Mercury 1997 Sable User manual

Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 13
Seating and safety restraints 48
Starting and driving
Starting 76
Driving 81
Roadside emergencies 96
Servicing
Maintenance and care 114
Capacities and specifications 151
Reporting safety defects 162
Index 163
Contents
1

ICONS
Indicates a warning.
Read the following
section on Warnings
for a full explanation of
them.
Indicates that vehicle
information related to
recycling and other
environmental
concerns will follow.
We must all play our part in protecting the
environment. Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication
materials are significant steps towards this aim.
WARNINGS
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and
prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and
its equipment?
In this owner’s guide, answers to such questions are
contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your
vehicle. Simply avoid driving too briskly during the
first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of driving. Vary speeds
frequently. This is necessary to give the moving
parts a chance to break in.
If possible, you should avoid full use of the brakes
for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles).
From 1,600 km (1,000 miles) onwards you can
gradually increase the performance of your vehicle
up to the permitted maximum speeds.
com_icons.01
com_warn.01
com_breaking_vehicle.01
com_info_guide.01
Introduction
2

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was in effect at
the time of printing. Ford may change the contents
without notice and without incurring obligation.
Introduction
3

BASS
TREB
BAL
FADE
REW FF
EJECT
123456
w
TAPE SIDE
TAPE
R-DEF
TUNE
SEEK
SCAN
AM
FM
MH
LO
HI
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
VENT
VOL
PUSH-ON
w
ST
FM 12
AMC
BL RF
E
F
C
H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON LOW
COOLANT THEFT
10
20
30
40 50 60 70 80
90
100
120
20
60
100
140
180
P R N D 2 1
MPH km/h
0
0000
00000
P!
BRAKE
+—
110
CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS
O/D
OFF REAR LAMP
OUT
PREMIUM UNLEADED
FUEL RECOMMENDED
0
1
2
345
6
7
8
Fuel gauge
(pg. 12)
Headlamp control
(pg. 13)
Engine coolant
temperature gauge
(pg. 11) Speedometer
(pg. 10)
Tachometer
(pg. 11)
Driver
air bag
(pg. 60)
Cruise
control*
(pg. 22)
Turn signal/wiper
washer control
(pg. 25)
Parking brake
release
(pg. 82)
Remote
trunk release*
(pg. 34)
Instrumentation
4

* if equipped
BASS
TREB
BAL
FADE
REW FF
EJECT
123456
w
TAPE SIDE
TAPE
R-DEF
TUNE
SEEK
SCAN
AM
FM
MH
LO
HI
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
VENT
VOL
PUSH-ON
w
ST
FM 12
AMC
BL RF
Electronic sound system;
refer to Audio Guide
(pg. 21)
Climate
control
(pg. 14)
Gearshift
(floor-mounted shown)
(pg. 83)
Instrumentation
5

WARNING LIGHTS AND GAUGES
Standard instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Turn signal
Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal
or the hazard lights are
turned on.
High beams
Illuminates when the
headlamp high beams
are on.
CRUISE
RPMx1000
0
1
2
34
5
6
7
E
F
C
H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
10
20
30
40 50 60 70
80
90
100
110
00
20
40
60
80 100 120
140
160
180
P R N DD 1
MPH km/h
0
0122
00013
P!
BRAKE
ABS
+–
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
THEFT
LOW
COOLANT O/D
OFF
E
F
C
H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON THEFT
10
20
30
40 50 60 70 80
90
100
120
20
60
100
140
180
P R N D 2 1
MPH km/h
0
0000
00000
P!
BRAKE
LOW
COOLANT
+–
110
CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS
O/D
OFF
PREMIUM UNLEADED
FUEL RECOMMENDED
0
1
2
345
6
7
8
dno_optional
com_turn_signal.01
com_high_beams.01
com_safety_belt.01
Instrumentation
6

