2000 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 1st Printing
2000 Mercury Cougar Manual
2000 Mercury Cougar manual content summary:
- 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 1
restraints Starting and driving Starting Driving Roadside emergencies Servicing Maintenance and care Capacities and specifications Customer assistance and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 2
breakingĆin rules for your vehicle. During the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in. If possible, you should avoid full use of the brakes for the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles). 2 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 3
Introduction INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation. 3 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 4
Belt Airbag - Side Child Seat Installation Warning Brake System Brake Fluid NonĆPetroleum Based Master Lighting Switch Fog Lamps - Front Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Defrost/Demist Power Windows Front/Rear See Owner's Guide Airbag - Front Child Seat Child Seat Tether Anchorage AntiĆLock Brake System - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 5
/Unlock Engine Oil Engine Coolant Temperature Battery Battery Acid Fan Warning Maintain Correct Fluid Level Engine Air Filter Jack Panic Alarm Engine Coolant Do Not Open When Hot Avoid Smoking, Flames, or Sparks Explosive Gas Power Steering Fluid Emission System Passenger Compartment Air Filter 5 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 6
wiper/ washer control Page 87 Luggage compartment release Page 195 Hood release 6 Page 75 Tilt steering wheel lever Page 79 Speed control * Page 74 Ignition switch Page 117 Air bag system - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 7
Instrumentation Page 26 Trip computer Page 95 AntiĆtheft system status indicator On various models the appearance and location of some items may differ from those shown here. However, the page references given still apply. Page 12 Traction control system * Page 28 Rear window defroster control Page - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 8
Instrumentation INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS AND CHIMES Check engine Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine's emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). This OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 9
and securely tightening the gas cap. After three drive cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the check engine" light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving). No additional vehicle service is required. 9 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 10
Instrumentation If the check engine" light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. Light is blinking: Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 11
Instrumentation Air bag readiness Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately. Foglamps Illuminates when foglamps are switched on. Refer to Foglamp control in the Controls and features - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 12
after each cycle of the ignition key. The light in the control illuminates when the system is switched off. Safety belt Illuminates when the ignition is switched on as a reminder to fasten the safety belts. For more information, refer to Safety belt warning light and warning chime in the Seating and - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 13
Instrumentation Charging system Illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly and the vehicle may require electrical system service. Engine oil pressure Illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 14
light will remain on until the ignition is cycled. Refer to the Maintenance and care chapter to check the engine coolant level. Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped) Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light stays on, the ABS needs to be serviced - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 15
If the flashing persists, have your transaxle serviced by your dealer or a qualified service technician as soon as possible. Automatic transaxle warning (if equipped) Illuminates when driving to indicate a possible malfunction with the transaxle. Have the system checked by your dealer or a qualified - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 16
warning and indicator lights should illuminate: charging system, safety belt (does not illuminate, if the driver's safety belt is fastened), low coolant, engine oil pressure, check engine, air bag readiness, traction control, brake system and ABS. The overhead warning lights (if equipped) should - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 17
. Key-in-ignition warning chime Sounds when the key is left in the off/lock or accessory position and the driver's door is open. Safety belt warning chime For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter. Liftgate ajar warning chime (if equipped - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 18
needle remains within the normal area. If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and let the engine cool. Refer to Cooling system in the Maintenance and care chapter. Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot. 18 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 19
Instrumentation Tachometer Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). Trip odometer Registers the distance traveled on individual journeys. Refer to Trip computer in the Controls and features chapter. - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 20
reserve fuel. Low fuel reminder Illuminates as an early reminder of a low fuel condition indicated on the fuel gauge. When refueling the vehicle after the light first comes on, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity since there is still fuel in the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 21
) or 358 days to indicate that routine service should be performed. Check your maintenance schedule to determine the routine service to be completed. Routine service should be performed by an authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury Dealer. The light should be switched off by your Ford or Lincoln/Mercury - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 22
an increased danger of icy roads. The absence of a light in cold temperatures does not necessarily mean that there is no risk of ice on the road. Caution should be exercised when weather conditions indicate that ice may be present. Even if the air temperature rises to above +4_C (39_F) it is no - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 23
Instrumentation Washer fluid warning Indicates that the washer fluid reservoir is low. Refill as soon as possible. If a valid signal is received, the light will remain on until the ignition is cycled. Door ajar Illuminates when the ignition is switched on and any door or liftgate is open. 23 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 24
Controls and features INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTROLS Headlamp control Lamps off. Turn one position clockwise: Parking lamps, instrument panel lamps, license plate lamps and tail lamps on. Turn two positions clockwise: Headlamps on. 24 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 25
) system may not provide adequate lighting output during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision. Panel dimmer control Adjust the control to vary the intensity of the panel lighting. Operates only when the exterior lights are switched on - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 26
and features Trip computer Press the SELECT button to change between temperature, average speed, tripmeter, distance to RESET button to set the function to zero (if resetable). Temperature Shows the outside air temperature. It may take several minutes of driving for the display to update the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 27
approximate distance you can drive with the fuel remaining in the tank. Average fuel economy Shows the average fuel economy since last reset. Digital clock Switch the ignition on: The clock can be set to either 12 or 24 hour format. To toggle between 12 or 24 hour format, depress the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 28
the rear window defroster. The defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the ignition is turned to the off position. To manually turn off the defroster, push the control again. The light in the control illuminates when the system is switched on. Front ashtray The ashtray is located - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 29
Climate controls Your vehicle has one of the following climate control systems: • Manual heating system • Manual heating and air conditioning system In some modes, the two systems function similarly. In modes where the systems do not function similarly, the different functions are noted. Vents - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 30
if the outside temperature is 4°C (39°F) or higher. Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you have stopped the vehicle. Under - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 31
be from the instrument panel registers. Use this mode to prevent any undesirable odors from entering the vehicle. • A/C (if equipped): Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. • : Distributes outside - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 32
through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers. If temperature is set to cool, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode. • : Allows for maximum heating by distributing - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 33
to 4. If the temperature is about 4°C (39°F) or higher, the air conditioner (if equipped) will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging. Operating Tips • For best cooling performance, select MAX A/C (if equipped) to cool the vehicle quickly. • In humid weather, select before driving. This - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 34
seat that will interfere with airflow to the back seats. • Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under climate control system. Cabin air filter Your vehicle is equipped with an air filter that removes pollen and road dust from outside air before it - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 35
Controls and features AUDIO SYSTEM Anti-theft protection panel (if equipped) To deter wouldĆbe thieves, Ford audio units have a removable front panel without which the unit will not work. Avoid touching the contacts on the back of the panel and do not use excessive force to refit it. Slide the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 36
, always tune to the strongest station signal available. The following tips will help you gain the best reception from your Ford audio system. AM reception Under most conditions, strong signals provide stable sound quality and little signal disturbance. However, at night, atmospheric conditions may - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 37
