Mercury Sable 2000 User manual

Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 6
Controls and features 16
Seating and safety restraints 73
Starting and driving
Starting 107
Driving 112
Roadside emergencies 129
Servicing
Maintenance and care 147
Capacities and specifications 204
Customer assistance 211
Reporting safety defects 223
Index 224
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in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company.
Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 1999 Ford Motor Company
Contents
1

The following warning may be required by California law:
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
Engine exhaust, some if its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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.
Introduction
2

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.
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

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety Belt Air Bag-Front
Air Bag-Side Child Seat
Child Seat Installation
Warning
Child Seat Tether
Anchorage
Brake System Anti-Lock Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based Traction Control
Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment
Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/Demist
Rear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/Rear Power Window Lockout
Introduction
4

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Interior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic Alarm Engine Oil
Engine Coolant Engine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When Hot Battery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or Sparks Battery Acid
Explosive Gas Fan Warning
Power Steering Fluid Maintain Correct Fluid
Level
MAX
MIN
Emission System Engine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter Jack
Introduction
5

A
ON
OFF
+–
0
1
2
20
40
60
80
100
120
20
60 140
180
P R N D 2 1
MPH km/h
000000
0000
E
F
C
H
FUEL DOOR >
THEFT
LOW
COOLANT
Parking brake
release
(pg. 114)
Headlamp
control
(pg. 16)
Panel dimmer
(pg. 17)
Driver air bag
(pg. 93)
Trunk release —
sedan only
(pg. 56)
Rear window wiper and
washer — wagon only*
(pg. 47)
Turn signal and
wiper/washer control
(pg. 46)
Instrument cluster
(pg. 8)
* if equipped
Instrumentation
6

VOL
PUSH ON
AM
FM
H
M
EJ TAPE
BASS
TREB
BAL
FADE
SCAN
REW FF
R
COMP
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/C
SHUFFLE
SIDE 1-2
CD
SEEK
TUNE
DISC 1-6 1 234 56
SET+
RES
CST-
P!
BRAKE
CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS
34
5
6
7
Climate control
system
(pg. 18)
Gearshift
(pg. 117)
Electronic sound system
(pg. 28)
Auxiliary power point
(pg. 28)
Speed control
(pg. 43)
Instrumentation
7

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
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.
Traction ControlYactive (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to ON. It also
illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem begins applying
and releasing the brakes and
adjusting the engine characteristics to limit a wheelspin condition. It will
be lit for the duration of the Traction Controlyevent.
For more information, refer to the Driving chapter.
P!
BRAKE
+–
CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS
0
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2
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7
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120
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60 140
180
P R N D D 1
MPH km/h
000000
0000
E
F
C
H
FUEL DOOR >
THEFT
LOW
COOLANT
Instrumentation
8

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 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 light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause your 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.
Instrumentation
9

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 high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the
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 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 (refer to Fuel gauge in
this chapter for more information).
When refueling, after the light
comes on, the amount of fuel that is added will be less than the
advertised capacity since there is fuel still in the tank. 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 to ensure your bulb is working.
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
LOW
COOLANT
Instrumentation
10

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 SecuriLocky
passive anti-theft system in the
Controls and features chapter.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position. 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 the parking brake released.
Check transaxle
Illumination of this light indicates
that a problem has been detected
and shifting may be restricted. If
this lamp remains on, have your
vehicle serviced immediately.
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.
THEFT
ABS
CRUISE
Instrumentation
11

Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the RUN
position. Also illuminates if the
parking brake is engaged. If the
brake warning lamp does not
illuminate at these times, or remains on after releasing the parking brake,
seek service immediately.
One of the following conditions may exist:
•low brake fluid level in the reservoir.
•Brake force distribution system failure. The ABS light will also
illuminate if this condition is present.
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.
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.
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
12

Safety belt warning chime
Sounds 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.
GAUGES
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle speed.
P!
BRAKE
+–
CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS
0
1
2
34
5
6
7
20
40
60
80
100
120
20
60 140
180
P R N D D 1
MPH km/h
000000
0000
E
F
C
H
FUEL DOOR >
THEFT
LOW
COOLANT
20
40
60
80
100
120
20
60 140
100
180
P R N D D 1
MPH km/h
000000
0000
Instrumentation
13

Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.
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.
RPMx1000
0
1
2
34
5
6
7
C
H
Instrumentation
14

Odometer
Registers the total kilometers
(miles) of the vehicle.
Trip odometer
Registers the kilometers (miles) 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. When
the gauge first indicates empty,
there is a small amount of reserve
fuel in the tank. When refueling the
vehicle from an empty indication,
the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised
capacity due to the reserve fuel.
20
40
60
80
100
120
20
60 140
100
180
P R N D D 1
MPH km/h
000000
0000
20
40
60
80
100
120
20
60 140
180
P R N D D 1
MPH km/h
000000
0000
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 ignition must be in the ON position 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.
Pull toward you to deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull toward you to activate and
release to deactivate.
A
Controls and features
16

Foglamp control (if equipped)
The headlamp control also operates
the foglamps. The foglamps can be
turned on only when the headlamp
control is in the position and
the high beams are not turned on.
Pull headlamp control towards you
to turn foglamps on. The foglamp
indicator light will illuminate.
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 up position (past
detent) to turn on interior lamps.
The dome lamp will not illuminate if the panel dimmer/dome lamp
control is switched to OFF.
AUTOLAMP CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
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 fixed period of time
after the ignition switch is turned to
OFF.
•To turn autolamps on, rotate the control counterclockwise.
•To turn autolamps off, rotate the control clockwise to OFF.
A
A
A
Controls and features
17

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
The rear defroster control is located
on the instrument panel.
Press the rear defroster control to
clear the rear window of thin ice
and fog.
•A small LED will illuminate when
the rear defroster is activated.
The ignition must be in the ON position to operate the rear window
defroster.
The defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the
ignition is turned to the OFF position. To manually turn off the defroster
before 10 minutes have passed, push the control again.
Activating the rear window defroster will also activate the heated mirrors
(if equipped). For more information refer to Heated Outside Mirrors in
this section.
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
Manual heating and air conditioning system (if equipped)
Fan speed control
Controls the volume of air circulated
in the vehicle.
R
R
A/C
MAX
A/C
OFF
Controls and features
18

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(Panel)
and (Floor). However, the
air conditioning will only function if
the outside temperature is about
10°C (50°F) or higher.
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.
•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.
•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.
•(Panel)-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.
A/C
Controls and features
19

•(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
windshield defrost ducts. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or
higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to
reduce fogging.
•(Defrost)-Distributes outside air through the windshield
defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.
If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner
will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.
Operating tips
•In humid weather, select before driving. This will reduce fogging
on your windshield. After a few minutes, select any desired position.
•To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
climate control system in the OFF or MAX A/C position.
•Do not put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the
airflow to the rear seats.
Controls and features
20