fuel Mercury Sable 1997 s User Guide

accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle for
more than a few minutes, because it could damage
the vehicle.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).
Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your
vehicle.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
(column gearshift without O/D off switch)
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully
automatic operation in either
(Overdrive) or D
(Drive). Driving with the shift selector in
gives
the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions.
For manual control start in 1 (First) and then shift
manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress
the brake pedal, then move gearshift out of P
(Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move
the gearshift lever from position to position.
If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure
someone.
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Driving
84

Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
(column or console gearshift with O/D off
switch)
Your automatic
overdrive transaxle
provides fully
automatic operation in
either D (Overdrive) or
with the O/D OFF
switch depressed.
Driving with the shift
selector in D
(Overdrive) gives the
best fuel economy for
normal driving
conditions. For manual
control start in 1
(First) and then shift
manually.
If your vehicle is
equipped with a
console mounted
gearshift, you must
press the thumb button
on the side of the
gearshift to move the
gearshift from P
(Park).
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Driving
85

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in
the N (Neutral)
position, the vehicle
can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the
brake pedal down while
in this position.
(Overdrive Ð column shift without O/D OFF
switch) or D (Overdrive Ð column or console
mounted gearshift with O/D off switch)
The overdrive position
is the normal driving
position for an
automatic overdrive
transaxle. It works the
same way as D (Drive)
or D (Overdrive Ð
with the O/D OFF
switchnotdepressed)
works, but shifts to a
fourth gear Ð an
overdrive gear Ð when
your vehicle cruises at
a constant speed for any length of time. This fourth
gear will increase your fuel economy when you
travel at cruising speeds.
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrains. If the transaxle shifts back and forth
between third and fourth gears while you are driving
hilly roads or if your vehicle requires additional
power for climbing hills, shift into D (Drive) or press
the O/D OFF switch (if equipped).
P RND21 PRNDD1
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Driving
87

Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) with any
weight on the trailer while towing on a hot day or in
hilly country.
Cruise control may shut off if you are towing on
long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use 2 (Second) (if equipped) or 1 (First) when
towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate
excessive downshifting and upshifting for
optimum fuel economy and transaxle cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle
will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to
theService Guidefor more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the
vehicle trailer combination. When turning, drive
slightly beyond the normal turning point so the
trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of
the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles),
thoroughly check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in
hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and
increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and
air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer's wheels.
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Driving
94

FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by avoiding:
²lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
²excessive speed
²rapid acceleration
Driving
95

HAZARD LIGHTS CONTROL
Use only in an
emergency to warn
traffic of vehicle
breakdown,
approaching danger,
etc. Depress to activate
all indicators
simultaneously.
Depress again to switch
off. The warning lights
can be operated when
the ignition is off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
If the engine cranks but does not start after a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have
been activated. The shut-off switch is a device
intended to stop the electric fuel pump when your
vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch by pushing in the button on the
switch.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Pause
for a few seconds and return the key to the OFF
position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.com_hazard_switch.01
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Roadside emergencies
96

If you have a sedan,
the fuel pump shut-off
switch is located on
the right side of the
trunk behind the trunk
liner.
If you have a wagon,
the switch is located
behind the service
panel on the right side
of the cargo area.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical
components in the
vehicle are not
working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are identified by a broken
wire. Check the appropriate fuses before replacing
any electrical components.
Always replace a fuse with one that has the
specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with
a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
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Roadside emergencies
97

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
7 40A* Rear defroster
8 30A* Thermactor air
pump
9 40A* Engine cooling
fans
10 20A* Fuel pump
11 40A* Blower motor
12 - Not used
13 40A* Anti-lock brake
module
14 - Not used
15 15A** Daytime
running lamps
16 10A** Air bag
diagnostic
monitor
17 20A** Radio, amplifier,
CD changer
18 30A** Anti-lock brake
module
19 15A** Horn
20 15A** Park lamps
21 - Not used
22 30A** Headlamps
23 - Blower motor
24 - Intermittent
wiper control
25 - Wiper relay
26 30A** Alternator
27 - Not used
Roadside emergencies
103

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
²As possible, we design parts that can be replaced
without tools.
²We provide you with a ªService Guideº which
makes tracking routine service for your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary parts and service.
Check your ªWarranty Information Bookletº to find
out which parts and services are covered.
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.
Precautions when servicing your vehicle
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle. Here are some general precautions for
your safety:
²Do not work on a hot engine.
The cooling fan is automatic and may come
on at any time. Always disconnect the
negative terminal of the battery before working
near the fan.
²If you must work with the engine running, avoid
wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts. Take precautions with
long hair.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
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Maintenance and care
114

²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit
material away from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained inBatteryin this
chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking
brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is
securely latched is P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine
and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels
fully to prevent the
vehicle from moving
unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking
brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is
securely latched is P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels
fully to prevent the
vehicle from moving
unexpectedly.
P R N D 2 1
P R N D 2 1
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Maintenance and care
115