also operate the unit for up to one hour with the ignition turned off. The radio automatically switches off after one hour. Audio power can also be turned on by pressing the AM/ is turned off, the volume will come back on at a nominal" listening level when the ignition switch is turned back on. 37 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 38
control allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands. Press the control to switch between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations. AM/FM select in tape control allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands. Press the control to switch between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations. AM/FM select in tape - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 39
Controls and features Tune adjust The tune control works in radio or CD changer mode. Tune adjust in radio mode • Press A to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold the control to move through the frequencies quickly. • Press " to move - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 40
Controls and features Tune adjust The tune control works in radio mode. Tune adjust in radio mode • Press A to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold the control to move through the frequencies quickly. • Press " to move to the next - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 41
seek forward to the next track of the current disc. After the last track has been completed, the first track of the current disc will automatically replay. Seek function The seek function control works in radio, tape or CD mode. Seek function in radio mode Press A to find the next listenable - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 42
scans in a forward direction. At the end of the tape's first side, direction automatically reverses to the opposite side of the tape.) To stop on a particular selection, CD. (The CD scans in a forward direction, wrapping back to the first track at the end of the CD.) To stop on a particular - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 43
in a forward direction. At the end of the tape's first side, direction automatically reverses to the opposite side of the tape.) To stop on a particular selection, all selections on the CD. (The CD scans in a forward direction, wrapping back to the first track at the end of the CD.) To stop on a - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 44
Autoset allows you to set strong radio stations without losing your original manually set preset stations. This feature is helpful on trips when you 1. Select a frequency using the AM/FM select controls. 2. Press the AUTO control. 3. When the first six strong stations are filled, the station stored - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 45
memory preset controls (until deactivated) and are accessed in the same manner of your original presets. To deactivate autoset and return to your audio system's maually set memory stations, press the AUTO control again. Bass adjust The bass adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 46
mode, CD play will begin where it stopped last. With the dual media audio system, press the CD control to toggle between single CD and CD changer play (if Tape select • To begin tape play (with a tape loaded into the audio system) while in the radio or CD mode, press the TAPE control. Press the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 47
in tape and CD modes. • In the tape mode, tape direction will automatically reverse when the end of the tape is reached. • In CD mode, CD within the current track. Tape direction select Press SIDE 1Ć2 to play the alternate side of a tape. Eject function Press the EJ control to stop and eject a - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 48
Controls and features Dolby noise reduction Dolby noise reduction reduces the amount of hiss and static during tape playback. Press the control to activate (and deactivate) the noise reduction. Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby" - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 49
Controls and features Shuffle feature The shuffle feature operates in CD mode and plays all tracks on the current disc in random order. Press the SHUFFLE control to start this feature. Random order play will continue until the SHUFFLE control is pressed again. Mute button Press the control to mute - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 50
. Fade/Balance CD control Waveband/ Automatic AutoStore control music search selector Tape Bass/ Scan control Treble tuning buttons control On/Off and Volume control Station preset buttons AntiĆtheft protection panel release button SEEK tuning control AntiĆtheft protection panel MENU button 50 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 51
changer. CD eject Bass/Treble control Fade/Balance control Scan tuning Clock CD control Waveband/ AutoStore selector On/Off and Volume control Station preset buttons AntiĆtheft protection panel release button SEEK tuning control AntiĆtheft protection panel MENU button 51 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 52
On/off Press for on/off. This button can also operate the unit for up to one hour with the ignition turned off. The radio automatically switches off after one hour. Volume control The display indicates the level selected. Bass/Treble control Press BASS/TREBLE" once for bass or twice for treble - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 53
control Press FADE/BAL" once for fade (front to rear) or twice for balance (left to right), and use the volume control for sound system adjustment. The display indicates the level selected. The fade function is applicable to vehicles with front and rear speakers only. Seek tuning control (SEEK - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 54
the FM frequencies. • When the search is complete, sound is restored on preset button 1. • Other stored stations can be selected using the other preset buttons. • Alternatively, AutoStore can be used as an additional waveband to store other stations manually (see Station preset buttons). 54 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 55
to the section CD changer. MENU button (main features) - radio Use the MENU button to access main menu features and the SEEK button for adjustment. Manual tuning Press the MENU button repeatedly until a display like the one shown opposite appears. Then use the SEEK button to make - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 56
use the SEEK button to turn this function on (AVC + 1" to AVC + 7") or off (AVC OFF"). When selected, Automatic Volume Control increases or decreases the audio unit's volume level to compensate for engine and road speed noise. This feature is not available on some vehicles and will not appear as - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 57
part way in to restart playback. If rewind is engaged during radio reception, tape playback will automatically restart when the beginning of the tape is reached. During fast forward and rewind, radio transmission is automatically restored (with Automatic Music Search function turned off). Auto - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 58
tape playback, press both and buttons partially in to change the tape side being played. To pause tape playback Press restart tape playback Press both tape buttons partially in or press AMS to resume tape playback. Automatic Music Search (AMS) Press AMS to turn this function on or off. With this - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 59
the SEEK button to turn this function on (AVC + 1" to AVC + 7") or off (AVC OFF"). When selected, Automatic Volume Control increases or decreases the audio unit's volume level to compensate for engine and road speed noise. This feature is not available on certain vehicles and will not appear as - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 60
Controls and features AM/FM stereo/single CD player with premium sound CD Playback (8cm and 12cm CDs can be played) CD playback starts and radio reception is interrupted, when a CD is inserted into the entry slot. PLAY CD" appears in the display. Press CD to start playback from a CD already in the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 61
last interrupted. A square in the display indicates there is a disc inserted. CD eject During CD playback, press . When ejected, the disc is held ready for removal. If it is left as it is, the disc will be pulled back inside the audio unit automatically, and retained ready for playback. 61 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 62
with the CD unit. These codes are as follows: Display E11 or E15 E12 E14 E16 Description/rectification Internal fault, see your dealer. Clean the disc and try again. If error still shows, see your dealer. Ambient temperature too hot - unit will not work until it has cooled down. There is an - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 63
. Then use the SEEK button to turn this function on (SHUFĆON") or off (SHUFĆOFF"). With the function on, the elapsed time indicator is replaced by SHUF" as a new track is selected. If an optional CD changer is fitted, the audio unit plays all the tracks on the disc selected - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 64
button to turn this function on (AVC + 1" to AVC + 7") or off (AVC OFF"). • When selected, Automatic Volume Control increases or decreases the audio unit's volume level to compensate for engine and road speed noise. • The SEEK button provides a selection of settings between AVC OFF" and AVC - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 65
changer location The CD changer is located under the floor cover in the luggage compartment. Loading the disc magazine The load a disc: • Slide open the CD changer unit door, press the eject button and remove the magazine. • Insert individual discs label side up into each slot until they click into - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 66
with the disc to be ejected. The disc will move forward ready for removal. To insert the magazine An arrow on the magazine shows how to reinsert it into the CD changer. The magazine clicks into position ready for use. Keep the disc changer door closed at all times, except when inserting the magazine - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 67
along with a flashing number to indicate the disc selected. Playback overrides radio or tape playback. During normal operation, CDs and tracks are automatically selected and played sequentially in ascending order. Disc one follows disc six. The display indicates elapsed track time up to 19:59. If - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 68
Controls and features Without a CD in the CD radio unit Press CD once to operate the CD changer. Disc selection During CD playback, press the preset buttons to select and play a disc from the CD changer. Track selection Press SEEK to return to the start of the track being played. If pressed within - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 69
