1996 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 243

RWARNING Never remove the radiator cap or vent plug while the engine is running or hot. Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that can be caused by escaping steam or engine coolant. 1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you remove the radiator cap or vent plug. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick towel around the cap and turn it slowly counterclockwise to unscrew. Step back while the pressure releases. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to press the cap down, turn it, and remove it. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot steam may blow out or hot engine coolant may even splash out. 2. 3. 4. 5. To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle's coolant system can hold, see Refill capacities for fluids in the Index. Add engine coolant only to the recovery reservoir. If the coolant level is low, add a 50/50 or appropriate mixture of water and the type of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may add water by itself only in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50 or appropriate mixture as soon as possible. Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have to add more than a quart (liter) of engine coolant more than once a month. 246