1997 Mercury Mystique Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 120

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter. After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal and drive away in the normal manner. NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake pedal. If the engine does not start after two attempts: 1. Press the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it. 2. Turn the ignition key to the START position. 3. Release the ignition key when the engine starts. 4. Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up. Then drive away in the normal manner. If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch in the index. A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high. These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle checked. 120