Mercury 1996 Cougar Owner's Manual page 47

START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
Removing the Key From the Ignition
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
2. Set the parking brake fully.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key.
NOTE: The automatic transmission gearshift
must be in P (Park) to move the key to
the lock position.
If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
If the driver's door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe and possibly fatal injuries to
people as well as animals.
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