Mercury Sable 1999 User manual

Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 16
Seating and safety restraints 70
Starting and driving
Starting 96
Driving 101
Roadside emergencies 118
Servicing
Maintenance and care 135
Capacities and specifications 180
Customer assistance 189
Reporting safety defects 204
Index 205
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic
or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any
information storage and retrieval system or translation in
whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company.
Copyright r1998 Ford Motor Company
Contents
1

ICONS
Indicates a safety alert.
Read the following
section on Warnings.
Indicates vehicle
information related to
recycling and other
environmental
concerns will follow.
Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of
waste cleaning and lubrication materials are
significant steps towards protecting the
environment.
Indicates a message
regarding child safety
restraints. Refer to
Seating and safety
restraints for more information.
Indicates that this
Owner Guide contains
information on this
subject. Please refer to
the Index to locate the appropriate section which
will provide you more information.
WARNINGS
Warnings provide information which may reduce the
risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage
to others, your vehicle and its equipment.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your
vehicle. 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.
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

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
0
0
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
Parking
brake release
(pg. 103)
Headlamp control
(pg. 16)
Speed control
(pg. 41)
Driver side
air bag
(pg. 83)
Trunk release —
sedan only
(pg. 53)
Rear window
wiper and washer
— wagon only
(pg. 46)
Turn signal and
wiper/washer
control
(pg. 45)
Instrument
cluster
(pg. 6)
Instrumentation
4

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
FM 12
AMC
BL RF
Climate control
systems
(pg. 18)
Gearshift
(pg. 105)
Electronic
sound system
(pg. 29) Passenger
side air bag
(pg. 84)
Instrumentation
5

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Standard instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Turn signal
Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal
or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or
both of the indicators stay on continuously or flash
faster, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer
to Exterior bulbs in the Maintenance and care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps
are turned 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
0
0
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
Instrumentation
6

Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position to remind you
to fasten your safety belts. For more information,
refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON or
START position and
any door is open.
Service engine soon
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
computer that monitors
the engine’s emission
control system. This
system is commonly known as the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD II). The OBD II system
protects the environment by ensuring that your
vehicle continues to meet government emission
standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates
when the ignition is first turned to the ON position
to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is
started, one of the engine’s emission control systems
may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate
without a driveability concern being noted. The
vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon
light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a
malfunction.
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
7

Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service
Engine Soon light to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may
misfire or run poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed
and securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by
filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or
properly installing and securely tightening the gas
cap. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the Service
Engine Soon light should turn off. (A driving cycle
consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is
required.
If the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have
your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate
fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration)
and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive
exhaust temperatures could damage the
catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Low fuel
Illuminates as an early
reminder of a low fuel
condition indicated on
the fuel gauge. The
light comes on when there is approximately 1/16th
Instrumentation
8

of a tank indicated on the fuel gauge (refer to Fuel
gauge in this chapter for more information). The
ignition must be in the ON position for this lamp to
illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several
seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position regardless of the fuel level.
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, you should check the
coolant level inside the reservoir. For instructions on
adding coolant, see Engine coolant in the
Maintenance and care chapter.
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer to Perimeter
alarm system (if
equipped) and
SecuriLockypassive
anti-theft system in the Controls and features
chapter.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned on and the
engine is off. If the
light does not illuminate momentarily at start up,
remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to
be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal braking is still
effective unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released.
LOW
COOLANT
THEFT
ABS
Instrumentation
9

Speed control (if equipped)
This light comes on
when either the SET/
ACCEL or RESUME
controls are pressed. It
turns off when the
speed control OFF control is pressed, the brake is
applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF position.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position, the engine is
off and the parking brake is engaged. If the brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at this time, seek
service immediately. Illumination after releasing the
parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position and the engine
is off. Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below
the normal range. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine immediately.
Check the oil level and add oil if needed. Refer to
Engine oil in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the
ignition is turned to
the ON position and
the engine is off. The
light also illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring electrical system
service.
CRUISE
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
10

Air bag readiness
Momentarily
illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON.
If the light fails to
illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have
the system serviced immediately.
Safety belt warning chime
Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
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.
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.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are
on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the
ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.
Instrumentation
11

GAUGES
Standard instrument cluster gauges
Optional instrument cluster gauges
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle speed.
•Standard instrument
cluster
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
0
0
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
10
20
30
40
50 60
70
80
90
100
110
0
0
20
40
60
80 100
120
140
160
180
P R N DD 1
MPH km/h
0
0000
00000
Instrumentation
12