Safety belt
Illuminates when the
ignition is switched on
to remind you to fasten
your safety belts. For
more information, refer to Using the safety
restraints properly in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the
ignition switch is in the
ON or START position
and any door is open.
Service engine soon
This light illuminates
when the engine’s
Emission Control
System requires
service. It will also
illuminate when the ignition key is in the ON
position and the engine is off.
Low fuel
If the fuel gauge
reaches approximately
1/16th of a tank, this
lamp will illuminate.
The ignition must be turned on for this lamp to
illuminate.
Low coolant (if equipped)
This lamp will
illuminate when the
engine coolant inside
the reservoir is low.
This lamp will come on
when the ignition is first turned on, but then should
turn off. If the lamp stays on and a chime sounds,
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
COOLANT
com_door-ajar.02
dno_service-engine
dno_low-fuel
dno_low-coolant
Instrumentation
7

you should check the coolant level inside the
reservoir. For instructions on adding coolant, see
Engine coolant in the index.
Anti-theft alarm light (if equipped)
This light is used when
you set the anti-theft
alarm system. See
Anti-theft system in
the index.
O/D off (if equipped)
Illuminates when the
transaxle control
switch (TCS) has been
pushed. When the light
is on, the transaxle does not shift into overdrive. If
the light does not come on when the TCS is
depressed or if the light flashes when you are
driving, have your vehicle serviced.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned on and the
engine is off. If the
light stays on or continues to flash, the ABS needs
to be serviced.
Cruise control (if equipped)
This light comes on
when the cruise control
ON button is pressed.
It turns off when the
cruise control OFF
button is pressed or when the ignition is turned to
the OFF position.
THEFT
O/D
OFF
ABS
CRUISE
dno_theft
dno_overdrive-off
dno_abs
dno_cruise-light
com_brake_system.01
Instrumentation
8

Brake system warning
Extinguishes when the
parking brake is
released. Illumination
after releasing the
parking brake indicates low brake fluid level.
Engine oil pressure
When the oil pressure
is below the normal
operating range, this
lamp will illuminate.
The engine oil level being too high or too low could
cause this lamp to illuminate. This lamp will come
on when the ignition is first turned on but then
should turn off. If the lamp stays on, continued
operation will cause severe engine damage.
Charging system
Briefly illuminates
when the ignition is
turned on and the
engine is off. The light
also illuminates when the battery is not charging
properly, requiring electrical system service.
Air bag readiness
Briefly illuminates
when the ignition is
turned on and the
engine is off. If the
light fails to illuminate, continue to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced immediately.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps are on, the ignition is
off (and the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
P!
BRAKE
dno_engine-oil-pressure
com_charging_system.01
dno_srs-light
dno_warning-lights
com_headlamps_chime.01
com_key_chime.01
Instrumentation
9

Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the
OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is
opened.
Low coolant chime
Sounds when the engine coolant in the coolant
reservoir is low.
Safety belt warning chime
For information on the safety belt warning chime,
refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning
chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to
the Seating and safety restraints chapter.
Speedometer
Indicates the current
vehicle speed.
10
20
30
40 50 60 70
80
90
100
110
00
20
40
60
80 100 120
140
160
180
P R N DD 1
MPH km/h
0
0000
00000
10
20
30
40 50 60 70 80
90
100
120
20
60
100
140
180
P R N D 2 1
MPH km/h
0
0000
00000
110
dno_coolant-chime
com_safety_chime.01
com_srs_chime.01
com_speedometer.01
com_tachometer.01
Instrumentation
10

Tachometer
Indicates the engine
speed in revolutions
per minute.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the
temperature of the
engine coolant. At
normal operating
temperature, the
needle remains within
the normal area. If it
enters the red section,
the engine is
overheating. Switch off the ignition and let it cool.
Refer to Checking and adding engine coolant in
the Maintenance and care chapter.
Odometer
Registers the total
kilometers (mileage) of
the vehicle.
RPMx1000
0
1
2
34
5
6
7
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
C
H
10
20
30
40 50 60 70
80
90
100
110
00
20
40
60
80 100 120
140
160
180
P R N DD 1
MPH km/h
0
0000
00000
com_coolant_temperature.03
com_odometer.01
com_trip_odometer.01
Instrumentation
11

Trip odometer
Can register the
kilometers (mileage) of
individual journeys. To
reset, depress the
control.
Fuel gauge
Displays approximately
how much fuel is in
the fuel tank (when
the key is in the ON
position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly
when the vehicle is in
motion. The ignition
should be in the OFF
position while the vehicle is being refueled.
10
20
30
40 50 60 70
80
90
100
110
00
20
40
60
80 100 120
140
160
180
P R N D 1
D
MPH km/h
0
0122
00013
E
F
dno_gas-gauge
Instrumentation
12

