tires Mercury Sable 1996 s User Guide

292 %
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[SV25700(ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
[SV25800(ALL)01/89]
We recommend that you use all-weather tires
when you replace your tires.
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[SV25900(ALL)01/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (1.59 mm) of tread left.
[SV26150(ALL)05/94]
quarter page art:0001318-A
A worn-out tire
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[SV26175(ALL)01/95]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread. Some spots
wear more heavily than others.
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[SV26300(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never
mix radial, bias-belted, or bias-type
tires. Use only the tire sizes that are
listed on the tire pressure decal.
Make sure that all tires are the same
size, speed rating, and load-carrying
capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the
decal. If you do not follow these
precautions, your vehicle may not
drive properly and safely.
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[SV26400(ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

293 %
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[SV27400(ALL)02/95]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
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[SV27500(ALL)01/95]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
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[SV27550(ALL)01/95]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
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[SV27600(ALL)01/95]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
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[SV27799(ALL)01/95]
Treadwear
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[SV27800(ALL)01/95]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

294
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[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
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[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
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[SV28299(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
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[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

295
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[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
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[SV28600(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
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[SV28700(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use snow tires, make sure that
they are the same size and grade as
the tires you now have on your
vehicle. If they are not, your vehicle
may not handle safely.
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[SV28775(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
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[SV28825(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE
CHAINS ARE INSTALLED ON STEEL
WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before
using tire chains to avoid scratches or
damage.
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[SV28925(ALL)11/94]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
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[SV28950(ALL)08/94]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

296
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[SV28975(ALL)08/94]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
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[SV29025(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
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[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
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[SV29150(ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29160(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
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[SV29170(ALL)04/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage the protective coatings. Use tar and road
oil remover to remove grease and tar.
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[SV29180(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
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[SV29220(ALL)04/95]
Air Filter
[SV29240(ALL)02/95]
To replace the engine air filter, unclip the two
latches, separate the housing and remove the old
filter. Wipe the interior of the housing clean
before inserting the new filter. Lock the two
latches.
[SV29260(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Do not use oil-impregnated air filters.
Filters other than the ones specified in
this Owner Guide can cause engine
damage. Your warranties may not
apply if your vehicle is damaged
because you used the wrong air filter.
SeeMotorcraft partsin the Index.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

334 %
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[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
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[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
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[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
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[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
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[SV46600(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[SV46650(ALL)02/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is
maintained for quick starting. NOTE: If
battery cables are disconnected, it will be
necessary to reset any memory features (eg.
radio presets).
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[SV46700(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
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[SV46800(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
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[SV46900(ALL)01/95]
Tires
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[SV47000(ALL)01/95]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
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[SV47100(ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
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[SV47200(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
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[SV47300(ALL)08/95]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

358 Index
Power door locks............ 126
Power features
door locks.............. 126
lumbar support............ 149
mirrors................ 153
moon roof.............. 143
seats................. 148
windows............... 141
Power steering
dipstick............... 301
driving with power steering...... 202
fluid, checking and adding....... 301
fluid, refill capacity.......... 329
fluid, specifications.......... 331
servicing............... 202
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 172
Rear window
defroster............... 104
washer................ 105
washer reservoir........... 284
Refill capacities for fluids........ 329
Relays................. 304
Remote entry system
arming and disarming the
anti-theft system.......... 135
locking/unlocking doors........ 134
panic alarm.............. 135
replacement/additional transmitters . . . 137
replacing the batteries......... 136
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult.................. 9
child.................. 32
head................. 145
infant................. 32
Roadside assistance........... 235
Roadside emergencies.......... 217
Roof rack................ 163
Rotating the tires............ 291
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Update:Tue Aug 8 10:58:02 1995

Index 361
Sun visor................ 154
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 79
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 23
T
Tachometer................ 86
Tell Your Technician booklet....... 236
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 93
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints).......... 46
Tilt steering wheel........... 120
Tires
changing............... 221
checking the pressure......... 289
replacing............... 292
rotating............... 291
storing your vehicle.......... 334
tire grades.............. 293
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 212
Towing your vehicle, with a tow truck . . 232
Trailer towing
calculating maximum trailer weight . . 212
safety chains............. 215
trailer brakes............. 215
trailer lamps............. 216
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 297
fluid, refill capacities......... 329
lubricant specifications........ 331
Trip odometer.............. 86
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 326
Turn signal
indicator lights............. 82
lever................ 115
File:fcixs.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 10:58:02 1995