Transmission Operation - Mercury 2002 Cougar Owner's Manual

Driving
The Traction Control
switch, located in the center of the
instrument panel illuminates when
the system is OFF. The Traction
Control system will revert to the
ON position every time the ignition
is turned OFF and ON.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road surface, try switching the Traction
Control system off. This may allow excess wheel spin to "dig" the
vehicle out and enable a successful "rocking" maneuver.
If a system fault is detected the OFF indicator lamp on the traction
control switch will be illuminated and your vehicle should be serviced.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver's effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
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.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
Uneven vehicle loading
High crown in center of road
High crosswinds
Wheels out of alignment
Loose or worn suspension components
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed:
120
on/off