2000 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 231

Maintenance and care When fueling your vehicle: 1. Turn the engine off. 2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops. 3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe. 4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the filler pipe. 5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops. If the "check engine" indicator comes on and stays on when you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. 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 Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used. The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise fuel may spray out and injure you or others. 231