brake light Mercury Sable 2003 s User Guide

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
•If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above -12°C
(10°F) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12°C (10°F) and the engine does not
start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, Press
the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to
START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake, shift into gear and
drive.
Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)
In cold weather, ethanol fuel distributors should supply winter grade
(E
d85) ethanol. If summer grade (Ed85) ethanol is used in cold weather,
you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation
until the engine has warmed up. Consult your fuel distributor for the
availability of winter grade (E
d85) ethanol. High-quality blends of winter
grade (E
d85) ethanol will produce satisfactory cold weather starting and
driving results.
Cold starting performance can also be improved by using an engine block
heater. Engine block heaters are available as an option and can be
obtained from your Ford dealer. Consult the engine block heater section
for proper use of the engine block heater.
3
4
1 2
5
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112

BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor
and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any
pulsation or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSlamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start
up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be
serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
P!
BRAKE
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114

Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops.
To release, pull the lever (2).
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be sued to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Park brake warning chime
Sounds when the parking brake is set, the engine is running and the
transaxle is not in P (Park) or N (Neutral). The chime will shut off when
the parking brake is disengaged.
TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control
system. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
During Traction Control
operation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the
engine will not“rev-up”when you push further on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior and should be no reason for concern.
2
1
P!
BRAKE
Driving
115

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
D (Drive)
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•Provides more engine braking than
(Overdrive).
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Driving
120

If necessary, try turning the Traction Control
system off. This will allow
the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more
information, refer toTraction Control
(if equipped)in this chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
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121

TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. The amount of
weight you can safely tow depends on the type of engine you have in
your vehicle. Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped
to tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or
Mercury/Lincoln dealers. Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 800 km (500 miles). If towing with a station wagon, inflate
the rear tires to 35 psi.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transaxle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
In order to identify your vehicle’s engine, refer toIdentifying
components in the engine compartmentin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
The amount of weight that you can tow depends on the type of engine in
your vehicle. See the following charts:
3.0L 2-Valve Vulcan Engine
Model Passenger
Load - #/kg
(lbs.)Luggage Load -
kg (lbs.)Max Trailer
Wt.- kg (lbs.)
Sedan 5/340 (750) 0 365 (800)
4/270 (600) 70 (150) 365 (800)
2/135 (300) 70 (150) 500 (1100)
2/135 (300) 0 565 (1250)
Wagon 4/270 (600) 0 365 (800)
2/135 (300) 70 (150) 430 (950)
2/135 (300) 0 500 (1100)
The above chart is based on the specified vehicle at a maximum GCW
(Vehicle weight + Trailer weight) equal to 2,245 kg (4,950 lbs.).
Driving
123

•Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
•Always read the instructions before using the products.
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS
Aluminum wheels and wheel covers are coated with a clearcoat paint
finish. In order to maintain their shine:
•Clean weekly with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A),
which is available from your dealer. Heavy dirt and brake dust
accumulation may require agitation with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly
with a strong stream of water.
•Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or
covers.
•Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning
chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust
and dirt, could wear away the clearcoat finish over time.
•Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
•To remove tar and grease, use Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil
Removal (B7A-19520–AA), available from your dealer.
ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The
high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause
damage.
•Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the
engine block or other engine components.
•Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (ZC-20) on all parts
that require cleaning and pressure rinse clean.
•Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
Cleaning
157

•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
185

A
Accessory delay ..........................48
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................91–92, 95
and child safety seats ..............94
description ..........................92, 95
disposal ......................................97
driver air bag ................92, 94, 96
indicator light ...........................95
operation .......................92, 94, 96
passenger air bag .........92, 94, 96
side air bag ................................95
Air cleaner filter .......................196
Air conditioning ..........................25
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................172
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................114
Anti-theft system ........................71
arming the system ....................71
disarming a triggered system ..72
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 18
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................190
fluid, checking ........................190
fluid, refill capacities ..............197
fluid, specification ..................200
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................119
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........198
B
Battery .......................................170acid, treating emergencies .....170
jumping a disabled battery ....140
maintenance-free ....................170
replacement, specifications ...196
servicing ..................................170
BeltMinder ...................................87
Brakes ........................................114
anti-lock ...................................114
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................114
fluid, checking and adding ....189
fluid, refill capacities ..............197
fluid, specifications .........198, 200
lubricant specifications ..198, 200
parking ....................................115
shift interlock ..........................117
Bulbs ............................................34
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....197
Cargo area shade ........................58
Cargo cover .................................57
Cargo net .....................................57
CD changer .................................20
CD-single premium ...............16, 18
Cell phone use ............................55
Certification Label ....................202
Changing a tire .........................136
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
Child safety seats ......................101
attaching with tether straps ..105
in front seat ............................102
in rear seat ......................102, 105
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............157
Index
Index
207

Jump-starting your vehicle ......140
K
Keyless entry system .................66
Keys
positions of the ignition .........109
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................29
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................34
cargo lamps ...............................30
daytime running light ...............29
fog lamps ...................................29
headlamps .................................29
headlamps, flash to pass ..........30
instrument panel, dimming .....30
interior lamps ...............32–33, 35
replacing
bulbs .................. 34–35, 38–40, 43
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................32
Liftgate ........................................56
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........114
speed control ............................54
Load limits .................................121
GAWR ......................................121
GVWR ......................................121
trailer towing ..........................121
Locks
childproof ..................................60
doors ..........................................60
Lubricant specifications ...198, 200
Lumbar support, seats ...............74
M
Mirrors ...................................47–48automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................48
heated ........................................51
side view mirrors (power) .......50
Moon roof ....................................54
Motorcraft parts ................182, 196
O
Octane rating ............................180
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................167
Overdrive ...................................118
P
Parking brake ............................115
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....196
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................51
Power adjustable foot pedals .....51
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................133
Power door locks ........................60
Power point .................................47
Power steering ..........................116
fluid, checking and adding ....188
fluid, refill capacity ................197
fluid, specifications .........198, 200
Power Windows ...........................47
R
Radio ......................................16, 18
Rear window defroster ...............28
Relays ........................................135
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................65
Index
210