Vehicle Segment:
Personal Luxury Coupe / Mid-size Coupe
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides officially licensed, factory-derived repair information in a convenient digital format, empowering DIY owners and independent shops.
Vehicle Highlights:
Stylish design, comfortable interior, available V6 and V8 engines, rear-wheel drive platform.
Primary Coverage:
Full Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Component Replacement, Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Digital Format - equivalent to several hundred printed pages)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software (Online Access)
Format:
Online Software (Web Browser Accessible)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic), driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc)
Electrical:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments and switches, body and chassis electrical, climate control electrical
Body:
Body construction, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, hood, trunk lid
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning, heater, ventilation
Maintenance:
Oil change, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, tune-ups, belt and hose inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., struts, control arms), exhaust system repair, minor body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical system diagnostics, symptom-based troubleshooting
Special Procedures:
Wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on specific systems), torque specifications for critical fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to major component overhaul and diagnostic procedures.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year in modern standards.
ABS:
Standard on some trims, optional on others
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, front shoulder belt height adjusters
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges, climate controls, optional trip computer
Cruise Control:
Standard or Optional depending on trim
Connectivity Options:
N/A (No factory integrated Bluetooth or USB in this era)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or SH)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Ford Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (e.g., Dexron II/III)
Common Problems:
Some owners reported issues with coil packs (V6), ABS sensor failures, interior trim degradation, and occasional transmission shift quality issues.
Mercury Legacy:
Mercury was positioned as Ford's 'near-luxury' division, offering stylish and comfortable vehicles.
Cougar Platform History:
The 1996 Cougar was based on Ford's MN12 platform, shared with the Ford Thunderbird. This generation (1989-1997) moved away from the European-inspired styling of earlier models towards a more Americanized, aggressive look.
Manufacturing Location:
Ford Wixom Assembly Plant, Wixom, Michigan, USA