TURNING ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
LAMPS
Panel dimmer control
Instrument panel
illumination, interior
lamps and cargo lamp
brightness can be
adjusted with this
control. Move the
thumbwheel up to brighten the lamps or down to
dim the lamps.
Headlamp control
Turn the headlamp
control one turn to
turn on the parking
lamps. Turn it all the
way to turn on the
headlamps.
Autolamp delay system (if equipped)
The autolamp system
sets the headlamps to
turn on and off
automatically. You can
use the autolamps to:
•Turn on the lamps
automatically at
night.
•Turn off the lamps automatically in daylight.
•Keep the lamps on for up to three minutes after
the ignition is turned off.
Setting autolamp
1. Make sure headlamp control is in the OFF
position, then turn the key to ON or start the
vehicle.
PPANEL
DIM AUTO
LAMP
PPANEL
DIM AUTO
LAMP
PPANEL
DIM AUTO
LAMP
dno_interior-exterior-lamps
dno_dimmer-switch
dno_headlamp-switch
dno_autolamps
Controls and features
13

2. Locate autolamp
thumbwheel and turn
thumbwheel to
beginning of MAX
position. The indicator
light will come on if it
is dark enough to
activate the light sensor. The closer the thumbwheel
is to the MAX mark, the longer the lamps will stay
on after leaving the vehicle.
The autolamps will now automatically turn the
headlamps on and off for you. To turn the autolamps
off, move thumbwheel back to the OFF position.
Daytime running lights (Canadian vehicles only)
The daytime running light system turns the
headlamps on, with a reduced light output, when:
•the engine is running
•the parking brake is released
•the headlamp system is in the OFF position.
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system
will not illuminate the tail lamps and parking
lamps. Turn on your headlamps at dusk. Failure to
do so may result in a collision.
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
Manual heating and air conditioning system
Fan speed control
Controls the volume of
air circulated in the
vehicle.
PPANEL
DIM AUTO
LAMP
R-DEF
LO
HI
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
VENT
dno_drl
dno_climate-control-system
dno_manual-air-conditioning
Controls and features
14

Mode selector control
Controls the direction
of the airflow to the
inside of the vehicle.
•MAX A/C - Uses recirculated air to cool the
vehicle. It allows for faster cooling but is noisier
than A/C. The air conditioning compressor will
operate in this mode.
•A/C - Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is
quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. The
air conditioning compressor will operate in this
mode.
•VENT - Distributes outside air through the
instrument panel registers.
•OFF - Outside air is shut out and the fan will not
operate.
•(Panel and floor) - Distributes outside air
through the instrument panel registers and the
front and rear floor ducts. The air conditioning
compressor will operate in this mode.
•(Floor) - Allows for maximum heating. The
airflow is from the front and rear floor ducts.
•(Floor and defrost) - Distributes outside air
through the floor ducts and the windshield
defroster ducts. The air conditioning compressor
will operate in this mode.
•(Front defrost) - Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be
used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. The
air conditioning compressor will operate in this
mode.
Temperature control knob
Turn the dial to the
desired mix of warm
(red) and cool (blue)
air.
R-DEF
LO
HI
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
VENT
R-DEF
LO
HI
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
VENT
Controls and features
15

Operating tips
•In humid weather, select before driving. This
will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a
few minutes, select any desired position.
•To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle,
don’t drive with the climate control system in the
OFF position.
•Don’t put objects under the front seat that will
interfere with the airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air
intake area (at the bottom of the windshield
under the hood) on the passenger side of your
vehicle.
•If the air conditioner works well in MAX A/C but
not in A/C, this may indicate that the passenger
compartment air filter (if equipped) needs to be
replaced.
Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
(EATC) system (if equipped)
The EATC system will maintain a selected
temperature and automatically control airflow. You
can override automatic operation with any of the six
override controls at the bottom of the control panel.
TEMP
—+
OFF
AUTO
TEMP
OUT
SIDE
A/C
MAX
F-DEF
R-DEF
AUTO
VENT
F
—+
dno_temp-control
Controls and features
16

