transmission Mercury Sable 2000 s User Guide

3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
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Maintenance and care
150

3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
4. Check the fluid level on the
dipstick. It should be between the
arrows in the FULL HOT range. Do
not add fluid if the level is within
this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
FULL HOT
MINMAX
Maintenance and care
162

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
163

High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
164

²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Maintenance and care
185

windows ..................................202
wiper blades ............................200
woodtone trim ........................202
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............18
Clock .......................................31,38
Console ........................................55
Controls
power seat .................................74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............156
refill capacities .................160,205
specifications ...................206,207
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................43
Customer Assistance ................129
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................218
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................211
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............217
Getting roadside assistance ...129
Getting the
service you need ....................211
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................222
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................214
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............217
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................16
Defrost
rear window ..............................18
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................162
engine oil .................................151
Doors
door ajar warning .......................9
lubricant specifications ..........206Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................123
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................141
Emission control system ..........185
Engine ........................................207
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........9
cleaning ...................................200
coolant .....................................156
idle speed control ...................170
lubrication
specifications ...................206,207
refill capacities ........................205
service points ...................149,150
starting after a collision .........130
Engine block heater .................110
Engine oil ..................................151
checking and adding ..............151
dipstick ....................................151
filter, specifications .........153,204
recommendations ...................153
refill capacities ........................205
specifications ...................206,207
Exhaust fumes ..........................110
Floor mats ...................................55
Fluid capacities .........................205
Foglamps .....................................17
Fuel ............................................177
calculating fuel economy .......182
cap ...........................................179
capacity ...................................205
choosing the right fuel ...........180
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................185
detergent in fuel .....................181
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................177,179,182
filter, specifications .........182,204
fuel pump shut-off switch .....130
gauge .........................................15
Index
225

Specification chart,
lubricants ............................206,207
Speed control ..............................43
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle .........107,109
jump starting ..........................141
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................48
Tachometer .................................14
Tires ......................137,173,174,175
changing ...........................137,138
checking the pressure ............175
replacing ..................................176
rotating ....................................175
snow tires and chains ............176
tire grades ...............................174
treadwear ................................174
Towing ................................124,175
recreational towing .................127
trailer towing ..........................124
wrecker ....................................146
Traction control ...................43,115
active light ..................................8
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............117
fluid, refill capacities ..............205
lubricant specifications ..........207
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................162lubricant specifications ..........206
Trip odometer .............................15
Trunk ............................57,59,60,71
remote release ..........................56
Turn signal ...............................8,46
Vehicle dimensions ...................207
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................210
Vehicle loading ..........................122
Ventilating your vehicle ...........111
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................155
Water, Driving through .............123
Windows
power .........................................52
rear wiper/washer .....................47
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....155
checking and cleaning .....172,173
liftgate reservoir .....................156
operation ...................................46
replacing wiper blades ...........173
Wrecker towing .........................146
Index
228

1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance
Guide to determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
232