Controls and features To pause CD changer playback Cassette radio units • Press the AM/FM button to restore radio reception. • Push the cassette controls partially in or press the AMS button for tape playback. CD radio units • Press AM/FM to restore radio reception. • Press CD to play a single disc - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 70
knows to be missing. Instead, NO Cd" appears in the display and the current disc remains selected. • If a selected disc is damaged or upside down, CHECK Cd" and the disc number are displayed. The unit then selects the next available disc. 70 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 71
unit display that indicate errors with the CD unit. These codes are as follows: Display Description/rectification CD ERROR or Internal your dealer. Ambient temperature too hot - unit will not work until it has cooled down. MENU button (main features) - CD Use the MENU button to access main menu - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 72
. Then use the SEEK button to turn this function on (SHUFĆON") or off (SHUFĆOFF"). With the function on, the elapsed time indicator is replaced by SHUF" as a new track is selected. If an optional CD changer is fitted, the audio unit plays all the tracks on the disc selected - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 73
Then use the SEEK button to turn this function on (AVC ON") or off (AVC OFF"). • When selected, Automatic Volume Control increases or decreases the audio unit's volume level to compensate for engine and road speed noise. • The SEEK button provides a selection of settings between AVC OFF" and AVC - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 74
COLUMN CONTROLS Ignition 1. Ignition off, steering wheel locked. On vehicles with automatic transaxles, the ignition key can return to this position only if the gearshift lever is in P (Park). 2. The accessory position. Steering unlocked, radio operational. Ignition and all main electrical circuits - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 75
features 3. Ignition switched on, all electrical circuits operational. Warning and indicator lights illuminate. This key position is for normal driving. 4. Starter motor activated. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. Tilt steering Pull the locking lever on the steering column cover up to - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 76
Controls and features Multi-function switch The turn signal functions are available only with the ignition switch on. Right turn signal Move the lever up. Left turn signal Move the lever down. 76 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 77
Controls and features Flash-to-pass Pull the lever toward you and release quickly for flashĆtoĆpass" operation. High beam headlamps Push the lever toward the instrument panel. Windshield wipers and washer Wipers Lift the windshield wiper lever to the desired speed interval. • Intermittent: push - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 78
Controls and features Intermittent wiper control Rotate the variable intermittent wiper control to the desired speed. 1 = Short time interval 6 = Extended time interval Washer Pull the lever toward the steering wheel. The washer operates in conjunction with the windshield wipers. Rear window - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 79
Controls and features Speed control (if equipped) Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved. To turn speed control on • Press On. Vehicle speed cannot be controlled until the vehicle is travelling at or above 48 km/h (30 mph). Do not shift the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 80
Controls and features To turn speed control off • Press Off or • turn off the vehicle ignition. Once speed control is switched off, the previously programmed set speed will be erased. To set a speed Press + and release. For speed control to operate, the speed control must be - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 81
control when the desired vehicle speed is reached, or • press and release -. Each press will decrease the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph), or • depress the brake pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press +. 81 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 82
and features To disengage speed control • Lightly depress the brake or clutch pedal. Disengaging the speed control will not The interior lamps have three switch positions: door delay, off and on. When the control is switched to door delay (12 SEC), the interior light stays on for 12 seconds - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 83
Sunroof (if equipped) The electric sunroof can be operated only when the ignition is switched on. To lift the rear of the sunroof With the sunroof closed, press the rear part of the control. Press the front part of the control to lower the sunroof. To open and close the sunroof To open - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 84
direction. Then turn the control back to the center position. Breakaway mirrors Due to safety reasons your door mirrors are designed to fold back when minor contact occurs. To return the door mirror to its original position, push it back into the mirror support. Heated mirrors (if equipped) The - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 85
operate when the ignition is switched on. Press the appropriate control . One touch down The driver's door can be lowered automatically. Momentarily press the down button. The driver's window will CONTROLS Parking brake For information on the parking brake, refer to Preparing to start the vehicle - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 86
post from the rear and rotate forward to install. Adjust the floor mat position to allow proper operation of accelerator pedal, brake pedal and clutch pedal (if equipped). To remove, lift the floor mat just forward of the retention post and rotate it rearward to disengage it from the retention post - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 87
Controls and features LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT The luggage compartment lock has one locking position. Remote luggage compartment control Push the control located under the instrument panel by the driver's door to open the luggage compartment. To open the luggage compartment at least one door must be - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 88
the darkness of the luggage compartment following brief exposure to ambient light. The T" shaped handle will be located either on the luggage compartment door the luggage compartment near the tail lamps. Keep vehicle doors and luggage compartment locked and keep keys out of a child's reach. Unsupervised - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 89
Controls and features On hot days, the temperature in the trunk can rise very quickly. Exposure of people or animals to these high temperatures for even a short time can cause death or serious heatĆrelated injuries, including brain damage. Small children are particulary at risk. Closing the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 90
Do not place objects on the cargo cover. Removing the cargo cover First, detach the lifting straps on the liftgate. Then pull it out horizontally without tilting it. Replacing the cargo cover Insert the cover horizontally, align it and push in as far as the stop. Attach the lifting straps to the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 91
Controls and features REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (if equipped) If your vehicle has a remote entry system, you can lock and unlock the vehicle doors and open the luggage compartment without using a key. The remote also has a panic alarm feature. The remote entry feature only operates with the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 92
is powered by one coinĆtype, threeĆvolt lithium battery. A decrease in operating range can be caused by: • battery failure, • weather conditions, or • structures around the vehicle. Replacement batteries for the remote entry system transmitters may be purchased at pharmacies, watch stores or - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 93
the two halves of the transmitter. Do not take the front part of the transmitter apart. 2. Remove the old battery. 3. Place the positive (+) side of the new battery down. 4. Snap the two halves of the transmitter back together. Replacing lost transmitters Take your transmitters to the dealer for - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 94
ANTI-THEFT ALARM SYSTEM (if equipped) The system is available with Remote Keyless Entry. The system acts as a deterrent against unauthorized persons opening the doors, luggage compartment or hood. Activation The system is activated by pressing the control once. The ignition key must be removed - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 95
features PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM The Passive AntiĆTheft System (PATS) is an engine immobilization system. It is an additional theft protection feature which prevents the engine from being started unless a coded key is used. Automatic arming The system is armed five seconds after switching off the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 96
is switched on, the control light will illuminate for approximately three seconds to indicate that the system is operating correctly. If the control light flashes rapidly for approximately one minute and then repeatedly at irregular intervals, the system did not recognize the key code. Remove the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 97
• Turn the key back to position 1 and remove from the ignition switch within 5 seconds - the key coding mode is now activated. • If an uncoded key is now inserted in the ignition switch and turned to position 3 within 10 seconds, this key is coded to the system. If coding is not completed correctly - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 98
height. To lower, push the small catch in the collar around the stem and raise or lower the head restraint to the desired height. SEATING Manually adjusting the seats Pull the lever located under the front edge of the seat to move the seat forward or backward. 98 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 99
on the outside of the seat to recline the seat. Pull the lever on the outside of the seatback to lean the seatback forward. Fold back the seatback until it locks with a distinct `click' and slide the seat backwards until it locks in position. Rock the seat to ensure that the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 100
the respective direction to adjust the seat, seatback and lumbar as follows: Seat (1) Forward and backward (2) Height of the entire seat Seatback (3) Seatback inclination Lumbar support (4) Lumbar support 100 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 101
