service interval Mercury Mercury Cougar 2002 Owner's Manual

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

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

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transaxle cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
²Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transaxle damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Driving
132

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.
Maintenance and Specifications
175

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.
Maintenance and Specifications
178

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

2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only brake fluids certified to
meet Ford specification ESA-M6C25±A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended. However, if
DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is not DOT 3 or
DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
191

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance DOT
3 Motor Vehicle
Brake FluidAll Fill to MAX mark
Engine coolant
1Motorcraft
Specialty Orange
Engine Coolant2.0L engine 6.6L (7.0 quarts)2
2.5L engine 9.5L (10.0
quarts)2
9.7L (10.2
quarts)3
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil2.0L engine 4.25L (4.5 quarts)
2.5L engine 5.5L (5.8 quarts)
Fuel tank
capacityN/A All 58.5L (15.4
gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FAll Fill to MAX mark
Transmission
fluid
4Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FAutomatic
transaxles49.6L (10.2 quarts)
Motorcraft Full
Synthetic Manual
Transmission FluidManual
transaxles
52.6L (2.7 quarts)
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to top of
reservoir
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2Total capacity.
3With automatic transaxle.
4Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
Maintenance and Specifications
199