steering Mercury Sable 1996 s Owner's Guide

202
*
[DR10175(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not use the P (Park) position in
place of the parking brake. Always
set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
*
[DR10225(ALL)03/95]
Always turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Do
not leave your vehicle unattended
while the engine is running.
*
[DR10250(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
[DR10275(ALL)11/94]
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot move
it without pushing in the thumb button.
*
[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
[DR15970(ALL)11/94]
Your vehicle has variable-assist steering. This
system provides light power steering efforts for
parking and heavier power steering efforts for
highway driving. If you notice that the power
steering effort does not change according to the
speed you are traveling, or if the power steering
system is not working, have the system checked.
%*
[DR16100(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

203
*
[DR16150(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[DR16200(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
%*
[DR16300(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR16450(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle may have four-wheel power
anti-lock disc brakes which adjust automatically
through everyday use.
[DR16500(ALL)11/94]
Some models have power front disc brakes and
rear drum brakes which automatically adjust as
the brake pads and linings wear down.
[DR16700(ALL)04/95]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes,
apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR16800(ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes,
extreme braking can make the wheels lock and
slide, causing you to lose control of the steering.
If the wheels lock, release the brake pedal and
repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
*
[DR16900(ALL)08/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually occur.
*
[DR17000(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

207
*
[DR19000(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
*
[DR19050(ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR19300(ALL)03/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR19400(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR19900(ALL)03/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel
drive may provide better acceleration than
rear-wheel drive. However, this does not mean
that your vehicle can stop any faster or any
better than a vehicle with rear-wheel drive.
Exercise the same caution while driving on
slippery roads with your front-wheel drive
vehicle as you would with a rear-wheel drive
vehicle.
*
[DR20100(ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
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221 %
*
[RE03900(ALL)03/95]
Removing jumper cables
*
[RE04000(ALL)03/95]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order.Remove the negative (s) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[RE04100(ALL)03/95]
2. Remove the negative (s) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[RE04200(ALL)03/95]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[RE04300(ALL)03/95]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[RE04400(ALL)04/95]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
You may need to use a battery charger to fully
recharge the battery.
*
[RE04450(ALL)03/95]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theServicing Your Vehiclechapter.
%
*
[RE04500(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
[RE04610(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Tire sealants that are injected through
the valve stem are not to be used to
service punctured tires because they
can produce wheel rust and tire
imbalance.
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:02:29 1995

234
*
[RE18000(ALL)03/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle
*
[RE18100(ALL)03/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle
behind another vehicle, such as a recreational
vehicle, a car, or a truck.
*
[RE18200(ALL)03/95]
Before you have your vehicle towed:
*
[RE18300(ALL)03/95]
q
Release the parking brake.
*
[RE18400(ALL)03/95]
q
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[RE18500(ALL)01/95]
q
Turn the key in the ignition to OFF.
*
[RE18600(ALL)03/95]
q
Unlock the steering wheel.
[RE18700(ALL)01/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than
35 mph (56 km/h) or for a distance greater than
50 miles (80 km), unless the drive wheels are
placed on dollies.
*
[RE19000(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to
the bumper when you tow your
vehicle. You could damage the
bumper and cause an accident.
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:02:29 1995

301
%*
[SV31200(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV31300(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV31400(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[SV31500(ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV31700(ALL)01/95]
3. Then turn the engine off.
[SV31800(ALL)04/95]
3.0L Vulcan engine:
%*
[SV31900(ALL)03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[SV32100(ALL)07/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
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302 [SV32150(ALL)02/95]
half page art:0000311-CDipstick for power steering fluid (3.0L Vulcan)
*
[SV32175(ALL)03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
[SV32225(ALL)04/95]
3.0L Duratec engine:
*
[SV32250(ALL)11/94]
4. Check the fluid level in the power steering
fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be
between the MIN and MAX lines on the side
of the reservoir.
*
[SV32300(ALL)11/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is below the MIN
mark, add fluid in small amounts until the
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on
the side of the reservoir.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

303 [SV32375(ALL)02/95]
half page art:0001388-A
Reservoir for power steering fluid (3.0L Duratec)
[SV32400(ALL)04/95]
Use only MerconHATF power steering fluid.
*
[SV32700(ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[SV32800(ALL)04/95]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick (3.0L Vulcan) or
MIN on the reservoir (3.0L Duratec). The
reading will only be accurate if the fluid
temperature is approximately50ÊF to 85ÊF
(10ÊC to 30ÊC).
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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

360 Index
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints)......... 191
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints).... 191
Side mirrors, heated........... 104
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof).... 143
Spare tire
changing the tire........... 224
conventional spare.......... 223
finding the spare........... 223
temporary spare........... 222
Spark plugs, specifications........ 330
Specification chart, lubricants....... 331
Speed control
accelerating.............. 122
canceling a set speed......... 124
indicator light............. 83
resetting............... 123
resuming a set speed......... 124
tap up/tap down.........123±124
turning off.............. 124
when towing a trailer.......122, 216
Speedometer............... 85
Starting your vehicle
starting a cold engine.......... 65
starting after a collision......... 68
starting a warm engine......... 65
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 217
Steering, power............. 202
Steering wheel
horn................. 119
locking................. 61
speed controls............ 120
tilting................ 120
Storage compartments
cargo area.............. 161
cargo net............... 162
center console............. 156
locking storage............ 161
Storing your vehicle........... 332
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Update:Tue Aug 8 10:58:02 1995