•Optional instrument
cluster
Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
•Standard instrument
cluster
•Optional instrument
cluster
Driving with your tachometer pointer in the red
zone may damage the engine.
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
RPMx1000
0
1
2
34
5
6
7
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
RPMx1000
PREMIUM UNLEADED
FUEL RECOMMENDED
0
1
2
345
6
7
8
Instrumentation
13

Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the
temperature of the
engine coolant. At
normal operating
temperature, the
needle remains within
the normal area (the
area between the “H”
and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine immediately and let
the engine cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the
Maintenance and care chapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine
coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at
its proper level the gauge indication will not be
accurate.
Odometer
Registers the total
kilometers (miles) of
the vehicle.
Trip odometer
Registers the
kilometers (miles) of
individual journeys. To
reset, depress the
control.
C
H
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
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
Instrumentation
14

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. When
the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small
amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling
the vehicle from empty indication, the amount of
fuel that can be added will be less than the
advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.
A minimum of six gallons must be added or removed
from the fuel tank in order for the gauge to
instantaneously update. If less than six gallons is the
change, the gauge will take between five to ten
minutes to update.
E
F
Instrumentation
15

HEADLAMP CONTROL
Rotate the headlamp
control to the first
position to turn on the
parking lamps. Rotate
to the second position
to also turn on the
headlamps.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output. To
activate:
•the engine must be running and
•the headlamp control is in the OFF or Parking
lamps position.
Always remember to turn on your
headlamps at dusk or during inclement
weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL)
System does not activate your tail lamps and
generally may not provide adequate lighting during
these conditions. Failure to activate your
headlamps under these conditions may result in a
collision.
High beams
Push forward to
activate.
P
PANEL
DIM AUTO
LAMP
Controls and features
16

Flash to pass
Pull toward you to
activate and release to
deactivate.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the
brightness of the
instrument panel
during headlamp and
parklamp operation.
•Rotate up to
brighten.
•Rotate down to dim.
•Rotate to full down position to turn off.
AUTOLAMP CONTROL
The autolamp system
provides light sensitive
automatic on-off
control of the exterior
lights normally
controlled by the
headlamp control.
The autolamp system also keeps the lights on for a
preselected period of time after the ignition switch
is turned to OFF.
P
PANEL
DIM AUTO
LAMP
P
PANEL
DIM AUTO
LAMP
Controls and features
17

•To turn autolamps on, rotate the control up. The
preselected time lapse is adjustable up to
approximately three minutes by continuing to
rotate the control upward.
•To turn autolamps off, rotate the control down
until it clicks.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
Clears the rear window of thin ice and fog. To
operate:
1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.
2. Press and release
the control once to
turn on. The light will
be lit while the rear
window defroster is on.
3. Press and release the control again to turn off.
The defroster will automatically turn off after fifteen
minutes.
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
Manual heating and air conditioning system
(if equipped)
R-DEF
R-DEF
LO
HI
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
VENT
Controls and features
18

Fan speed control
Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.
Temperature control knob
Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the
vehicle.
Mode selector control
Controls the direction
of the airflow to the
inside of the vehicle.
The air conditioning
compressor will operate in all modes except VENT
and . However, the air conditioning will only
function if the outside temperature is about 10°C
(50°F) or above.
Since the air conditioner removes considerable
moisture from the air during operation, it is normal
if clear water drips on the ground under the air
conditioner drain while the system is working and
even after you have stopped the vehicle.
Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate
control system should be left in any position other
than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked.
This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the
outside air inlet duct.
•MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle.
MAX A/C is noisier than A/C but more economical
and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster.
Airflow will be from the instrument panel
registers. This mode can also be used to prevent
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
LO
HI
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
VENT
Controls and features
19

•A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is
quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical.
Airflow will be from the instrument panel
registers.
•VENT-Distributes outside air through the
instrument panel registers. However, the air will
not be cooled below the outside temperature
because the air conditioning does not operate in
this mode.
•OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not
operate. For short periods of time only, use this
mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering
the vehicle.
•(Panel and floor)-Distributes outside air
through the instrument panel registers and the
floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning
capabilities are provided in this mode. For added
customer comfort, when the temperature control
knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full
cold positions, the air distributed through the
floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air
sent to the instrument panel registers.
•(Floor)-Allows for maximum heating by
distributing outside air through the floor ducts.
However, the air will not be cooled below the
outside temperature because the air conditioning
does not operate in this mode.
•(Floor and defrost)-Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster ducts and the
floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning
capabilities are provided in this mode. For added
customer comfort, when the temperature control
knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full
cold positions, the air distributed through the
floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air
sent to the instrument panel registers. If the
temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the
air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the
air to prevent fogging.
Controls and features
20