1997 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 226

Help Us Protect Our Environment Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for disposal. Battery recycling symbol Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a new battery, you must allow the computer to "relearn" its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To let the engine do this, put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all the accessories, and start the vehicle. Let the engine idle for at least one minute. (Engine must be warm in order to "learn.") Also, allow approximately 10 miles (16 km) of stop and go traffic for your vehicle's engine to completely "relearn" its idle. Wiper Blades Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also check them whenever they seem less effective than usual. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades. If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do 226