seat. To raise the rear seatback, push the seatback upward until it locks in place. Make sure it is firmly latched by pushing forward and back on it. Check to see that the seat and seatback are latched securely in position. Keep luggage area free of objects that would prevent proper engagement. 101 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 102
sure children sit where they can be properly restrained. All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belt, even when the air bag SRS is provided. It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 103
of a collision resulting in the deployment of the front air bags, the front safety belts must be replaced. Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always use appropriate child restraints. This vehicle has a seat belt system with an energy management feature at the front - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 104
retractor assembly is required to be replaced, or the seat belt assembly automatic locking retractor" feature or any other seat belt function is not operating properly when checked according to the procedures in the Service Manual. Failure to replace the Belt and Retractor assembly could increase - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 105
belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2. Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3. Never use a single belt mode which locks the belts in response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly, turns a corner - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 106
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically prelocked. The belt will still react to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver's safety belt. When to use the automatic locking mode • When a tight lap and shoulder belt fit is desired. • Any - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 107
and allow it to completely retract. This will cancel the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode. Front seat safety belt height adjustment Position the shoulder belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 108
sounds to remind the driver to fasten his or her safety belt. Conditions of operation If...If the driver's safety belt is not buckled before the ignition key is turned to on...The driver's safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the reminder chime is sounding...The driver - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 109
buckled. The Belt Minder feature will not activate. The Belt Minder feature will not activate. The driver's safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding...The driver's safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 110
few seconds to buckle up. Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks. Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in singleĆvehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around. I'm not going far" Belts are uncomfortable" I was in - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 111
occur 4 times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see. Air bags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers. Not a good idea, people who - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 112
. The Belt Minder feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure: Before following the procedure, make sure that: • the parking brake is set. • the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or the neutral position (manual transaxle). • the ignition switch is in - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 113
reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt Minder feature while driving the vehicle. 1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (DO NOT START THE ENGINE). 2. Wait until the Safety belt warning light turns off (approximately 1Ć2 minutes). • Steps 3-5 must be completed within - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 114
second for three seconds. 8. Confirmation of enabling Belt Minder is provided by flashing the Safety belt light four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the Safety belt light off, then followed by flashing the Safety belt light four times per second for three seconds - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 115
use the extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso. Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, wears or cuts and replace if necessary. All - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 116
noted. Due to the energy management feature on the front safety belts, the safety belts MUST be replaced after any collision causing the deployment of the front air bags. Failure to inspect and, if necessary, replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 117
restraint system is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries. Air bags DO NOT inflate slowly or gently and the risk of injury from a deploying air bag is the greatest close to the trim covering and the air bag - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 118
module. Placing objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing serious injury. Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or LincolnĆMercury - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 119
follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision. Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a rearĆfacing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must use a forwardĆfacing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back. 119 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 120
the vehicle sustains sufficient longitudinal deceleration to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates air bag inflation. The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 121
. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision. The SRS consists of: • driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and air bags), • One or more impact and safing sensors • and the electrical wiring which connects the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 122
circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the impact sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors. Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 123
the side of the seatback. Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or LincolnĆMercury dealer. All occupants of the vehicle including the driver should always wear their safety belts even when an air bag SRS is provided. 123 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 124
Seating and safety restraints How does the side air bag system work? (if equipped) Side air bags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision. The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 125
and safety restraints If the air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function again. The side air bag system (including the seat) must be inspected and serviced by a qualified technician in accordance with the vehicle service manual. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 126
or stay lit. • The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after the ignition is turned on. If either of these indications occur, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 127
the front seats. Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle. Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them. 127 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 128
), you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the protect the child from injury in a collision. Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 129
recommends use of a beltĆpositioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all federal motor vehicle safety standards. BeltĆpositioning booster seats raise or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 130
be placed in the front seats. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer's instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you so that it rests on the highest part of the seat cushion. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer's instructions with the safety seat you put in your - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 131
fastened in the buckle. • Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling. • Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Using automatic locking mode in this - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 132
seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt. Ford recommends that you properly secure children in the rear seat whenever possible. If you must use a forwardĆfacing child seat in the front seat, move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible. Never secure rear - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 133
to the child seat manufacturer's instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted. 4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 134
the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. 9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place. 10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in automatic locking mode - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 135
child seat manufacturers make safety seats that include a tether strap which goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of the child seat for information about ordering a tether strap - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 136
passenger seat cushion. 2. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the seat. For vehicles with moveable head restraints, route the tether strap combination lap and shoulder belt seating position section in this chapter for further instructions to secure the child safety seat. 136 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 137
the manufacturer's instructions. 7. Once you have installed the safety seat, assure that the tether strap is fastened securely. Also, test the safety seat before you place the child in it. Tilt the seat from side to side. Also try to tug the seat forward. Check to see if the belts hold the seat - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 138
does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than ten minutes. Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 139
. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions. IMPORTANT VENTILATION INFORMATION If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (1 inch). Adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 140
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you. Have the exhaust and body ventilation system checked whenever: • the vehicle is raised for service. • the sound of the exhaust system changes. • the vehicle has been damaged in a collision. 140 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 141
the engine in this chapter. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter. 2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 142
