warning Mercury Mercury Cougar 2002 Owner's Guide

With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient
space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a
controlled stop.
²The anti-lock system does not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, pull the handle up as
far as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
Driving
118

It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
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.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
Maintenance and Specifications
189

permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
Maintenance and Specifications
190

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................117
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................94±95, 99
and child safety seats ..............96
description ..........................95, 99
disposal ....................................102
driver air bag ....................97, 100
indicator light .............12, 98, 101
operation ...........................97, 100
passenger air bag .............97, 100
side air bag ................................99
Air cleaner filter .......................198
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................44
Air filter, cabin ............................46
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................177
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................117±118
Anti-theft system ........................77
arming the system ....................78
disarming a triggered system ..78
Audio system (see Radio) ...26, 34
Automatic transaxle
driving with .............................122
fluid, adding ............................192
fluid, checking ........................192
fluid, refill capacities ..............199
fluid, specification ..................201
Automatic transmission ............120
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........200
B
Battery .......................................175acid, treating emergencies .....175
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....145
maintenance-free ....................175
replacement, specifications ...198
servicing ..................................175
BeltMinder ...................................89
Brakes ........................................116
anti-lock ...........................117±118
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................11, 117
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....191
fluid, refill capacities ..............199
fluid, specifications .........200±201
lubricant specifications ..200±201
parking ....................................118
shift interlock ..........................120
Break-in period .............................6
Bulbs ............................................51
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....199
Cargo cover .................................68
Cargo net .....................................68
Cassette tape player ...................19
CD-6 disc .....................................34
CD-single premium .....................26
Certification Label ....................202
Changing a tire .........................142
Child safety restraints ..............103
child safety belts ....................103
Child safety seats ......................106
attaching with tether straps ..111
in front seat ............................108
in rear seat ..............................108
Index
207

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............162
instrument panel ....................164
interior .............................164±165
plastic parts ............................163
washing ....................................161
waxing .....................................161
wheels ......................................162
wiper blades ............................164
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............44
Clock ..........................26, 33, 41, 60
Clutch
fluid ..........................................192
operation while driving ..........125
recommended shift speeds ....126
Console ........................................67
Coolant
checking and adding ..............177
low coolant light .......................12
refill capacities ................181, 199
specifications ..................200±201
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................134
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................166
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................154
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................158
Getting roadside assistance ...134
Getting the service you
need .........................................152
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................159
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................154Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................157
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................47
Defrost
rear window ..............................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................192
engine oil .................................172
Doors
door ajar warning .....................15
lubricant specifications ..........200
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................128
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................145
Emission control system ..........189
Engine ........................................201
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................162
coolant .....................................177
idle speed control ...................175
lubrication
specifications ..................200±201
refill capacities ........................199
service points ..................170±171
starting after a collision .........135
Engine block heater .................115
Engine oil ..................................172
checking and adding ..............172
Index
208

dipstick ....................................172
filter, specifications ........174, 198
recommendations ...................174
refill capacities ........................199
specifications ..................200±201
Exhaust fumes ..........................116
F
Floor mats ...................................68
Fluid capacities .........................199
Foglamps .....................................47
Fuel ............................................182
calculating fuel economy .......186
cap ...........................................183
capacity ...................................199
choosing the right fuel ...........184
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................188
detergent in fuel .....................185
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................182±183, 186
filter, specifications ................198
fuel pump shut-off switch .....135
gauge .........................................17
improving fuel economy ........186
low fuel warning light ..............13
octane rating ...................185, 201
quality ......................................185
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................182
Fuses ..................................136±137
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............183
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................186
Gauges .........................................16engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................16
fuel gauge ..................................17
odometer ...................................17
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................18
trip odometer ............................18
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................129
definition .................................129
driving with a heavy load ......129
location ....................................129
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................129
calculating ...............................129
definition .................................129
driving with a heavy load ......129
location ....................................129
H
Hazard flashers .........................135
Headlamps ...................................47
aiming ........................................49
bulb specifications ....................51
daytime running lights .............47
flash to pass ..............................48
high beam ...........................14, 48
turning on and off ....................47
warning chime ..........................15
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................44
Hood ..........................................168
I
Ignition ...............................112, 201
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................106
Index
209

Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................190
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................164
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................48
J
Jack ............................................142
positioning ...............................142
storage .....................................142
Jump-starting your vehicle ......145
K
Keys .......................................74±76
key in ignition chime ...............16
positions of the ignition .........112
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................51
cargo lamps ...............................48
daytime running light ...............47
fog lamps ...................................47
headlamps .................................47
headlamps, flash to pass ..........48
instrument panel, dimming .....48
interior lamps ...........................50
replacing bulbs .........................51
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................50
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....11, 117
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12check coolant ............................12
check engine .............................10
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................15
high beam .................................14
low fuel ......................................13
low washer fluid .......................15
oil pressure ...............................12
overdrive off ..............................13
safety belt .................................12
speed control ............................65
traction control active ..............13
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................129
GAWR ......................................129
GVWR ......................................129
trailer towing ..........................129
Locks
doors ..........................................70
Lubricant specifications ...200±201
M
Manual transaxle
fluid capacities ........................199
lubricant specifications ..........201
reverse .....................................127
Manual transmission .................125
Message center ...........................66
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts ........................198
O
Octane rating ............................185
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................172
Index
210

P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................73
Parking brake ............................118
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....198
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................139
Power door locks ........................70
Power mirrors .............................60
Power steering ..........................120
fluid, checking and adding ....190
fluid, refill capacity ................199
fluid, specifications .........200±201
Power Windows ...........................60
R
Radio ......................................26, 34
Radio reception .....................42±43
Rear window defroster ...............46
Relays ........................................136
Remote entry system ...........71, 73
locking/unlocking doors .....70, 72
opening the trunk .....................73
panic alarm ...............................73
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................74
replacing the batteries .............73
Roadside assistance ..................134
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................15, 83, 85±88
Safety defects, reporting ..........160
Safety restraints ..............83, 85±88belt minder ...............................89
cleaning the safety belts ..........93
extension assembly ..................93
for adults .............................85±87
for children .....................102±103
warning light and
chime .............................12, 15, 88
Safety seats for children ..........106
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................83
Seats ............................................79
child safety seats ....................106
cleaning ...................................164
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................74±76
Servicing your vehicle ..............167
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................142
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................198, 201
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................200±201
Speed control ..............................61
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your
vehicle ........................112±113, 115
jump starting ..........................145
Steering wheel
controls ................................59, 61
tilting .........................................59
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................142, 195±196
changing ..........................142±143
checking the pressure ............196
replacing ..................................197
Index
211

rotating ....................................196
snow tires and chains ............198
tire grades ...............................196
treadwear ................................195
Towing .......................................130
recreational towing .................133
trailer towing ..........................130
wrecker ....................................151
Traction control ........................119
active light ................................13
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............199
lubricant specifications ..........201
Transmission
automatic operation ...............120
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................192
lubricant specifications ..........200
manual operation ....................125
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk ...........................................70
remote release ....................67, 73
Turn signal ............................13, 50V
Vehicle Communication
System ...................................14±15
Vehicle dimensions ...................201
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................203
Vehicle loading ..........................129
Ventilating your vehicle ...........116
W
Warning chimes .....................15±16
Warning lights
(see Lights) ...........................10, 14
Water, Driving through .............128
Windows
power .........................................60
rear wiper/washer .....................57
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ..............58
operation ...................................57
replacing wiper blades .............58
Wrecker towing .........................151
Index
212