2001 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 228

Maintenance and care Relearning the idle function Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the computer must relearn" its idle conditions 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 automatically complete as you drive the vehicle. • If you do not allow the engine to relearn" its idle, the idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is eventually relearned". • If the battery has been disconnected or if a new battery has been installed, the clock and preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is reconnected.