Mercury Mercury Cougar 2002 Owner's Manual

2.5L V6 engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if equipped)
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air filter assembly
5. Power distribution box
6. Battery
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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171

Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification ESR-M17P5±A.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
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 or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(automatic transaxle) or 1st (manual transaxle).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil indicator (dipstick).
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172

²2.0L I4 engine
²2.5L V6 engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
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173

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
tightly until clicks are heard, or until it is snug.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils ªCertified For Gasoline Enginesº by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford specification WSS-M2C153±H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum
fuel economy and durability performance meeting all
requirements for your vehicle's engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
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174

that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
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175

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or the neutral
position (manual transaxle), turn off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
²The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
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176

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36É C (-34É F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014±R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the ªcold fullº of ªcold fill rangeº level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50±50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
²Freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²Boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
²Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
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When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
²The engine coolant should be at the ªcold fill levelº or within the ªcold
fill rangeº as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
²Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service interval
schedules.
²Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with Motorcraft Specialty
Orange Engine Coolant VC-2 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
WSS-M97B44±D.
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To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system and
maintain the warranty on the cooling system:
²Add the type of coolant originally equipped in your vehicle.If
you are unsure which type of coolant your vehicle requires, check
your coolant reservoir or contact your local dealer.
²Do not add/mix a green-colored coolant such as Motorcraft
Premium Engine Coolant, VC-4±A, meeting Ford specification
ESEÐM97B44±A with the factory-filled coolant.Adding/mixing a
conventional green coolant can result in degraded corrosion
protection.
²Do not add/mix a yellow-colored, extended life coolant such as
Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant, VC-7±A (or VC-7±B
in Oregon), meeting Ford specification WSSÐM97B51±A1 with
the factory-filled coolant.Adding/mixing a yellowÐcolored
extended life coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
²A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
²Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
²Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
²Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the ªcold fullº level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
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To avoid personal injury, make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The cooling system is
under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the
cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the ªcold fill rangeº or the ªcold fullº level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration see
Checking Engine Coolant section). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to ±34É F/±36É C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with orange extended life coolant
since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
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