check engine Mercury Sable 1998 s User Guide

3.0L V6 Duratec engine
1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the9Service Guide9for the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil .
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain into the oil pan.
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Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to
Checking the engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal
range, add only certified engine oil of the
recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler
cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil
level is not above the F in FULL mark on the
dipstick.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this
certification mark.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor 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.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the
appropriate schedule listed in the ªService Guideº.
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.
It is recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
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132

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid
whenever you stop for
fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add
enough fluid to fill the
reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the
reservoir all the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the
liftgate (if equipped)
The opening for the reservoir is located on the
passenger side under the tail lamp. Refill this
reservoir with the same fluid you use for your
windshield.
ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the
engine coolant in the
reservoir. Refer to the
ªService Guideº for
service interval
schedules. Be sure to
read and understand
Precautions when
servicing your vehicle
in this chapter.
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134

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the
above recommended interval, the engine coolant
reservoir may become empty. If this occurs, add
engine coolant to the reservoir. For more
information on engine coolant maintenance, refer to
Adding engine coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not
use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer
fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant in the reservoir
for the windshield washer fluid.
Do not mix conventional green coolant, orange
coolant or recycled coolants together in your
vehicle. Use only the type of coolant that your
vehicle was originally equipped with . If you
are unsure which type of coolant your vehicle
requires, contact your local dealer.
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the engine coolant
reservoir. Add straight water only in an emergency,
but you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture of
coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the
next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary,
add enough of a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water
to bring the liquid level to the fill line on the
reservoir.
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Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow
these steps to avoid personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off
and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise
until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been
released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise
and remove the cap.
Change your engine coolant according to the
appropriate schedule listed in the ªService Guideº.
Before adding engine coolant, check the color of the
coolant in your vehicle.
For vehicles with green coolant,use Ford
Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549±AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8±B) or an equivalent
premium engine coolant that meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44±A.
Do not add orange coolant or recycled coolant
to your vehicle originally equipped with
conventional green coolant .
For vehicles with orange coolant,use Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544±AA or a
DEX-COOLtequivalent that meets Ford
specification WSS-M97B44±D.
Do not add conventional green coolant or
recycled coolant to your vehicle originally
equipped with orange coolant.
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
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136

additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. The use of an improper
coolant may void your warranty of your vehicle's
engine cooling system.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes.
For vehicles with green coolant,not all coolant
recycling processes produce coolant which meets
Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A, and use of such
coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
For vehicles with orange coolant,no recycling
process has been approved at this time and use of
such coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling
system can hold, refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system
for leaks if you have to add more than 1.0 liter
(1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
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137

Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to the chart
on the coolant container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is such that the
coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter months. Never
increase the engine coolant concentration above
60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power
steering fluid. Refer to
the ªService Guideº for
the service interval
schedules. If adding
fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches
normal operating temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be near the center
of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
Perform steps 4 and 5 following the procedure for
your engine.
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138

3.0L Vulcan engine
4. Check the fluid level
on the dipstick. It
should be between the
arrows in the FULL
HOT range. Do not add
fluid if the level is
within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the dipstick back
in the reservoir.
3.0L Duratec engine
4. Check the fluid level
in the reservoir. It
should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do
not add fluid if the
level is within this
range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be sure to
put the cap back on the reservoir.
FULL HOT
MINMAX
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139

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your ªService Guideº for scheduled intervals
for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does
not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should
be checked if the transaxle is not working properly,
i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when
warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid check,
drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the
parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on
the brake pedal, start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow
sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the
engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean,
dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in
the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level.
The fluid should be in the designated areas for
normal and room temperature.
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140

Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with
a one-eighth turn on/off feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8
of a turn until it stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with
the notches on the filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engine ª indicator
comes on and stays on when you start the engine,
the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed.
Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap and
reinstall it being careful to align the cap properly.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace
it with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank or fuel system if an authorized
Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel filler cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before
completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
the pressure in the fuel tank can damage
the fuel system or cause it to work improperly in a
collision.
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