service Mercury Mercury Cougar 2002 Owner's Manual

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle's functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works.If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have
the respective system inspected immediately.
Check engine
Illuminates briefly to ensure the
system is functional. If it comes on
after the engine is started, one of
the engine's emission control
systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a
driveability concern being noted and will not require towing.
Light turns on solid:
Temporary malfunctions may cause your light to illuminate. Examples
are:
²The vehicle has run out of fuel.
²Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
²The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the fuel cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the light
should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is
required.
Instrument Cluster
10

If the light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a
fire.
Brake system warning
To confirm the brake system
warning light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position (alternatively for some vehicles
when the ignition is moved from the ON position to START position, the
light will momentarily illuminate prior to reaching the START position).
It also illuminates if the parking brake is engaged. If the brake system
warning light does not illuminate as described, seek service immediately.
Illumination after the parking brake is released indicates low brake fluid
level or a brake system malfunction and the brake system should be
serviced immediately by a qualified technician. Refer toBrakesin the
Drivingchapter for more information.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
To confirm the anti-lock brake
system (ABS) warning light is
functional it will momentarily
illuminate when the ignition is
turned to the ON position
(alternatively for some vehicles when the ignition is moved from the ON
position to the START position, the light will momentarily illuminate just
prior to reaching the START position). If the light remains on, continues
to flash or fails to illuminate, have the ABS serviced immediately. If the
ABS light remains on, it means the anti-lock brake system has
malfunctioned and is disabled, however, the normal brake system will
still function unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated and
parking brake is off. Refer toBrakesin theDrivingchapter for more
information.
ABS
Instrument Cluster
11

Safety belt
Illuminates to remind you to fasten
your safety belts. For more
information, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Air bag readiness
Illuminates to confirm that the air
bags (front and side) are
operational. If the light fails to
illuminate, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Charging system
Illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly.
Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. Check
the oil level and add oil if needed.
Refer toEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter.
Check coolant (if equipped)
Illuminates when the coolant level in
the coolant reservoir is low and
more needs to be added. For more
information on adding engine
coolant, refer toEngine coolantin
theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
Check transaxle
Illuminates when a transaxle
problem has been detected and
shifting may be restricted. If this
lamp remains on, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.
Instrument Cluster
12

Traction ControlYactive
Illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem is active. It will be
lit for a minimum of four seconds or
for the duration of the Traction
Controlyevent.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at, or near, empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information). When
refueling, after the light comes on,
the amount of fuel that is added will
be less than the advertised capacity
since there is fuel still in the tank.
O/D off (if equipped)
Illuminates when the overdrive
function has been turned OFF using
the Transmission Control Switch
(TCS) on end of gearshift. If the
light does not come on or the light
flashes steadily, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, as
damage to the transmission could occur.
Speed control (if equipped)
Illuminates when the speed control
is activated.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the turn signals or
the hazard lights are turned on. If
the lights stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out bulb.
Instrument Cluster
13

High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Foglamps
Illuminates when the foglamps are
turned on.
Refer toFoglamp controlin the
Lightschapter.
OVERHEAD WARNING LIGHTS (if equipped)
These lights illuminate briefly to ensure the systems are functional.
Service intervals
Illuminates to indicate that routine
service should be performed. Check
your maintenance schedule to
determine the routine service to be
completed.
To reset the light, hold the SELECT
and UNITS controls on the trip
computer for five seconds. The light
will be illuminated and then extinguish after approximately four seconds.
Frost warning
Illuminates when ambient air
temperatures are between 0É C (32É
F) and 4É C (39É F). Theyellow
light warns of possible ice on the
roads.
Instrument Cluster
14

RADIO RECEPTION FACTORS
Three factors can affect radio reception:
²Distance/strength.The further an FM signal travels, the weaker it is.
The listenable range of the average FM station is approximately 40 km
(24 miles). This range can be affected by ªsignal modulation.º Signal
modulation is a process radio stations use to increase their
strength/volume relative to other stations.
²Terrain.Hills, mountains and tall buildings between your vehicle's
antenna and the radio station signal can cause FM reception problems.
Static can be caused on AM stations by power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering
structure (out of its ªshadowº) returns your reception to normal.
²Station overload.Weak signals are sometimes captured by stronger
signals when you pass a broadcast tower. A stronger signal may
temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play while the weak station
frequency is displayed.
The audio system automatically switches to single channel reception if it
will improve the reception of a station normally received in stereo.
AUDIO SYSTEM WARRANTIES AND SERVICE
Refer to theWarranty Guidefor audio system warranty information.
If service is necessary, see your dealer or a qualified technician.
Entertainment Systems
43

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been aimed in an accident the alignment of your
headlamps should be checked by a qualified service technician.
Each headlmap may be properly aimed in the vertical (up/down)
direction only. THE HORIZONTAL (left/right) AIM IS PRESET BY THE
HEADLAMP MANUFACTURER AND DOES NOT NEED TO BE
RE-AIMED.
Adjusting the vertical aim
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. The vertical indicator is located
on top of the headlamp assembly;
the adjusting screw is located
behind the headlamp assembly.
3. Turn the vertical adjusting screw
until the bubble aligns with the ª0º
reference mark when viewed from
directly above. The ª0º reference
mark is the middle of the three (3)
bold graduation marks.
Lights
49

WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades for wear at least twice a year or when they seem
less effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments
used by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
CHECKING WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades on your
vehicle for roughness by running the
tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade.
Traces of grease, silicone and fuel
also prevent wiper blades from
functioning properly. Clean the
blades regularly using a damp cloth
or sponge soaked with diluted
windscreen or car wash detergent.
Change the wiper blades on your vehicle at least once a year.
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Driver Controls
58

If a problem occurs with the SecuriLockysystem, the indicator will flash
rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the ON position. If this
occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for service.
Automatic arming
The vehicle is armed five seconds
after switching off the ignition. The
indicator light on the dashboard
above the climate controls will flash
every two seconds when the vehicle
is armed.
Automatic disarming
Switching the ignition to the 4 (RUN) position with acoded keydisarms
the vehicle. If the indicator light stays on for an extended period of time
or flashes rapidly, have the system serviced by your dealership or a
qualified technician.
Key information
Your vehicle is supplied withtwo coded keys.Only acoded keywill
start your vehicle.
Spare coded keys can be purchased from your dealership. Your
dealership can program your key or you can ªdo it yourself.º Refer to
Programming spare keys.
Functional check
When the ignition is switched on, the indicator light will illuminate for
approximately three seconds to indicate the system is operating
correctly.
If the indicator light flashes rapidly for approximately one minute and
then repeats at irregular intervals, the system did not recognize the key
code. Remove the key and try again.
If the indicator light flashes rapidly for approximately one minute and
then repeats at irregular intervals, a system malfunction has occurred.
Have the system serviced by your dealership or a qualified technician.
Certain items may cause vehicle starting issues:
²Large metallic objects
²Electronic devices on the key chain that can be used to purchase
gasoline or similar items
Locks and Security
75

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag
supplemental restraint systems or its fuses. See your Ford or
Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Modifications to the front end of the vehicle, including frame,
bumper, front end body structure and tow hooks may affect the
performance of the air bag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Do not
modify the front end of the vehicle.
Children and air bags
For additional important safety
information, read all information on
safety restraints in this guide.
Children must always be properly
restrained. Accident statistics
suggest that children are safer when
properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front
seating position. Failure to follow
these instructions may increase the
risk of injury in a collision.
Air bags can kill or injure a
child in a child seat.
NEVERplace a rear-facing child
seat in front of an active air bag. If
you must use a forward-facing
child seat in the front seat, move
the seat all the way back.
Seating and Safety Restraints
96