1999 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 131

Driving STEERING YOUR VEHICLE Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle. If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering checked. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more effort. Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can damage the power steering pump. TRANSAXLE OPERATION Automatic transaxle (if equipped) Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle are equipped with a brakeĆshift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from the P (Park) position unless the brake pedal is depressed. Putting your vehicle in gear You must push the thumb button to move the gearshift to the position you choose. To operate: 1. Start the engine. 2. Depress and hold the brake pedal. 3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park). 131