key to start). Make sure the following lights illuminate: charging system (if equipped), low coolant, engine oil pressure, check engine, air bag readiness, traction control, brake system, ABS, and safety belt. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer or a qualified - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 143
the 2.0 l engine: If the engine fails to start, continue to crank with the accelerator depressed about 1/4 of the way down and hold that position until the engine starts. DO NOT crank for more than 30 seconds or you could damage the starter. 4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 144
BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heaterĆdefroster system to respond quickly. It is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ºC (-10ºF) or below. For best - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 145
the Scheduled Maintenance Guide" for maintenance intervals. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (if equipped) On vehicles equipped with an antiĆlock braking system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 146
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 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 147
. 2. Press and hold the release button. 3. 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 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 148
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 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 149
changes at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering checked. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the transaxle must - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 150
1. Start the engine. 2. Depress and hold the brake pedal. 3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park). Overriding the brake-shift interlock feature If Park) with the brake pedal depressed: 1. Turn the ignition off and remove the ignition key. 2. Apply the parking brake and the brake pedal. 3. - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 151
from the steering column. To remove the key, the gearshift lever must be in P (Park). Once the gearshift is secure in the desired position, release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as necessary. P = Park ...R = Reverse ...N = Neutral ...D = Drive: Gear 1 to 4 with overdrive Gear 1 to 3 with - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 152
automatic transaxle battery is installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation. Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 153
Drive (Drive) - O/D off illuminated Activate by pressing the transaxle control switch on the underside of the gearshift lever. The transaxle operates in gears one through three. D (Drive) provides more engine braking than overdrive and is useful whenever driving conditions (i.e., city traffic, hilly - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 154
(Overdrive) when: • driving with a heavy load. • towing a trailer up or down steep hills. • additional engine braking is desired. To return to D (Overdrive) mode, press the transaxle control switch. The O/D OFF message in the instrument cluster will extinguish. Every time the vehicle is shut off and - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 155
transaxle have a starter interlock that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. Using the clutch When starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle: 1. Hold down the brake pedal. 2. Depress the clutch pedal. 3. Put the gearshift lever in neutral. 4. Start the vehicle - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 156
Driving Recommended shift speeds 2.0 litre engine 5-speed transaxle shift speed schedules Recommended upshifts: 25 33 48 During cruise*: km/h 19 32 46 64 mph 12 20 29 40 2.5 litre engine 5-speed transaxle shift speed schedules Recommended upshifts: Shift from First to second Second to third Third to - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 157
your vehicle in neutral, it may move unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake. Reverse To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Completely stop your vehicle. 2. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gearshift lever in the neutral position. Do not release the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 158
terms. Base curb weight Weight of the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids and lubricants. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment. Payload Combined maximum allowable weight of passengers, cargo and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 159
to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver's door pillar. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) Carrying capacity for each axle system (front and rear). The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 160
capacities than the originals because they might lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR. (Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.) In high altitudes, engines will lose power at a rate of 3% power per 300 m (1 000 ft) increase in - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 161
your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. Driving with a heavy load The total weight of the vehicle plus the total weight of passengers and cargo should never exceed the GVWR. The weight that the vehicle carries over the front and rear axles should never exceed the GAWR for the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 162
to tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealers. Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing. 162 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 163
chapter. • Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the severe duty schedule in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide". • Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500 miles). • Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 164
beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight could result in engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and assistance. Auxiliary coolers are recommended for the power steering system and automatic transaxle system if you are planning on: • Traveling farther than 80 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 165
your local trailer retailer or rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Do not hook the trailer lamps directly into the vehicle's wiring system. If the trailer lamps are not working properly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may not work properly - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 166
trailer brakes Use electric brakes or manual, automatic or surge type hydraulic brakes that meet federal and local regulations. Install and adjust brakes according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle's brake system. Your - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 167
grades. If driving with an automatic transaxle: • Use D (Drive) or a low gear rather than D (Overdrive) while towing up or down steep inclines. • Anticipate stops and brake gradually. If driving with a manual transaxle: • Select a gear that avoids jerking or excessive engine speed. • Avoid driving - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 168
, • driving with the brake pedal depressed, • sudden stops, • extended engine idling, • use of speed control in hilly terrain, • extended use of the air conditioner, defroster, rear window defroster and other accessories, • underinflated tires, • heavy loads, • aftermarket addĆons such as bike - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 169
to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown or approaching danger. Depress to activate. Depress again to switch off. The hazard lights can be operated when the ignition is off. FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH If the engine cranks, but does not start or does not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 170
not reset the switch or try to start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing service. If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or substantial jolt: 1. Turn the ignition key to the off position. 2. Check under the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 171
can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire. Even after a fuse is replaced, it will continue to blow if the cause of the overload is not identified and corrected. If the fuse continues to blow, have the vehicle's electrical system checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician. The - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 172
Power distribution box To check or replace a fuse or a relay, remove the cover of the fuse box in the engine compartment by releasing the latch (1) and lifting up. A blown fuse can be identified by a break in the wire. All fuses are a push fit. Always replace the cover to the Power Distribution - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 173
, headlamp switch Engine management Heater blower Not used Not used Main power supply to vehicle electrical supply (ignition relay) Not used Not used Not used Engine cooling fan Not used ABS Timer module, courtesy lamp, rear window defrost, fuses no. 25, 27, 28, 34, 36 *Have these fuses replaced by - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 174
green black black Description Fuel pump Engine management Air conditioning Low beam High beam Horn Starter High speed engine cooling fan Engine cooling fan Not used Daytime running lights (Canada only) Starter relay Air conditioning Passenger compartment fuse panel To check or replace a fuse or - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 175
by a break in the wire. All fuses are a push fit. Relays in the passenger compartment fuse panel (below instrument panel) Relay R12 R13 R14 R15 R16 D2 Color brown green green green black black Description Courtesy lamps Rear window defrost Blower motor Front wiper Ignition Reverse voltage - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 176
power windows ABS/TCS Turn signal lamps, backup lamps, speed control, bulb outage module, gearshift leĆ ver, A/C clutch, blower motor Stop lamp, speed control Alarm system, locking system High beam, low beam Cigar lighter Power seats Rear window defrost Engine management, locking system, instrument - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 177
hindered or endangered when changing the tire. Ensure that the vehicle is on firm, level ground. Secure your vehicle further by blocking the wheels. Activate the hazard lights. Apply the parking brake and engage first or reverse gear or, if the vehicle has an automatic transaxle, select the P (Park - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 178
