light Mercury Sable 1996 s Repair Manual

202
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[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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204 %
*
[DR17100(ALL)03/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
[DR17350(ALL)02/95]
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
(If equipped)
[DR17450(ALL)11/94]
If your vehicle is equipped with the anti-lock
brake system (ABS), the wheels will not lock and
slide when you press down hard on the brake
pedal. The ABS automatically starts releasing
and reapplying the front brakes independently
and the rear brakes together whenever your
vehicle's wheels start to lock. When this
happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulsate.
This is an indication that the ABS is working
correctly and is normal.
*
[DR17500(ALL)10/93]
If the brake pedal is applied while the vehicle is
driven over uneven road surfaces, the ABS may
cycle and the driver may sense a pulsation in
the brake pedal, accompanied by a slight up and
down movement of the pedal height and a
clicking sound. This may also happen when
driving on an inclined surface such as a
driveway while making a sharp turn. This is a
normal condition.
[DR17600(ALL)04/95]
Each time you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, the ABS will function through one test
cycle. When this happens, the ABS light will
come on for up to five seconds. If the light stays
on longer than five seconds, shut off the engine
and restart. If it remains on, it means the ABS is
disabled and should be serviced immediately to
restore the benefits of the anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the red
BRAKE system warning light is also lit.
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205 [DR17650(ALL)11/94]
ABS has self-check capabilities. As described
above, the system turns on the ABS light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is
started and the ABS light turns off, the system
performs another test the first time the vehicle
reaches 4-9 mph (6-15 km/h). The system turns
on the ABS pump motor for approximately 1/2
second. At this time, a mechanical noise may be
heard. This is a normal part of the self-check
feature. If a malfunction is found during this
check the ABS light will come on.
[DR17675(ALL)02/95]
Vehicles with ABS are identified with a label on
the front door pillar.
*
[DR17700(ALL)12/93]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
negative effects of mobile radio transmitting
equipment installed on vehicles with the ABS
system providing that the radio is installed
according to the radio manufacturer's
instructions. However, if you have had a mobile
radio transmitter installed and the check ABS
light comes on (at any time other than
immediately after turning the key to the ON
position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is
activated other than during maximum braking,
have your mobile radio installation checked.
%*
[DR17800(ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
*
[DR17900(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[DR18000(ALL)01/95]
This brake is suspended just below the bottom
of the instrument panel to the left of the brake
pedal.
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206 [DR18300(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0001391-AThe parking brake and parking brake release
*
[DR18420(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
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 P (Park).
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released,
but the Brake Warning Light remains
on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be
working properly.
*
[DR18750(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
To avoid personal injury when
manually releasing the parking
brake, make sure the gearshift
selector is securely latched in P
(Park) and do not release the parking
brake from outside the vehicle.
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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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208
*
[DR20200(ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR20400(ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR20500(ALL)03/92]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
*
[DR20600(ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR20750(ALL)11/94]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control
on slippery roads, do not downshift
into 1 (First) when you are moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h).
*
[DR20775(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do
not use it on slippery roads. You
could lose control of your vehicle
and could injure someone.
*
[DR20850(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the
spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward
and reverse gears. While in each gear, press
lightly on the accelerator and release.
*
[DR20900(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over
35 mph (56 km/h). If you do, the
tires may fail and injure a passenger
or bystander.
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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

216 %
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[DR29650(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR29700(ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
*
[DR29800(ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting system.
*
[DR29900(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR30000(ALL)08/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR30175(ALL)04/95]
When you tow in steep hills, move the
automatic transaxle to 1 (First) (vehicles without
O/D OFF switch) or 2 (Second) (vehicles with
O/D OFF switch) when descending. This will
give more engine braking on downgrades. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift
to the proper gear on upgrades.
[DR30200(ALL)04/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, move the
gearshift to D (Drive) (column shift without
O/D OFF switch) or push the O/D OFF switch
(column or console shift). This will also give
better braking going down hills.
%*
[DR30300(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[DR30400(ALL)04/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle When You Tow
*
[DR30500(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
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217
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[RE00310(ALL)03/95]
If Your Vehicle Needs a
Jump-Start
*
[RE00320(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights on or any electrical equipment on after
you turn the engine off. If this happens, you
may be able to jump-start from a booster battery
to start your vehicle.
*
[RE00400(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes can
cause the gases around the battery to
explode, causing injury and damage.
Keep these things away from the
battery.
*
[RE00500(ALL)01/95]
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and
eyes. Make sure that you can breathe
fresh air.
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:02:29 1995

219
*
[RE01200(ALL)03/95]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[RE01300(ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01400(ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
[RE01500(ALL)04/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. If
you have electronic climate control, press the
VF-DEF button. Turn off all other switches
and lights.
%*
[RE01700(ALL)08/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE02500(ALL)03/95]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[RE02600(ALL)04/95]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
*
[RE02700(ALL)03/95]
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the
negative (s) terminal of the booster battery
Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
*
[RE02800(ALL)04/95]
4. Connect the other end of the second cable to
a good metallic surface on the engine or
frame of the disabled vehicle.
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:02:29 1995