Relearning The Idle Function - Ford 2001 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual

Maintenance and care

Relearning the idle function

Because your vehicle's engine is
electronically controlled, some
control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a
new battery is installed, the
computer must relearn" its idle
conditions before your vehicle can
drive properly. To begin this
process:
1. Put the automatic transaxle
gearshift in P (Park). Put the
manual transaxle gearshift in
neutral.
2. Turn off all accessories and start
the vehicle.
3. Let the engine idle for at least
one minute.
4. The relearning" process will
automatically complete as you drive
the vehicle.
• If you do not allow the engine to
relearn" its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle is eventually
relearned".
• If the battery has been
disconnected or if a new battery
has been installed, the clock and
preset radio stations must be reset
once the battery is reconnected.