To turn on the EATC
Press AUTO or any of
the six manual override
buttons along the
bottom of the control.
The control will
operate only when the
ignition is turned to the
ON position.
To turn off the EATC
Press OFF. When the
system is off, the
display window will be
blank (dark).
Automatic operation
Press AUTO and select the desired temperature.
The system will automatically determine fan speed
and airflow location. Fan speed remains automatic
unless you press FAN. The selected temperature will
be shown on the display.
Temperature selection
TEMP will increase or
decrease the set
temperature. Pressing
TEMP will change the
temperature one
degree in either
direction. Pressing and
holding TEMP will
rapidly change the temperature (in one degree
increments) in either direction until either 18°C
(65°F) or 29°C (85°F). The temperature will then
jump –15°C (5°F) and stop at either 16°C (60°F)
which is maximum cooling or 32°C (90°F) which is
maximum heating.
TEMP
—+
OFF
AUTO
TEMP
OUT
SIDE
A/C
MAX
F-DEF
R-DEF
VENT
AUTO
AUTO
F
—+
TEMP
—+
OFF
AUTO
TEMP
OUT
SIDE
A/C
MAX
F-DEF
R-DEF
VENT
OFF
—+
TEMP
—+
OFF
AUTO
TEMP
OUT
SIDE
A/C
MAX
F-DEF
R-DEF
AUTO
VENT
TEMP
F
—+
—
+
Controls and features
17

Changing modes (Temperature conversion)
Press MAX A/C and
the F-DEF button
at the same time to
switch between
Fahrenheit and Celsius.
If the battery is
disconnected, the
display will revert to
Fahrenheit.
(fan speed)
Once AUTO is pressed, fan speed is adjusted
automatically for existing conditions.
You can override
automatic fan speed (at
any time) by pressing
FAN. The display
window will show FAN
and a series of dots
indicating fan speed. To
return to automatic fan
control, press AUTO.
Manual override controls
The override controls are located on the bottom of
the EATC and allow you to determine where airflow
is directed. To return to full automatic control, press
AUTO.
•MAX A/C - Uses recirculated air to cool the
vehicle. The temperature will display 16°C
TEMP
—+
OFF
AUTO
TEMP
OUT
SIDE
A/C
MAX
F-DEF
R-DEF
AUTO
VENT
A/C
F
—+
TEMP
—+
OFF
AUTO
TEMP
OUT
SIDE
A/C
MAX
F-DEF
R-DEF
AUTO
VENT
—+
F
—+
TEMP
—+
OFF
AUTO
TEMP
OUT
SIDE
A/C
MAX
F-DEF
R-DEF
AUTO
VENT
F
—+
Controls and features
18

(60°F).To exit, press AUTO or any of the other
override controls. MAX A/C is noisier but more
economical than A/C. The airflow will be from the
instrument panel registers. The air conditioning
compressor will operate in this mode.
•VENT - Distributes outside air through the
instrument panel registers. However, the air will
not be cooled below the outside temperature.
•(Panel and floor) - Distributes outside air
through the instrument panel registers and the
front and rear seat floor ducts. The air will be
heated or cooled based on temperature selection.
The air conditioning compressor will operate in
this mode.
•(Floor) - Allows for maximum heating
through the front and rear seat floor ducts.
•(Floor and defrost) - Distributes outside air
through the floor ducts and the windshield
defroster ducts. If the outside temperature is
about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner
will dehumidify the air to prevent fogging. The air
conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.
•F-DEF (Defrost) - Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be
used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the
outside temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or
higher, the air conditioner will dehumidify the air
to prevent fogging. The air conditioning
compressor will operate in this mode.
•OFF - Outside air is shut out and the fan will not
operate.
Displaying outside temperature
•OUTSIDE TEMP - Outside air temperature will be
displayed. If the EATC is off, the display will go
blank after four seconds. If the EATC is on, the
display will show the outside temperature until
the button is pressed again.
Controls and features
19

The outside temperature reading is most accurate
when the vehicle is moving. Higher readings may be
obtained when the vehicle is not moving. The
readings that you get may not agree with
temperatures given on the radio due to differences
in vehicle and station locations.
Operating tips
•In humid weather, select F-DEF before
driving. This will prevent your windshield from
fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired
position.
•To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle,
don’t drive with the climate control system in the
OFF position.
•Don’t put objects under the front seat that will
interfere with the air circulation to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air
intake area (at the bottom of the windshield
under the hood) on the passenger side of your
vehicle.
•If the air conditioner works well in MAX A/C but
not in A/C, this may indicate that the passenger
compartment air filter (if equipped) needs to be
replaced.
Rear window defroster and heated outside rear
view mirrors
The defroster clears
away fog, frost and
thin ice from the rear
window and outside
rear view mirrors.
Clear away snow from rear window and mirrors. The
defroster operates for 10 minutes then shuts off. If
more defrosting is required, press the control again.
R-DEF
dno_defroster
dno_rear-wiper
Controls and features
20