check transmission fluid Mercury Sable 1998 Owner's Manuals

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.
8912
3
4
56
7
Maintenance and care
130

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.
Maintenance and care
140

Low fluid level
Do not drive the
vehicle if the fluid level
is at the bottom of the
dipstick and the outside temperatures are above
10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal
operating temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on
a level surface. The normal operating temperature
can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid
should be in this range
if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC [150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
safe range may result
in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible
damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating
condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type
is used. The type of fluid used is normally indicated
on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle and also in
theLubricant specificationssection in the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission
fluid may cause internal transmission
component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint)
increments through the filler tube until the level is
correct.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
141

If an overfill occurs,
excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
Motorcraft
maintenance-free
battery which normally
does not require
additional water during
its life of service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte level. Refer to
the ªService Guideº for the service interval
schedules.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can
add plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do
not use hard water (water with a high mineral or
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill
the battery cells with distilled water. If the battery
needs water often, have the charging system
checked.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
ªlevel indicatorº. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of
the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly fastened to the
battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminals and clean with
a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a
solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
142

Parking brake ............ 91
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ............. 112
Power door locks ...... 36
Power steering .......... 92
fluid, checking and
adding ............. 138,139
Relays ............... 109,115
Remote entry system 43
illuminated entry .... 45
locking/unlocking
doors ................... 43,44
replacement/additional
transmitters ............. 45
replacing the
batteries .................. 46
Safety restraints ........ 62
cleaning the safety
belts .................. 66,172
extension
assembly .................. 64
for children ........ 72,73
lap belt ............... 61,62
warning light and
chime .................. 11,65
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ... 57,58,59,60
Seats .......................... 54
child safety seats .... 74
cleaning .......... 171,172
Servicing your
vehicle ...................... 127
Spark plugs,
specifications ........... 173
Specification chart,
lubricants ................. 175
Speed control ............ 28
Speedometer ............. 12
Starting your
vehicle .............. 84,85,86jump
starting .... 121,122,124
Steering wheel
tilting ....................... 33
Tires .................. 148,150
changing ................ 118
checking the
pressure ................. 150
replacing ................ 151
rotating .................. 151
snow tires an
d chains ................. 152
treadwear .............. 149
Towing
wrecker .................. 126
Transaxle
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 174
Transmission ........... 140
fluid, checking and
adding
(automatic) .... 140,141
Trip odometer ........... 14
Trunk
remote releas
e lever ...................... 40
Vehicle dimensions . 177
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ......... 180
Vehicle loading ........ 100
Ventilating your
vehicle ........................ 88
Warning chimes ........... 6
Washer fluid ............ 134
Wheels
anti-theft lug
nuts ................. 117,118
Windows ............... 35,36
rear wiper/washer ... 32
Index
184

Automatic transaxle
capacity (AX4N)-3.0L
V6 Vulcan engine12.8L (13.5 quarts) Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F.
Automatic transaxle
capacity (AX4N)-3.0L
V6 Duratec engine12.7L (13.4 quarts) Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F.
Automatic transaxle
capacity (AX4S)-3.0L V6
Vulcan engine11.6L (12.2. quarts) Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F.
1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford
Premium Cooling System Fluid. If your engine
coolant is orange in color, use Ford Extended Life
Engine Coolant. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used
for a specific application. Check the container to
verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or MERCONtV
approved. Some fluids have been approved as
meeting both MERCONtand MERCONtV
requirements and will be labeled as such. Fluids
labeled as meeting only MERCONtor only
MERCONtV requirements must not be used
interchangeably. DO NOT mix MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Transmission fluid requirements are
indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle.
Refer to your ªService Guideº to determine the
correct service interval.
Filling station information
192