weight Mercury Sable 1996 s User Guide

211
*
[DR22050(ALL)01/95]
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
*
[DR22055(ALL)01/95]
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
*
[DR22060(ALL)01/95]
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus
the load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also,
make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the
respective axle.
*
[DR22065(ALL)01/95]
You can find the GVWR and GAWR on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label on the left
front door lock facing or the door latch post
pillar.
*
[DR22070(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
File:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

212
%*
[DR22100(ALL)04/95]
Trailer Towing
[DR22125(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the type of engine in
your vehicle. See the following charts:
[DR22150(ALL)04/95]
sixteen pica chart:0000489-H[DR22190(ALL)04/95]
fourteen pica chart:0001436-BFile:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

213
*
[DR22200(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory
fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are
available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
*
[DR22300(ALL)01/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on
your vehicle, you must follow certain
precautions for your safety and the good of your
vehicle:
*
[DR25800(ALL)11/92]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
(SeeKnowing Your Vehicle's Load Limits.)
*
[DR25900(ALL)01/95]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR26000(ALL)01/95]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[DR26100(ALL)01/95]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[DR26150(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
*
[DR26500(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight
exceeds the limits of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage,
transaxle damage, structural damage,
loss of control, and personal injury.
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214
*
[DR26580(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when the
temporary spare tire is being used.
Tire failure, loss of vehicle control,
and possible injury to vehicle
occupants could result.
*
[DR26600(ALL)01/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[DR28500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR28600(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR28700(ALL)01/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
%*
[DR28750(ALL)01/95]
Using the hitch
*
[DR28800(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle uses a load carrying hitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a
trailer on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you
must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on
the tongue.
*
[DR28900(ALL)01/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will
prevent damage to your vehicle and make your
vehicle easier to handle.
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215 %
*
[DR28950(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[DR29000(ALL)01/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
*
[DR29100(ALL)01/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[DR29200(ALL)01/95]
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and attach them to your vehicle's frame or
hook retainers. Never attach the safety
chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper
is not designed to bear the weight of a
trailer.
*
[DR29300(ALL)01/95]
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in
the chains to allow you to turn corners.
*
[DR29400(ALL)01/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
%*
[DR29450(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[DR29500(ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
*
[DR29600(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. If you do,
your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of
having a collision greatly increase.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

249
*
[AC00600(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers, and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight
capacity of the vehicle or of the front
or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label). Consult your dealer for specific
weight information.
*
[AC00700(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) regulates the use of
mobile communications systems Ð
such as two-way radios, telephones,
and theft alarms Ð that are equipped
with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle
should comply with FCC regulation
and should be installed only by a
qualified technician.
*
[AC00800(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Mobile communications systems may
harm the operation of your vehicle,
particularly if they are not properly
designed for automotive use or are not
properly installed. For example, when
operated, such systems may cause the
engine to stumble or stall. In addition,
such systems may themselves be
damaged or their operation affected by
operating your vehicle. (Citizens band
[CB] transceivers, garage door openers,
and other transmitters whose power
output is 5 watts or less will not
ordinarily affect your vehicle's
operation.)
*
[AC00900(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Because we have no control over the
installation, design, or manufacture of
such systems, Ford cannot assume
responsibility for any adverse effects or
damage that may result if you use this
equipment.
File:fcacs.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 11:01:40 1995

289
*
[SV24300(ALL)02/95]
q
Stay within the recommended load limits (see
Load limitsin the Index).
*
[SV24500(ALL)02/95]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[SV24550(ALL)10/89]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[SV24800(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Ford Motor Company recommends
obeying posted speed limits.
Furthermore, driving too fast for
conditions is dangerous and creates
the possibility of loss of vehicle
control which may result in personal
injury. Under some circumstances,
driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may also
result in damage to vehicle
components, creating a risk of failure
and potential loss of vehicle control.
[SV24850(ALL)04/95]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all
your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire
pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least one hour or has
been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You can
find the proper cold pressure and load limits of
recommended size tires on the Tire Pressure
Decal inside the glove compartment.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

Index 353
Fuel (continued)
capacity............... 329
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 263
filter, specifications.......... 330
fuel gauge............... 84
octane rating............. 265
running out of fuel.......... 270
storing your vehicle.......... 333
treating emergencies......... 268
Fuel cap
removing.............. 263
replacing............... 265
Fuel filter, specifications......... 330
Fuel gauge................ 84
Fuel pump shut-off switch, starting after a
collision................ 68
Fuse panels
instrument panel........... 305
power distribution box........ 309
Fuses, checking and replacing...... 312
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap).......... 263
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy)..... 270
Gasoline (see Fuel)........... 263
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge.... 84
fuel gauge............... 84
odometer............... 85
speedometer.............. 85
tachometer............... 86
trip odometer............. 86
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
definition.............. 209
location............... 209
Gearshift
column-mounted........... 193
console-mounted........... 199
locking the gearshift.......... 61
shift-lock.............192, 197
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354 Index
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
definition............... 209
location............... 209
H
Hazard flashers............. 118
Headlamps
aiming................ 317
autolamp system........... 108
bulb specification........... 323
checking alignment.......... 314
daytime running lights........ 107
flashing............... 116
high beam.............. 115
replacing bulbs............ 315
turning on and off.......... 106
warning chime............. 79
Head restraints............. 145
Heated mirrors............. 104
Heating
electronic automatic temperature control
system................ 95
manual heating and air conditioning
system................ 93
High beams
indicator light............. 78
operation............... 107
High-mount brakelamp, replacing
the bulb............... 320
Hitch.................. 214
Hood
latch location............. 258
lubrication specifications........ 331
release lever............. 258
Horn.................. 119
Hoses, checking............. 277
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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