This spare is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. This tire should be replaced as soon as possible. If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow these precautions, chains on this type of wheel. • Do not drive through an automatic car wash. 178 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 179
Roadside emergencies Spare tire location The spare tire and tools are located under the floor cover in the luggage compartment. Removing the spare tire and tools 1. Raise the rear of the floor cover in the luggage compartment and fold it forward. 2. Completely unscrew the bolt. 3. Lift out the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 180
changing procedure Removing a tire 1. Apply the parking brake and 1 (First) gear (manual transaxle) or the P (Park) position (automatic beneath the hub cover (if fitted) and push in. Twist off to remove the cover. 6. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly. 7. Place jack with complete support surface on - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 181
wheel, and secure in a clockwise direction. 3. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack by turning the handle counterclockwise. 4. Fully tighten the wheel nuts in a crosswise pattern. 5. Align the hub cover and push firmly into position with the ball of the hand. 6. Stow the jack and damaged tire in - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 182
damage. Do not push start your vehicle. You could damage the catalytic converter. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes, and clothing, if contacted. Do not attempt to push start your vehicle. Automatic transaxles do not have pushĆstart capability. Preparing your vehicle 1. Use - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 183
engine cooling fan and other moving parts. 4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level. 5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical surges. Turn all other accessories - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 184
metal part of the stalled vehicle's engine, away from the battery and the carburetor. The preferred locations of an exposed metal part (to ground" the circuit) are the accessible engine mount studs or an engine lifting eye". Do not use fuel lines, engine rocker covers, or the intake manifold - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 185
Roadside emergencies Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative (-) terminal of the battery to be jump. A spark may cause an explosion of the gases that surround the battery. • 2.0 litre engine • 2.5 litre engine 185 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 186
5. Be sure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts and other moving parts of both engines or any fuel delivery system parts. Jump starting 1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run the engine at a moderately increased speed. 2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle. 3. Once - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 187
(+) terminal of the booster vehicle's battery. 4. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the disabled vehicle's battery. After the disabled vehicle has been started and the jumper cables removed, allow it to idle for several minutes so the engine computer can relearn" its idle - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 188
, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center. Recommended towing options include wheel lift towing or flat bed towing. When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 189
you may want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle. Before you have your vehicle towed: • Release the parking brake. • Move the gearshift to N (Neutral). • Turn the key in the ignition to off. • Unlock the tow your vehicle with the drive wheels on a dolly or two wheel car hauling trailer. 189 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 190
Automatic transaxle In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access to wheel dollies, car hauling Manual transaxle Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 90 km/h (55 mph). Your maximum towing distance is unlimited. Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 191
or Lincoln/Mercury dealership can provide necessary parts and service. Check your Warranty Guide to find out which parts and services are covered. Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to provide the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 192
on a hot engine. The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before working near the fan. • If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. Take precautions - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 193
the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. Working with engine off (manual transaxle) 1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First) or R (Reverse). 2. Turn off the engine and remove the key. 3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 194
to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running. Working with engine on (manual transaxle) 1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in neutral. 2. Block the wheels to - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 195
retainer, ensuring it is secure. Hold the support at the yellow colored insulation section. To close, replace the support strut in its retaining clip, lower the hood and allow it to drop into the catch for the last 20 - 30 cm (8 - 12 inches). Always check to ensure that the hood lock is fully - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 196
and care 2.0 litre EFI-engine compartment Power steering reservoir Engine coolant reservoir Automatic transaxle dipstick (if equipped) Brake fluid reservoir Air cleaner Windshield washer fluid reservoir Engine oil dipstick Engine oil filler cap Battery Power distribution box For ease - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 197
and care 2.5 litre EFI-engine compartment Power steering reservoir Engine coolant reservoir Brake Automatic fluid transaxle reservoir dipstick (if equipped) Air cleaner Windshield washer fluid reservoir Engine oil dipstick Engine oil filler cap Battery Power distribution box For ease - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 198
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions, lead to engine damage which is not covered by Ford or Lincoln/Mercury Warranty. Checking the engine oil Check the engine oil each time you fuel your vehicle. To check the oil: 1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground. If - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 199
oil must be removed from the engine by a service technician. 7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated. Continuous contact with used motor oil has caused cancer in laboratory mice. Adding engine oil 1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine oil in this - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 200
Guide" for additional information. It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine recycling center to find out more about recycling automotive fluids. Engine oil filler cap The design of the filler cap varies by engine. - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 201
reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This may cause the brakes to fail. Windshield washer system If necessary, add enough washer fluid to fill the reservoir. Follow the instructions on the washer fluid container. Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield washer fluid. 201 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 202
Maintenance and care Cooling system - engine coolant The importance of engine coolant Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 203
as the Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014ĆRI060). The level of coolant should be maintained at the MAX line on the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions in the Adding engine coolant section. Adding engine coolant When adding engine coolant, make sure - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 204
maintain the warranty on the cooling system: • Add the type of coolant originally equipped in your vehicle. If you are unsure which type of coolant your vehicle requires, contact your local dealer. • Do not mix the factoryĆfilled coolant with a greenĆcolored Premium Engine Coolant such as E2FZĆ19549 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 205
. These can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine coolant. • Do not mix with recycled coolant. To avoid personal injury, make sure the engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 206
begins to release. 3. Step back while the pressure releases (you may hear a hissing sound). 4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released from the cooling system, use the cloth to turn the cap counterclockwise and remove it. 5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 207
quart) of engine coolant per month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage. Changing engine coolant Change your engine coolant according to - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 208
less than 40 %, the corrosion protection to your engine and cooling components may be compromised and permanent damage may result. Use of recycled engine coolant Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine coolant in vehicles originally equipped with orange Extended Life - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 209
adding power steering fluid Check the power steering fluid twice a year. Switch off the engine. With the steering system at normal operating temperature, the fluid level should come up to the MAX mark. If the fluid level drops below the MIN mark, add the specified fluid. Remove the cap and fill to - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 210
service intervals outlined in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide". Your transaxle does not consume fluid. However, it is recommended that you refer to your "Scheduled Maintenance Guide" for scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes to allow fluid to cool before checking. 1. Drive the vehicle - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 211
brake pedal, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage. 4. Latch the gearshift lever in P(Park) and leave the engine running. 5. Remove The transaxle fluid level should be checked at normal operating temperatures 66º C - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 212
can be caused by an overheating condition, see note. Adjusting automatic transaxle fluid levels Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct the level is correct. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified technician. An overfill condition of transaxle fluid may cause - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 213
longer, troubleĆfree 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 cables or terminals, remove the cables from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire brush. You - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 214
