2001 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 218

Maintenance and care 1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool. 2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle). Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise (left) until the pressure 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 coolant mixture (see above) to the MAX line on the reservoir. 6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss.) After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (see Checking engine coolant section). If the concentration is not 50/50 (protection to -34°F /-36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration.