The Mercury Cougar has changed a lot over the years, so depending on how old your Cougar is, your maintenance routine may vary drastically. The modern Cougar was on the market from the 1990s to 2002, but if you have an earlier model of Cougar or a classic from the 1970s, check on maintenance needs when you purchase the car to learn about modifications or replacements that have been made.
Check the power steering fluid in your recent Mercury Cougar vehicle every 15,000 miles or sooner if you experience problems steering or notice a leak. For older Cougar vehicles, you may need to check the power steering fluid more or less frequently depending on the condition of the engine parts.
Park your Mercury Cougar on a level surface before checking any fluids and wait for the engine to cool before you check power steering fluid levels, since warm power steering level reads at a different level than cool power steering fluid.
Locate the power steering fluid reservoir and check the fluid level using the level marks on the outside of the reservoir. If the power steering fluid does not exceed the low level mark, add transmission fluid (ATF M-III) as needed, taking care not to fill above the maximum level mark.
Inspect the power steering reservoir and surrounding area for potential leaks or worn hoses or clamps. Replace old parts as needed to prevent hot power steering fluid leaking into your engine and causing severe damage to your Mercury Cougar vehicle.
Inspect the power steering system closely if you have to add power steering fluid regularly (every week) or sooner than 65,000 or 70,000 miles, since you likely have a leak in the power steering pump or one of the hoses.
