fuel Mercury Sable 1996 s Owner's Guide

256Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise,
vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
*
[SV01275(ALL)03/95]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
Using these parts for replacement is your
assurance that Ford-built quality stays in your
vehicle.
*
[SV01300(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
%
*
[SV01600(ALL)03/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[SV01700(ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[SV01800(ALL)08/95]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fans may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[SV01850(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Your vehicle is equipped with two
automatic cooling fans. It may come
on at any time without warning. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative terminal of the battery
before working near the fan.
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257
*
[SV01900(ALL)03/95]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[SV02000(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[SV02100(ALL)01/95]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported by a jack only. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[SV02200(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02250(ALL)03/95]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
*
[SV02550(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
*
[SV02600(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV02625(ALL)03/95]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[SV02650(ALL)03/95]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02800(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV02825(ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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263 %
*
[SV05075(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV06000(ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the
engine warmer than normal.
*
[SV06020(ALL)04/95]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[SV06040(ALL)04/95]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[SV06060(ALL)04/95]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[SV06080(ALL)04/95]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%
*
[SV06100(ALL)03/95]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[SV06800(ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the engine off. After opening the fuel
door, remove the cap carefully and slowly
by turning it counterclockwise 1/4 turn until
it stops. Pull to remove the cap. A tether
attaches the cap to the fuel filler pipe.
[SV06825(ALL)04/95]
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264 [SV06850(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under
pressure. If the fuel cap is venting
vapor or if you hear a hissing sound,
wait until it stops before completely
removing the cap. Otherwise, fuel
may spray out and injure you or
others.
*
[SV06900(ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and
put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe.
*
[SV06950(ALL)02/95]
NOTE: To help reduce early nozzle shutoffs
and fuel spillage, park your vehicle so
that the fuel filler door is not
downhill. Do not tilt or turn the nozzle
upside down when filling. Avoid
excessively fast fuel dispensing rates
(over 10 gallons [38 liters] per minute).
*
[SV07150(ALL)01/95]
3. If you spill any fuel on the body of your
vehicle, clean it off immediately. The fuel
may dull or soften the paint if you do not
wash it off.
[SV07200(ALL)11/94]
4. To replace the fuel cap, align the tabs on the
cap with the notches on the filler pipe. Turn
it clockwise until it stops.
[SV07250(ALL)04/95]
5. Push the fuel door closed.
[SV07275(ALL)04/95]
If the Service Engine Soon warning light comes
on and stays on when you start the engine, the
fuel cap may not be properly seated. Turn off
the engine, remove the fuel cap and replace it,
being careful to align the cap properly. For more
information, seeWarning lightsin the Index.
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265 %
*
[SV07300(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it
with one that is an authorized
Motorcraft service part or an
equivalent part. If you do not use the
proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system
or cause it to work improperly in a
collision, endangering you and your
passengers.
*
[SV07350(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[SV07500(ALL)03/95]
Choosing the Right Fuel
[SV07601(ALL)12/95]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. Using leaded fuel
is prohibited by federal law. Any vehicle
damage may not be covered by your warranty.
%*
[SV08725(ALL)03/95]
Octane Recommendations
[SV08800(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular fuel
with an octane rating of 87.In most cases it is
not necessary to use a fuel with an octane rating
higher than 87. At service stations, the octane
rating is displayed in a label on the pumps.
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266
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[SV08900(ALL)07/90]
one inch art:0060001-C
Typical octane rating label
[SV09000(ALL)12/95]
We do not recommend gasolines labeled
ªregularº that are sold with octane ratings of 86
or even less in high altitude areas.
[SV09100(ALL)12/95]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane rating fuel, see your dealer
or a qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
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267
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[SV09490(ALL)03/95]
Fuel quality
[SV09601(ALL)12/95]
Ford approves the use of gasolines, including
those reformulated, that contain oxygenates such
as ethanol (10% maximum) and MTBE (15%
maximum). If methanol is used, the gasoline
should contain no more than 5% with
cosolvents.
[SV09701(ALL)12/95]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems, try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
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268 %
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[SV10185(ALL)01/95]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
*
[SV10195(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious
injury or death if misused or
mishandled. To minimize the risk
that you will be injured, please read
the following information carefully
and observe the recommended
precautions.
*
[SV10200(ALL)01/95]
Gasoline and other automotive fuels are
extremely flammable. Turn your vehicle off and
do not smoke while refueling your vehicle. Keep
sparks and other sources of ignition away from
fuels.
*
[SV10205(ALL)03/95]
Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if
swallowed.Never attempt to siphon any fuel
by mouth.
*
[SV10210(ALL)03/95]
If any fuel is swallowed, call a physician or
poison control center immediately.Do not delay
calling a physician merely because no adverse
effects are noticed at first; the toxic effects of
fuels may not become apparent for many
hours.
*
[SV10213(ALL)03/95]
If gasoline is swallowed, do not induce
vomiting. If a gasoline-methanol blend is
swallowed, induce vomiting under the direction
of a physician or poison control center.
*
[SV10215(ALL)03/95]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small
amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene.
Long-term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors
has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Excessive inhalation of fuel vapors can cause
headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of coordination,
and other symptoms which could interfere with
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269
your ability to safely operate your vehicle.
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling. If fuel
vapors are inhaled in excessive quantities, move
the victim to fresh air and seek medical
attention.
*
[SV10220(ALL)03/95]
Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through
the skin. Be careful not to splash fuel on
yourself or your clothing. If fuel is splashed on
the skin, promptly remove contaminated clothing
and wash the skin thoroughly with soap and
water.
*
[SV10225(ALL)02/95]
Fuels can cause severe eye irritation and possibly
eye damage. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with large
amounts of water for 15 minutes, and seek
medical attention.
*
[SV10230(ALL)01/95]
You should be particularly careful if you are
taking the medication ªAntabuseº or other forms
of disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism.
There is a possibility that breathing the vapors
of a gasoline-methanol blend, or skin contact
with such a blend, may cause the same kind of
adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic
beverage. In sensitive individuals, serious
personal injury or sickness could result. Consult
a physician promptly if you experience an
adverse reaction.
*
[SV10250(ALL)01/95]
Fuel line service
[SV10270(ALL)11/94]
Fuel injection systems operate with pressurized
fuel. The fuel lines are under pressure even
when the engine is off. This system should be
serviced by an authorized dealer using only
Ford approved parts. Using other materials may
be hazardous or allow hydrocarbon emissions
above the legal levels set by the Federal
Government.
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270 %
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[SV11300(ALL)01/95]
Running Out of Fuel
[SV11500(ALL)05/91]
If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on
level ground away from traffic. Add at least one
gallon (four liters) of fuel to start your vehicle
again. If your vehicle is not on level ground,
you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters)
of fuel to start it.
*
[SV11550(ALL)02/95]
You may need to crank the engine several times
before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from
the tank to the engine.
*
[SV11575(ALL)03/95]
If the engine does not start, check the fuel pump
shut-off switch and reset as required. SeeFuel
pump shut-off switchin the Index.
*
[SV11580(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in fire and personal
injury.
%*
[SV13505(ALL)01/95]
Calculating the Fuel Economy
*
[SV13510(ALL)04/95]
Fuel economy is an estimate. It tells you
approximately the distance you can drive for
each gallon (liter) of fuel that your vehicle uses.
Do not calculate the fuel economy during your
vehicle's break-in period. This would not be an
accurate estimate of how much fuel your vehicle
will normally use.
*
[SV13515(ALL)04/95]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[SV13521(ALL)04/95]
1. Make sure the fuel tank is full when you
record the first odometer reading.
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