transmission Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owner's Manuals

15
*
[IS08700( ALL)04/96]
This light tells you that the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS) has been pushed. When the light is
on, the transmission will not shift into overdrive.
Depressing the button will return the vehicle to
ªoverdrive onº mode. The transmission will be
in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the vehicle is
started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected
when the vehicle was last shut off.
[IS08900( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: If the light does not come on when the
TCS is depressed or if the light flashes
when you are driving, have your
vehicle serviced at the first
opportunity. If this condition persists,
damage could occur to the
transmission.
% [IS08905( BC )04/96]
Traction Assist Off Indicator
[IS08910( BC )04/96]
one inch art:0011389-A
The traction assist off indicator
[IS08915( BC )05/96]
This light comes on when the Traction Assist
system has been turned off.
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

23 %
*
[IS20400( ALL)01/96]
Trip Odometer
*
[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
*
[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.
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

73
*
[CF24100( ALL)01/96]
Ignition
%*
[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
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:05rccfc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996

74 %
*
[CF25100( ALL)03/96]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
*
[CF25200( BCGV)03/96]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
*
[CF25400( ALL)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[CF25500( BCGV)03/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
*
[CF25700( BCGV)03/96]
4. Remove the key.
[CF26300( BCGV)12/95]
NOTE: The automatic transmission gearshift
must be in P (Park) to move the key to
the lock position.
%*
[CF26400( ALL)01/96]
If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
%*
[CF26500( ALL)12/95]
If the driver's door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.
*
[CF26700( 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.
*
[CF26800( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets unattended in your vehicle.
%
*
[CF26900( ALL)02/96]
The Turn Signal Lever
*
[CF27000( ALL)02/96]
You can use the turn signal lever on the left side
of the steering column to:
[CF27100( ALL)04/96]
q
operate the turn signals
*
[CF27200( ALL)03/96]
q
turn the high beams on/off
*
[CF27300( ALL)03/96]
q
flash the lamps
*
[CF27400( ALL)03/96]
q
turn the windshield wipers and washer
on/off
File:05rccfc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 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

157
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05600( BCGV)12/95]
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
(If equipped)
[GF05800( BC )12/95]
The steering system in 4.6L engine vehicles is
speed sensitive. This means that the steering
effort is light for parking and heavier for
highway driving. However, if you have to
swerve around an object or another vehicle, your
steering will have full power assist.
%
*
[GF06500( ALL)12/95]
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transmission
[GF06600(MBC )12/95]
The gearshift lever is floor mounted.
*
[GF06700( BCGV)12/95]
The automatic overdrive transmission operates
very much like a regular automatic transmission,
except it offers the extra overdrive feature.
%*
[GF06800( ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[GF06900( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
[GF07100(MBC )04/96]
To move the shifter out of P (Park), the ignition
key must be turned to the ON position and the
shift lever thumb button must be pushed in.
*
[GF07200( ALL)12/95]
To operate:
*
[GF07300( ALL)12/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[GF07400( ALL)12/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[GF07500( ALL)12/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

159 % [GF08600( BC )12/95]
half page art:0010307-F
The positions of the console-mounted gearshift
*
[GF08700( ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF08800( ALL)05/96]
R (Reverse)
*
[GF08900( ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[GF09000( ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
[GF09100( ALL)12/95]
As in P (Park), there is no power transferred
through the transmission. However, the final
drive is not locked so the wheels are free to
rotate. The vehicle may be started in the N
position, but the ignition key cannot be
removed.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

160 %
*
[GF09200( ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF09400(MBC )05/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on
the floor. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
is located on the gearshift handle. The
Transmission Control Indicator Light (O/D OFF)
is located on the instrument panel. You can put
the gearshift lever in any of the several
positions.
[GF09700(MBC )12/95]
The OVERDRIVE OFF light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle operation.
This allows the transmission to upshift and
downshift from 1st through 4th gears. When the
TCS is pressed, the Transmission Control
Indicator Light will illuminate (O/D OFF) on the
instrument panel. When this O/D OFF is
illuminated the transmission will upshift and
downshift from 1st through 3rd gears.
[GF09800( ALL)12/95]
If the O/D OFF light does not come ªonº when
the TCS is depressed or if the light ªFLASHESº
when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition
persists, damage could occur to the transmission.
*
[GF09900( BCGV)05/96]
To return the transmission to normal operation
(1st through 4th gear) depress the TCS again.
This switch may be used to cancel overdrive any
time the vehicle is being driven. Each time your
vehicle is started, the overdrive system will
automatically be in the normal overdrive mode
and the light will not be illuminated.
%*
[GF10200(MBC )01/96]
When to use D (Overdrive)
*
[GF10300( ALL)12/95]
Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transmission. It works the
same way Drive works, automatically upshifting
or downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

161
*
[GF10400( ALL)12/95]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at an appropriate consistent speed for
any length of time. This fourth gear will increase
your fuel economy when you travel at cruising
speeds.
% [GF10500(MBC )12/95]
When to use D (Overdrive) Ð with
transmission control switch activated (O/D
OFF light illuminated)
*
[GF10700(MBC )12/95]
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transmission shifts back and forth
between Third and Fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle does
not have adequate power for climbing hills,
depress the TCS.
*
[GF10900( BCGV)12/95]
You can depress the TCS at any speed.
*
[GF11100( ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF11200( ALL)12/95]
Use 2 (Second) for start-up on slippery roads or
to give you more engine braking to slow your
vehicle on downgrades.
*
[GF11300( ALL)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF11400( ALL)12/95]
Use 1 (Low) when driving down steep grades. It
gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle
than 2 (Second) on the downgrades. You can
upshift from 1 (Low) to 2 (Second) or from 1
(Low) to Overdrive at any speed.
*
[GF11500( ALL)05/96]
P (Park)
*
[GF11600( ALL)12/95]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
rotating.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

167 %
*
[GF21600( ALL)05/96]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[GF21700( ALL)05/96]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
*
[GF21900( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF22000( ALL)05/96]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[GF22100( ALL)05/96]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
*
[GF22300( ALL)05/96]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
%*
[GF22400( ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22500( ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[GF22800(MBC )12/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, depress the
Transmission Control Switch (TCS). This will
also give the engine more power going up hills
and better engine braking going down hills.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996