS03600( ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[CS03700( ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[CS03800( ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[CS03900( ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[CS04000( ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[CS04100( ALL)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
File:12rccsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:31:57 1996

257
*
[CS04200( ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[CS04300( ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[CS04400( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
%*
[CS04500( ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[CS04600( ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[CS04700( ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[CS04800( ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[CS04900( ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[CS05000( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
*
[CS05100( ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
File:12rccsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:31:57 1996

258 %
*
[CS05200( ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[CS05300( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[CS05400( ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[CS05500( ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[CS05600( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
*
[CS05700( ALL)12/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, it may be
advisable to disconnect the battery cables to
ensure battery charge is maintained for quick
starting.
[CS05800( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory
features.
%*
[CS05900( ALL)01/96]
Brakes
*
[CS06000( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[CS06100( ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[CS06200( ALL)01/96]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[CS06300( ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[CS06400( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[CS06500( ALL)01/96]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.
File:12rccsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:31:57 1996

259
*
[CS06700( CG )12/95]
thirty-six pica chart:MERCADPLN
File:12rccsc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:31:57 1996

261
Reporting Safety Defects
(U.S. Only)
*
[RD00300( ALL)03/96]
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause injury
or death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying Ford Motor
Company.
*
[RD00400( ALL)04/96]
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may
order a recall and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer, or Ford
Motor Company.
*
[RD00500( ALL)02/96]
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or
366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write
to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation,
400 Seventh Street, Washington D.C. 20590. You
can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
File:13rcrdc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:31:59 1996