check engine Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owner's Manuals

10
%*
[IS01700( BCGV)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[IS02000( BCGV)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[IS02600( ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[IS02700( ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.
[IS02800( BC )04/96]
one inch art:0000108-E
The brake system warning light
[IS03100( ALL)12/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to START. It normally
goes off shortly after the engine starts and you
release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[IS03200( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

11 % [IS03300( ALL)04/96]
Anti-Lock Brake System Light
(If equipped)
[IS03400( ALL)12/95]
This warning light will go on each time you
start your vehicle. If it remains on for longer
than five seconds, you should shut off your
engine and restart. If the anti-lock brake light
stays on, this indicates that the anti-lock feature
is disabled and should receive immediate
attention by a qualified service technician.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake
warning light is also lit.
*
[IS03500( ALL)03/96]
The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check
capabilities. As previously described, the system
turns on the anti-lock light each time you start
your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light is out, the system performs
another test the first time the vehicle reaches
14 mph (22 km/h). The system turns on the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) pump motor for
approximately 1/2 second. At this time a
mechanical noise may be heard. This is a normal
part of the self-check feature. If a malfunction is
found during this check the anti-lock light will
come on.
[IS03600( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0011194-B
The anti-lock brake system light
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

13 %
*
[IS06300( ALL)03/96]
Air Bag Readiness Light
*
[IS06400( ALL)04/96]
The air bag system uses a readiness light and a
tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When
you turn the ignition key to the ON position,
this light will light up for six (6) seconds and
then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally. NOTE: Regularly scheduled
maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.
*
[IS06500( ALL)04/96]
If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash,
remains on, or you hear a beeping sound, have
the system serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.
[IS06700( BC )04/96]
one inch art:0000653-C
The air bag readiness light
% [IS07150( BC )03/96]
Low Coolant Light
[IS07200(MBC )04/96]
This light tells you that the coolant is low inside
the coolant recovery bottle and that you should
add more coolant.
[IS07300(MBC )04/96]
This light comes on for a few seconds when
your ignition key is turned to start, but should
turn off when the engine starts. If this light stays
on, check the level of coolant inside the recovery
bottle. SeeEngine Coolantin the Index.
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

14 [IS07350( BC )03/96]
one inch art:0011209-AThe low coolant light
%*
[IS07500( ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
*
[IS07600( ALL)01/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[IS07700( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0010119-B
The charging system light
*
[IS07800( ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[IS07900( ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
%*
[IS08400( BCGV)03/96]
Overdrive Off Indicator
[IS08600( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0010730-B
The overdrive off indicator light
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

19 [IS13550( BC )04/96]
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil, seeEngine Oilin the Index. If you do
not follow these instructions, you or others
could be injured. To assure an accurate
reading, your vehicle should be on level
ground.
[IS13600( BC )03/96]
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if
the light is on, regardless of the oil level.
Contact your nearest dealer for service as
soon as possible.
*
[IS13700( BC )03/96]
For more information about adding oil, see
Adding engine oilin theMaintenance and Care
chapter of this guide.
%*
[IS13750( BC )04/96]
Low Fuel Light
[IS13800( BC )04/96]
This light comes on when your fuel gauge
indicates approximately 1/8 to 1/16 of a tank.
Your vehicle must be turned to ON for this light
to come on. This light will either flicker or glow
steadily.
[IS13850( BC )04/96]
one inch art:0000116-C
The low fuel light
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

22
*
[IS16400( ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS16500( ALL)04/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS16600( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn off the engine.
*
[IS16700( ALL)03/96]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[IS16800( ALL)03/96]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS16900( ALL)03/96]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
coolant system serviced.
%*
[IS18100( ALL)03/96]
Speedometer
[IS18200( BC )04/96]
one third page art:0011341-B
The speedometer
*
[IS18350( ALL)03/96]
The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.
%*
[IS18900( ALL)03/96]
Odometer
*
[IS19000( ALL)01/96]
The odometer tells you the total number of miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

148
*
[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.
File:08rctoc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:28:08 1996

150
*
[TO05100( ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[TO05200( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO05300( ALL)01/96]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO05400( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[TO05500( ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
[TO05600( ALL)12/95]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, the
heating or air conditioning system should be set
to any function except MAX A/C or AUTO.
[TO05800( BCGV)12/95]
q
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on
MEDIUM or HIGH with the function control
on any position except OFF and the
temperature control at any desired position.
[TO06000( BCGV)12/95]
q
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on MEDIUM or HIGH with the
function control on any position except OFF
or MAX and the temperature control at any
desired position.
*
[TO06100( ALL)01/96]
Pushing
[TO06300( BCGV)01/96]
Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start.
File:08rctoc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:28:08 1996

153 [GF02500( BC )12/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. The brake
system warning light will glow.
[GF02800( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010315-A
The parking brake
*
[GF03100( BCGV)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
[GF03300( BC )12/95]
To release the parking brake, press down on the
pedal until you hear a click. Lift your foot off
the pedal. The brake is now released and will
reset to lock the next time you press the pedal,
located below the lower left corner of the
instrument panel. The Brake System Warning
Light will glow if the parking brake is not fully
released when the engine is running.
*
[GF03600( ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

154
*
[GF03700( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
[GF03800( ALL)12/95]
The parking brake system is designed for static
parking only and is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
% [GF03900( ALL)12/95]Traction-Lok Axle (If equipped)
[GF04000( ALL)12/95]
This axle provides added traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a
poor traction surface. Under normal conditions
the Traction-Lok axle functions as a standard
rear axle.
*
[GF04100( ALL)03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size 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.
*
[GF04200( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996