engine coolant Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owner's Manuals

13 %
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[IS06300( ALL)03/96]
Air Bag Readiness Light
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[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.
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[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.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

14 [IS07350( BC )03/96]
one inch art:0011209-AThe low coolant light
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[IS07500( ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
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[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
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[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
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

21
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[IS14800( ALL)01/96]
With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge
indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON
position.
%*
[IS15700( ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[IS15800( ALL)02/96]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
[IS15905( BCGV)04/96]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the normal band as your engine coolant warms
up. Under normal driving conditions, the pointer
should stay in the normal band. It is acceptable
for the pointer to fluctuate within the noprmal
band under normal driving conditions, and
under certain driving conditions such as, heavy
stop and go traffic, or driving up hills in hot
weather, for the pointer to indicate at the top of
the normal band.
[IS16005( BCGV)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the normal band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
% [IS16200( BC )04/96]
one third page art:0011144-D
The engine coolant temperature gauge
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

22
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[IS16400( ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
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[IS16500( ALL)04/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
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[IS16600( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn off the engine.
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[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
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[IS18350( ALL)03/96]
The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.
%*
[IS18900( ALL)03/96]
Odometer
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[IS19000( ALL)01/96]
The odometer tells you the total number of miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

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.
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[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

212
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[MC10100( ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
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[MC10200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%
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[MC10900( ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC11000( ALL)03/96]
Washer Fluid
[MC11100( ALL)04/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
periodically. The reservoir for washer fluid is
located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment. Do not operate the washer when
the reservoir is empty.
[MC11300( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010375-B
The reservoir for the windshield washer fluid
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[MC11500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
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Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

213 %
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[MC11600( ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
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[MC11700( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC11800( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
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[MC11900( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC12100( BCGV)05/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[MC12200( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
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Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

214
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[MC12300( ALL)02/96]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
[MC12500( BCGV)03/96]
half page art:0010761-D
The engine coolant reservoir
%*
[MC12700( ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
[MC12800( ALL)04/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. Repair or replace with
Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
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Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

215
*
[MC12900( ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
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[MC13000( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC13100(MBC )05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
[MC13200(MBC )05/96]
RWARNING
Never remove the radiator cap or vent
plug while the engine is running or hot.
[MC13400(MBC )05/96]
Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that
can be caused by escaping steam or engine
coolant.
[MC13500(MBC )12/95]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool. Even when the engine is
cool, be careful when you remove the
radiator cap or vent plug.
[MC13700(MBC )05/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to unscrew.
*
[MC13800(MBC )05/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
[MC13900(MBC )05/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press the cap
down, turn it counterclockwise, and remove
it.
*
[MC14000(MBC )05/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

216
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[MC14505( ALL)05/96]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid
E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B)
or an equivalent premium engine coolant that
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford
Premium Engine Coolant is an optimized
formula that will protect all metals and rubber
elastomers used in Ford cooling systems for 4
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
*
[MC14510( ALL)05/96]
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may
harm your engine cooling system. The use of an
improper coolant may void the warranty of your
vehicle's engine cooling system.
*
[MC14605( ALL)05/96]
Recycled engine coolant
*
[MC14705( ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford
and Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine
coolant produced by Ford approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce
coolant which meets Ford specification
ESE-M97B44-A, and use of such coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components.
*
[MC14805( ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC14905( ALL)05/96]
Coolant refill capacity
[MC14910( ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's
cooling system can hold, refer toRefill Capacities
in theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
*
[MC14915( ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant per month.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996