battery gets 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 cell with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging system checked. 214 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 215
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 of automotive batteries in a responsible manner. Follow your community's local standards for disposal. Call your local recycling center to find out - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 216
before your vehicle can drive properly. To begin this process: 1. Put the automatic transaxle gearshift in P (Park). Put the manual transaxle gearshift in neutral. 2. Turn off all accessories and start the vehicle. 3. Let the engine idle for at least one minute. 4. The relearning" process will - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 217
Cabin air filter replacement In your climate control system, you have a filter that cleans the air before it enters the interior of the vehicle. This filter should be replaced at the intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide". To replace the cabin air filter: 1. Remove both windshield wiper arms - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 218
and remove the grille. 4. The filter is in a housing at the back of the engine compartment, on the left side. Pull off the two clips on the sides of the housing. Slide out the housing and filter. 5. Slide the filter out of the housing, replace with the new filter and slide the housing and cabin air - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 219
. Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winterĆtype snow tires, space inches or limited production tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulation Part 575.104(c)(2). U.S. Department of TransportationĆTire quality grades: - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 220
, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate. Traction AA A B C assigned to this tire is based on straightĆahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 221
, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 222
miles). Inflate the tires as necessary. To check the tire pressure, insert the tire pressure gauge into the valve. The cold pressure amount is listed on the tire instruction decal located on the passenger's door. for even wear. Rotation intervals are listed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide". 222 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 223
band is visible through the tire treads. When replacing full size tires, never mix radial, biasĆbelted, or biasĆtype tires. Use only the follow these precautions, your vehicle may not drive properly and safely. Do not replace your tires with high performance" tires or larger size tires. Failure to - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 224
instruction decal to determine the specific size tire and wheel Ford Motor Company recommends for use on this vehicle. When purchasing replacement tires for your vehicle, consult your dealer or a qualified service and cable type chains. Using chains on these tire sizes may cause damage - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 225
Maintenance and care Follow these guidelines when using snow tires: • If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle. • The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using snow tires. 225 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 226
in the fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work improperly in a collision. The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the cap. Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 227
the fuel cap is correctly fitted after fueling. Failure to do so may cause the on board diagnostic system to illuminate the light. • Automotive the skin, promptly remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. • If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 228
by law and could damage your vehicle. The damage may not be covered by your warranty. Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel containing However, even though your engine will perform adequately on other gasolines, the performance of the emission control devices and systems may be adversely affected - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 229
areas that are sold with octane ratings of 86 or even less. Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on the recommended octane, see your dealer or a qualified service technician to prevent any engine damage. 229 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 230
gasolines to improve air quality, including reformulated gasolines that contain oxygenates such as a maximum of 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no more than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives to protect the fuel system. Fuel filler cap Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 231
. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap and reinstall it being careful to align the cap properly. If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft part. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if an authorized - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 232
current mileage reading. 4. Use one of the following equations to calculate fuel economy. Litres used x 100 / Total kilometres traveled Total miles traveled / Total gallons used Keep a record for at least one month. This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel economy. 232 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 233
Maintenance and care EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic converter and other emission control - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 234
dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire. Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, engine overheating, illumination of the charging system" warning light or the check engine" warning light. These - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 235
and care Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 236
chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with the check engine" light on. If the vehicle's powertrain system or battery has just been serviced, the OBĆII system is reset to a not ready for I/M test" condition. To ready the OBDĆII system for I/M testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city and - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 237
Maintenance and care BULB REPLACEMENT Removing the headlamps assembly Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to break the next time the headlamps are - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 238
the bulb holder counterclockwise and pull it out. Pull the bulb out and replace it. Parking lamps Turn the socket counterclockwise and pull it out. Pull the bulb out and replace it. Opening the headlamp assembly Release the wire clip on the rear of the headlamp assembly and remove the cover. 238 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 239
it. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb and pay attention to the tab guides when replacing. Headlamps - high beam Replacement instructions are the same as for the low beam headlamp. Headlamp alignment Check the headlamp alignment after each replacement of a bulb. Refer to Aiming the headlamps - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 240
pull the foglamp assembly out. 3. Disconnect the electrical connector. 4. Remove the cover from the rear of the foglamp assembly. 5. Disconnect the electrical connectors and release the wire clip from the bulb. 6. Install the new bulb in reverse order (do not touch the glass part of the bulb). 240 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 241
the complete light assembly to the front and pull it out. 2. Remove the socket from the assembly by turning it counterclockwise. 3. Pull the bulb out and replace it. Brake/turn signal/tail/backup lamps 1. From the trunk, remove the carpet cover from the lamp assembly. 2. Remove the three retainer - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 242
it. Luggage compartment lamp Pry out the light assembly from the holder with a flat blade screwdriver. Turn the spherical bulb under slight pressure counterclockwise and remove. High mounted brake lamp Remove the push pins and cover from the liftgate. To remove the push pins, press the two tabs - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 243
) Open the lamp assembly. The bulbs can be replaced after the contact plate has been hinged back. Bulb specifications Function Front /turn lamp Headlamp (high) Headlamp (low) Foglamp Rear tail/turn/brake lamp Backup lamp HighĆmounted brake lamp License plate lamp Side marker lamp Trade number - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 244
checked if: • Oncoming motorists frequently signal you to deactivate your high beams, and your high beams are not activated. • The headlamps do not seem to provide enough light shown by the embossed arrow markings on each headlamp body represents a change in aim direction either in the left/right or - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 245
Maintenance and care CAUTION: THE VERTICAL AIM MUST BE ADJUSTED FIRST. You will need a 6 mm Allen wrench or a Phillips screwdriver. If the vehicle has been in an accident, the vehicle's front structure should be properly aligned before aiming the headlamp. Adjusting the vertical aim 1. Park the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 246
Maintenance and care Adjusting the horizontal aim CAUTION: Do not adjust the horizontal aim until after adjusting the vertical aim. 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. 2. The horizontal indicator and the adjusting screw are located behind the headlamp assembly. 3. Turn the horizontal adjusting - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 247
CARE Washing your vehicle Only use car washing areas that have environmentally friendly drainage systems. Wash your vehicle regularly with cold or lukewarm water. Never use strong detergents or soap. If your vehicle is particularly dirty, use a quality car wash detergent. Always use a clean sponge - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 248
they also cause damage to the vehicle. Remove or lower any exterior accessories before entering a car wash. Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately. After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them. Waxing - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 249
) or Exterior Acrylic Spray Lacquer (# ALAZĆ19500ĆXXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line. Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with your vehicle's specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on the products. Cleaning the wheels Wash the wheels with the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 250
high pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage. • Do not spray with cold water as this may crack the engine block. • Cover the alternator and battery to prevent water damage when cleaning the engine. • Do not spray water directly on the ABS modulator. • Never wash or rinse the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 251
if necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or petroleumĆbased cleaners. Cleaning the exterior lamps Wash the exterior lamps with the same detergent you use to wash the exterior of your vehicle. Use glass cleaner or tar remover if necessary. To avoid scratching the lamps, do - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 252
. This mild cleaner and special pad cleans the leather and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner label. Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its resiliency and color. Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags Remove dust and loose dirt with - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 253
and warm water. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because these actions may weaken the belt webbing. Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no nicks, wear or cuts. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 254
and specifications Motorcraft parts Part number Component Spark plug* Air filter Cabin air filter Fuel filter Oil filter Battery PCV valve Crankcase ventilation filĆ ter 2.0 litre engine AZFSĆ22F # 1+2** AZFSĆ22FE # 3+4 FAĆ1612 FP4 FGĆ800A FLĆ2005 BXTĆ40R EVĆ224 FAĆ1621 2.5 litre engine AWSFĆ32F FA - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 255
Engine oil - with filter - without 2.0 litre engine 4.25 l (4.5 qts) 3.75 l (4.0 qts) NA 6.6 l (7.0 qts)* 2.5 litre engine 5.5 l (5.8 qts) 5.0 l (5.3 qts) 9.6 l (10.2 qts) Fill to MAX mark 9.5 l (10.0 qts)* 9.7 l (10.2 qts)** Manual transaxle Automatic transaxle Power steering Cooling system - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 256
ESDĆM6C57ĆA (Europe) WSSĆM97B44ĆD or DEXĆCOOL® equivalent API Certification Mark and WSSĆM2C153ĆG Brake fluid C6AZĆ19542ĆA B for DOT 3 Engine coolant (orange) Engine oil Power steering fluid Transaxle fluid automatic Transaxle fluid 5Ćspeed manual Windshield washer fluid F6AZĆ19544ĆA A XOĆ5W30 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 257
Idle speed (manual transaxle) Mixture preparation Firing order Spark plug gap Ignition system Valve clearance (cold) * Mechanical valve adjuster 2.0 litre engine cm3 kW(HP) at rpm Nm (lbĆft.) at rpm rpm rpm rpm 1988 96(125) 5500 176 (130) 4000 6150 6375 (880±50) 1-3-4-2 mm Inlet mm Exhaust mm 0.11 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 258
Capacities and specifications Dimensions A = Overall length B = Overall width (without mirrors) C = Overall height (curb weight) D = Wheelbase E = Track front rear mm (inches) 4699 (185) 1769 (69.6) 1325 (52.2) 2704 (106.5) 1506 (59.3) 1491 (58.7) 258 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 259
Capacities and specifications VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER The vehicle identification number (VIN) is attached to a metal tag and is located on the front driver's side of the instrument panel. The VIN tag may be seen by looking through the windshield from the outside of the vehicle. 259 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 260
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available: • 24Ć Auto Club by contacting your Ford or LincolnĆMercury dealer. Roadside assistance will cover • changing a flat tire • jumpĆstarts • lockĆout assistance • fuel delivery • towing to the nearest Ford of Canada or Ford Motor - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 261
plan You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP is an optional service contract which is backed by Ford Motor Company or Ford Motor Service Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in Canada). It provides - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 262
your concern will be resolved at this level. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada dealerships also carry genuine Ford parts and accessories, providing you with original equipment reliability. Away from home If you are away from home when your vehicle needs service, or if you need more help than the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 263
vehicles NOTE: The Dispute Settlement Board may not be available in all states: Ford Motor Company reserves the right to change eligibility limitations, modify procedures and/or to discontinue this service without notice and without incurring obligations per applicable state law. What kinds of cases - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 264
request for reimbursement of consequential expenses unless a service or product concern is being reviewed • items not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (including DSB's independent administrator Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company representative will be asked to submit statements. 264 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 265
• the current mileage • the name of the dealer(s) who sold or serviced the vehicle • a brief description of your unresolved concern • a brief summary of the action taken by the dealer(s) and Ford Motor Company • the names (if known) of all the people you contacted at the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 266
Ćrelated vehicle service concern have been unsatisfactory, 266 Ford of Canada participates in an impartial third party mediation/arbitration program administered by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) The CAMVAP program is a straight forward and relatively speedy alternative to - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 267
fuel with an antiĆknock index lower system and may cause engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor Company/Ford of Canada is not responsible for any damage caused by use of improper fuel. In the United States, using leaded fuel may also result in difficulty importing your vehicle back - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 268
is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford's rigid engineering and safety specifications. Ford accessories are warranted for up to 12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) on all cars and light trucks and 12 months with unlimited distance on medium/heavy duty trucks unless the - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 269
case kit (Explorer 4.0L only) Off road lights Pickup box rails Removable luggage rack Removable luggage rack adapters Retractable bed hooks and loops Running boards Snow traction cables Soft luggage cover Speed control Towing mirrors Trailer hitch Trailer hitch bars and balls Trailer hitch wiring - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 270
and appearance equipment Air bag antiĆtheft locks Bed mat/bedliner tailgate covers Bed mats Bedliners Car/truck covers Cargo liners, interior Carpet floor mats Cleaners, waxes and polishes Flat splash guards Frond end covers (full and mini) Hood deflectors Locking gas cap Lubricants and oils - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 271
properly installed. When operated, such systems may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In addition, such systems may be damaged or their ADDITIONAL OWNER'S LITERATURE To order the publications in this portfolio: Make checks payable to: HELM, INCORPORATED P.O. Box 07150 Detroit, Michigan, 48207 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 272
of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer or Ford Motor Company. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline tollĆfree at 1Ć800Ć424Ć9393 (202Ć366Ć0123 in the Washington D.C. area) or - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 273
Brakes ...145 BreakĆin period ...2 Bulb replacement ...237 Bulb specifications ...243 C Cabin air filter ...34, 217, 254 Capacities ...255 Car care products ...268 Carbon monoxyde in exhaust . . 233 Cargo cover ...90 Catalytic converter ...10, 233 Charging system warning light . . 13 Check engine - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 274
86 Floor mounted controls ...85 Foglamps ...11, 25 Foglamps, replacing bulbs ...240 Frost warning light ...22 Fuel consumption ...168 Fuel filler cap ...230 Fuel filter ...254 Fuel for cleaner air ...230 Fuel gauge ...20 Fuel pump shutĆoff switch . 86, 169 Fuel quality ...230 Fuel tank ...255 274 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 275
information ...226 Fuse panels ...172, 174, 176 Fuses and relays ...171 G Gross axle weight rating 244 Headlamps, replacing bulbs ...237 High beams ...12, 77 High mounted brake lamp ...242 replacing bulbs . 243 Introduction ...2 J Jack ...179 Jack positioning ...180 Jump starting ...182 K Key coding - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 276
15, 153 Overhead controls ...82 Overhead warning lights ...21 Owner's literature ...271 P Panel dimmer control ...25 Panic alarm ...92 Parking brake ...85, 147 Parking lamps, replacing bulbs ...238, 241 Parts ...254 Passenger compartment fuse panel ...174 Passive antiĆtheft system (PATS) ...95 276 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 277
...91 Replacing the battery, remote entry system ...92 Reporting safety defects ...272 Restraints, safety ...102 Roadside assistance ...260 Rotating the tires ...222 Safety belt extension assembly 115 Safety belt height ...107 Safety belt maintenance . 115, 253 Safety belt warning chime . . 17 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 278
...188, 189 Traction control light ...12 Traction control system 12, 28, 148 Trailer towing ...162 Transaxle ...149 Transaxle, automatic ...255, 256 Transaxle, manual ...255, 256 Trip computer ...26 Trip odometer ...19 Trunk. See Luggage compartment Turn signal, replacing front bulbs ...238 Turn - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 279
Index W Page Washer fluid warning light ...23 Washing your vehicle ...247 Waxing your vehicle ...248 Weight limits ...158 Wheels, inspection and maintenance ...222, 249 Windows ...85 Windshield washer system ...201 Windshield wipers and washer . . 77 Wiper blades ...217 Wrecker towing ...188 279 - 2000 Mercury Cougar | Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 280
Fuel Fuel tank capacity Engine oil Tire size and pressure Hood release location Fuel filler location UNLEADED FUEL ONLY Octane 87 58.5 litres (15.4 gallons) Use Super Premium SAE 5WĆ30 Motor Oil or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSSĆM2C153ĆG Refer to the tire instruction decal on the
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Introduction
2
Instrumentation
6
Controls and features
24
Seating and safety restraints
98
Starting
138
Driving
145
Roadside
emergencies
169
Maintenance and care
191
Capacities and specifications
254
Customer assistance
260
Reporting safety defects (U. S. only)
272
Index
273
Contents
Before driving
Starting and driving
Servicing
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Copyright
E
1999FordMotorCompany