In 1967, Mercury launched the Cougar, which was essentially a luxurious version of the Ford Mustang. Throughout its lifespan, the Mercury Cougar underwent numerous changes that moved the nameplate through several different segments, ranging from station wagons to compact coupes. In 1996, the Mercury Cougar came standard with a 3.8-liter V-6 that produced 145 horsepower, but a 205-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8 was available as an option. Also standard was a four-speed automatic transmission, and maintaining the correct transmission fluid level helps extend the transmission's life.
Regardless of whether your Cougar has a 3.8- or 4.6-liter engine, its automatic transmission requires a total of 13.9 quarts of Motorcraft Mercon automatic transmission fluid. If you are only topping off the transmission fluid, start the engine and shift the gear shifter into each gear while holding the brake pedal, then put the gear shifter back into "Park" and leave the engine idling. Add fluid through the automatic transmission dipstick tube until the fluid level reaches the crosshatched "Cold" section on the dipstick, if the vehicle is not at operating temperature. If the vehicle's temperature gauge is at about the halfway point between hot and cold, add fluid until it reaches the "Hot" crosshatched area.
