2002 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 179

Maintenance and Specifications To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system and 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, check your coolant reservoir or contact your local dealer. • Do not add/mix a green-colored coolant such as Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant, VC-4-A, meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A with the factory-filled coolant. Adding/mixing a conventional green coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection. • Do not add/mix a yellow-colored, extended life coolant such as Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant, VC-7-A (or VC-7-B in Oregon), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 with the factory-filled coolant. Adding/mixing a yellow-colored extended life coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection. • A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone (without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing. • Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing. • Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine coolant. • Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved recycling process (see Use of Recycled Engine Coolant section). For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the "cold full" level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant. 179