User manual MERCURY COUGAR 1997

[. . . ] Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 Introduction Ford's Commitment to You At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous commitment to achieve the best result possible. [. . . ] 3. 145 Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to the Instrumentation chapter. Starting Your Engine To start your engine: 1. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start Your Vehicle at the beginning of this section. Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position after the engine has started. If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel slightly because it may be binding. For a cold engine: 4. u At temperatures 10°F (-12°C) and below: If the engine does not start in fifteen (15) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try again. engine does not start in five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try again. u At temperatures above 10°F (-12°C): If the 146 For a warm engine: u Do not hold the key in the START position for more than five (5) seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the starter stops, then try again. Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and put the gearshift lever in gear. NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake pedal. Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up. If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch in the Index. 147 A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs higher than when it's warmed up. These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle move slightly faster than its normal idle speed. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. RWARNING Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage. RWARNING 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. If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures, use an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option). Engine Block Heater (If equipped) Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -10°F (-23°C) or below. An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the heater-defrost system to respond quickly. 148 To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a grounded 110-volt outlet. [. . . ] Any such equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC regulation and should be installed only by a qualified technician. 277 NOTE: Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive use or are not properly installed. For example, when operated, such systems may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In addition, such systems may themselves be damaged or their operation affected by operating your vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers, and other transmitters whose power output is 5 watts or less will not ordinarily affect your vehicle's operation. ) NOTE: Because we have no control over the installation, design, or manufacture of such systems, Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage that may result if you use this equipment. 278 280 Label locations 285 Front Exterior View 286 Rear Exterior View 287 Entrance View 288 Driver's Door 289 Instrument Panel 290 Instrument Cluster 291 Trunk 292 3. 8L Engine Compartment 293 4. 6L Engine Compartment 294 Index A ABS warning light (see Anti-lock brake system) . [. . . ]