maintenance schedule Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owner's Manuals

4
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[II02400( ALL)01/96]
Your Maintenance Schedule and
Record Booklet
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[II02500( ALL)03/96]
TheMaintenance Schedulebooklet lists the
services that are most important for keeping
your vehicle in good condition. A record log is
also provided to help you keep track of all
services performed.
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[II02600( ALL)01/96]
About the Warranties
[II02700( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is covered by three types of
warranties:Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended
Warrantieson certain parts, andEmissions
Warranties.
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[II02800( ALL)01/96]
Read yourWarranty Information Bookletcarefully
to find out about your vehicle's warranties and
your basic rights and responsibilities.
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[II02900( ALL)03/96]
If you lose yourWarranty Information Booklet,you
can get a new one free of charge. Contact any
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the
addresses and phone numbers on the first page
of this Owner's Guide.
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[II03000( ALL)03/96]
Ford Extended Service Plan
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[II03030( ALL)05/96]
More Protection for Your Vehicle
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[II03060( ALL)05/96]
You can get more protection for your new car or
light truck by purchasing a Ford Extended
Service Plan (Ford ESP). Ford ESP is the only
extended service program with the Ford name
on it and the only service contract backed by
Ford Motor Company.
File:02rciic.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:22:07 1996

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.
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

168 %
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[GF23100( ALL)05/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF23200( ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
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[GF23300( ALL)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
[GF23400( C )12/95]Decklid Luggage Rack
(If equipped)
[GF23500( C )12/95]
NOTE: The factory-installed luggage rack has a
load carrying capacity of 50 lbs.
(23 kg.). Do not exceed this load limit
or cause the vehicle to exceed the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which
is shown on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
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[GF23600( ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700( ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
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[GF23800( ALL)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
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[GF23900( ALL)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

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,
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

207
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[MC05600( ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
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[MC05700( ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
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[MC05800( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
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[MC05900( ALL)01/96]
Neveruse:
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[MC06000( ALL)01/96]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
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[MC06100( ALL)02/96]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC06200( ALL)01/96]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[MC06300( ALL)01/96]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[MC06400( ALL)03/96]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

210
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[MC08350( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
ªMotorcraftº oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
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[MC08400( ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%*
[MC08500( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
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[MC08600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
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[MC08700( ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
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[MC08800( ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
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[MC08900( ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
[MC09000( BCGV)04/96]
Check the brake fluid at each scheduled engine
oil change or at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic
reservoir on the master cylinder. Also, see label
on reservoir cap. (To locate the master cylinder,
File:11rcmcc.ex
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
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[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.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

223 [MC21100(MBC )05/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification MerconHATF XT-2-QDX or an
equivalent.
*
[MC21200(MBC )01/96]
NOTE: If the power steering fluid is low, do
not drive your vehicle for a long
period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering
pump.
%
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[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
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[MC21400( ALL)03/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
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[MC21500( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
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[MC21600( ALL)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[MC21700( ALL)12/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

228 %
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[MC26000( ALL)01/96]
Tire Rotation
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[MC26100( ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the
following diagram.
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[MC26200( ALL)05/96]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked.
[MC26500( C )12/95]
half page art:0011087-B
Rotating the tires
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996

238
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[MC33700( ALL)01/96]
To calculate fuel economy:
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[MC33800( ALL)01/96]
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the
initial odometer reading.
*
[MC33900( ALL)01/96]
2. Every time you buy fuel, record the
amount (in gallons or liters) purchased.
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[MC34000( ALL)01/96]
3. After at least 3-5 tankfuls, fill the fuel tank
and record the final odometer reading.
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[MC34100( ALL)01/96]
4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel
economy:
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[MC34200( ALL)01/96]
q
English: MPG = (total miles driven)v
(gallons used)
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[MC34300( ALL)01/96]
q
Metric: L/100k = (liters used)v
(100 kilometers)
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[MC34400( ALL)01/96]
Comparisons With EPA Estimates
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[MC34500( ALL)05/96]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and may not reflect the actual conditions you
experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that
you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
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[MC34600( ALL)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
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[MC34700( ALL)01/96]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
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[MC34800( ALL)01/96]
q
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
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[MC34900( ALL)01/96]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
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[MC35000( ALL)01/96]
q
Sudden stops
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[MC35100( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended engine idling
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[MC35200( ALL)01/96]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
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[MC35300( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
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[MC35400( ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996