User manual MERCURY COUGAR 2000

[. . . ] Contents Before driving Introduction Instrumentation Controls and features Seating and safety restraints Starting and driving Starting Driving Roadside emergencies Servicing Maintenance and care Capacities and specifications Customer assistance Reporting safety defects (U. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation. Copyright E 1999 Ford Motor Company 2 6 24 98 138 145 169 191 254 260 272 273 Introduction ICONS Indicates a safety alert. [. . . ] If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder while braking, felt mainly in the steering wheel, the vehicle most likely needs service. 145 Driving Operation of the anti-lock braking system The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lock up during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. Two important rules when braking in emergencies with ABS: Braking with ABS · In an emergency, apply full force on the brake. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will help you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a stop. · We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks. 1. Apply full force on both brake and clutch pedals (if equipped). 2. No matter how hard you brake, steering control is maintained. 146 Driving Parking brake To engage the parking brake: Pull the handle upward. Push handle downward to the off position. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or in 1 (first) (manual transaxle). To prevent personal injury, do not release the parking brake while outside the vehicle. 147 Driving TRACTION CONTROL This system prevents wheel spin at all speeds. The control will toggle this function on and off, but the feature defaults to on after each cycle of the ignition key. The traction control system controls excessive wheel spin by automatically applying and releasing the brakes in conjunction with engine torque reductions. This can occur when accelerating on a slippery road, a loose surface or when pulling away on a hill. The traction control lamp flashes when the system is functioning to regulate tire traction. The light illuminates continuously to indicate a fault in the system. You should not take unnecessary driving risks because of the system's safety potential. Switching off traction control If you become stuck in snow or on a slippery road surface, try switching off the traction control system by pressing the switch. This may allow the excess wheel spin to dig" the vehicle out or enable a successful rocking" maneuver. do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes, because it could damage the vehicle the vehicle. The light in the control illuminates continuously when the system has been switched off. To reactivate the system, depress the switch again or restart the engine. [. . . ] 255 274 Index F Page I Page Fuel, calculating fuel economy . 228 Fuel, octane recommendations 229 Fuel, safety information . 159 Gross combined weight (GCW) 159 Gross vehicle weight (GVW) . 158 Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) . [. . . ]