maintenance schedule Mercury Sable 1997 Owner's Manuals

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

2. If the fluid level is not within the normal range,
add only certified engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through the oil filler cap.
Remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure the oil level is
not above the MAX or FULL mark on the dipstick.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Use SAE 5W-30 motor
oil meeting Ford
specification
WSS-M2C153±F or
equivalent. Only use oil
certified for gasoline
engines by the
American Petroleum
Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil
treatments or engine treatments. They are
unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your
warranty.
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Change your engine oil and filter according to the
following mileage and time requirements, whichever
occurs first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or six
months.
²Severe Duty Schedule - 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or
three months. Severe duty operation would
include extensive idling, trailer towing, driving in
severe dust and police, taxi or delivery service.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock may be experienced.
dno_oil-recommendation
dno_oil-and-filter-change
Maintenance and care
119

To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is
moving, especially at high speeds.
²Have the services listed in yourService Guide
performed according to the specified schedule.
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the
Service Guideare required because they are
considered essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford
replacement parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft
parts or Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for the service of
components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford
Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
It is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
Warranty Information Booklet for complete warranty
information.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine compartment
and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of
oil pressure, the charging system warning light, the
service engine soon light or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emissions
system is not working properly.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
Maintenance and care
138