1996 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 170
1996 Mercury Cougar Manual
Page 170 highlights
RWARNING Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). RWARNING Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if the lever is adjacent to the P (Park) and you cannot move it without pushing in the thumb button. Traction-Lok Axle (If equipped) This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions the Traction-Lok axle functions as a standard rear axle. Extended use of other than matching size tires on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving and should not be noticeable to the driver. RWARNING To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, such as when changing a tire. 170