Automatic Transmission Fluid - Mercury 1996 Cougar Manual

Cleaning the Wheels
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for replacement intervals. However, if
the transmission is not working properly — for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage — the fluid level should be checked.
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150˚F-170˚F (66˚C-77˚C), after approximately
20 miles (30 km) of driving. However, if
necessary, you can check the fluid level without
having to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a
normal operating temperature if outside
temperatures are above 50˚F (10˚C).
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage. Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
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