light Mercury Sable 1996 Owner's Manuals

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[PI00560(ALL)04/01]
Table of ContentsIntroductory Information ...............................1
Safety Restraints ..............................................9
Starting Your Sable .......................................61
Warning Lights and Gauges .......................73
Instrument Panel Controls ..........................91
Steering Column Controls ........................115
Features ..........................................................125
Electronic Sound Systems .........................169
Driving Your Sable .....................................191
Roadside Emergencies ................................217
Customer Assistance ...................................235
Reporting Safety Defects ......................243
Accessories ....................................................247
Servicing Your Sable ..................................255
Quick Index ..................................................335
Index ...............................................................347
Service Station Information ......................364
File:fcpis.ex
Update:Thu Dec 21 08:19:24 1995

7
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[IN06900(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Vehicle
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[IN07001(ALL)04/95]
Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage
the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your
vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean.
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[IN07101(ALL)04/95]
Take similar precautions if your vehicle is
exposed to chemical industrial fallout.
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[IN07201(ALL)08/95]
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not
related to a defect in paint materials or
workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual
improvement in customer satisfaction is a high
priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its
dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by
environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000
miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes
first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford
representative.
%*
[IN07301(ALL)04/95]
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
[IN07401(ALL)03/95]
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the
underside, with a cleaner made for washing cars.
If your vehicle has clear-coat, make sure that the
cleaner is recommended for clear-coat.
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[IN07501(ALL)04/95]
DO NOT:
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[IN07601(ALL)04/95]
q
Wash your vehicle with hot water
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[IN07701(ALL)04/95]
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Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct
sunlight
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[IN07801(ALL)04/95]
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Wash your vehicle while the body is hot
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[IN07901(ALL)04/95]
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits
and protect the finish.
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:13:48 1995

9
Safety Restraints
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[SR00500(ALL)04/95]
Important Safety Belt Information
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[SR00600(ALL)03/95]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada the law requires their use.
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[SR00700(ALL)01/95]
Safety belts provide best restraint when:
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[SR00800(ALL)01/95]
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the seatback is upright
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[SR00900(ALL)01/95]
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the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
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[SR01000(ALL)01/95]
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the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
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[SR01100(ALL)01/95]
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the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
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[SR01200(ALL)01/95]
q
the knees are straight forward
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[SR02200(ALL)04/95]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning Light and Chimein
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
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[SR02300(ALL)01/95]
See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for Childrenin this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
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28 %
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[SR16500(ALL)01/95]
How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint
System Operates
[SR16600(ALL)05/95]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
consists of the Driver and Passenger air bags,
impact sensors, a system diagnostic module, a
readiness light and tone, and the electrical
wiring which connects the components.
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[SR16750(ALL)04/95]
The driver air bag is in the center of the steering
wheel. The front passenger seat air bag is
located in the center of the instrument panel
ledge above the glove compartment. Both air
bags are designed to stay out of sight until they
are activated.
[SR16775(ALL)11/94]
half page art:0001373-A
The location of air bags and warning labels
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[SR17400(ALL)02/95]
If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the
severity of the impact and activate the air bags if
necessary. The air bag system is designed to
deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions
more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of
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30
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[SR17730(ALL)05/94]
half page art:0011064-A
Inflated passenger-side air bag
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[SR18400(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
The air bag will inflate only once.
The system is designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. If the air
bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL
NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND
MUST BE REPLACED
IMMEDIATELY. If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will
increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
[SR18425(ALL)05/95]
To ensure that the air bag system will operate as
intended in a crash, the system is equipped with
a diagnostic module. The diagnostic module
monitors its own circuits, the air bag electrical
system, the air bag readiness light, the air bag
power, and the air bag inflators.
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31 %
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[SR18450(ALL)03/95]
The air bag system uses a readiness light on the
instrument cluster and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. When you turn the
ignition key to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and
then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the
air bag system is not required.
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[SR18475(ALL)03/95]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:
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[SR18501(ALL)03/95]
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the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SR18525(ALL)03/95]
q
or it will not light immediately after ignition
is turned on,
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[SR18550(ALL)03/95]
q
or a group of five beeps will be heard. The
tone pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.
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[SR18575(ALL)03/95]
If any of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System may not function
properly in the event of a collision.
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[SR18601(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not attempt to service, repair, or
modify the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System; tampering could
cause activation of the system and
increase the risk of personal injury.
DO NOT REPLACE OR
OTHERWISE TAMPER WITH THE
AIR BAG FUSES. For servicing of
the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint
System, see your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
File:fcsrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:34:02 1995

62 %
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[ST04200(ALL)01/95]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
%*
[ST04300(ALL)03/95]
If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
your steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
[ST04325(ALL)04/95]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transaxle gearshift lever.
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[ST04350(ALL)03/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
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[ST04375(ALL)03/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
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[ST04500(ALL)02/95]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
[ST06000(ALL)02/95]
Procedures for removing the key from the
ignition will be the same for both the column-
and console-mounted gearshifts.
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[ST06300(ALL)03/95]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
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[ST06400(ALL)01/95]
2. Set the parking brake fully.
[ST06500(ALL)11/94]
3. Turn the ignition to the LOCK position.
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[ST06600(ALL)03/95]
4. Remove the key.
[ST07310(ALL)12/94]
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate
the steering wheel slightly because it may be
binding.
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[ST07520(ALL)03/95]
If the driver's door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.
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64
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[ST08200(ALL)03/95]
Starting Your Vehicle
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[ST08300(ALL)05/94]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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[ST08350(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the
engine. SeeGuarding Against Exhaust
Fumesin this chapter for more
instructions.
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[ST08400(ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
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[ST08500(ALL)01/95]
1. Make sure you and all your passengers
buckle your safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
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[ST08600(ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure your headlamps and other
accessories are turned off and the parking
brake is set.
[ST08850(ALL)11/94]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
before you turn the key.
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[ST09150(ALL)03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
%*
[ST09310(ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
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[ST09320(ALL)02/95]
To start your engine:
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[ST09330(ALL)03/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
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[ST09340(ALL)03/95]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
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[ST09350(ALL)03/95]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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65
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[ST09360(ALL)02/95]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
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[ST09370(ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[ST09375(ALL)04/95]
For a cold engine:
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[ST09381(ALL)04/95]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
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[ST09385(ALL)04/95]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
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[ST09387(ALL)04/95]
For a warm engine:
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[ST09390(ALL)04/95]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
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[ST09400(ALL)04/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter or flood the engine.
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[ST09410(ALL)04/95]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:34:24 1995

66 [ST09420(ALL)11/94]NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transaxle and has an
interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your
foot is on the brake pedal.
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[ST09480(ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
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[ST09492(ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[ST09494(ALL)04/95]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
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[ST09496(ALL)04/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
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[ST09497(ALL)04/95]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
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[ST09498(ALL)04/95]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
*
[ST09500(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
%*
[ST10200(ALL)04/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle move
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
File:fcsts.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:34:24 1995