wiper blades Mercury Sable 1998 Owner's Manuals

5. Remove the filter.
Reverse the procedure
to install the new filter.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when
they seem less effective. Substances such as tree sap
and some hot wax treatments used by commercial
car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and wiper blades using undiluted
windshield wiper solution or a mild detergent. Rinse
thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
Maintenance and care
147

Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm
away from the
windshield and lock
into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an
angle from the wiper
arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the
blade and pull the
wiper blade down
toward the windshield
to remove it from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the wiper arm and press
it into place until a click is heard.
INFORMATION ABOUT TIRE QUALITY GRADES
New vehicles are fitted
with tires that have
their Tire Quality
Grade (described
below) molded into the
tire's sidewall. These
Tire Quality Grades are
determined by
standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for
use on passenger cars. They do not apply to deep
tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or
temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production
tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality
grades:The U.S. Department of Transportation
requires Ford to give you the following information
Maintenance and care
148

CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the ªCustomer Assistance Guideº for a list
of Ford-approved cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle
regularly with cold or
lukewarm water. Never
use strong detergents
or soap. If your vehicle
is particularly dirty, use
a quality car wash
detergent. Always use a
clean sponge, washing
glove or similar device and plenty of water for best
results. To avoid spots, avoid washing when the
hood is still warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to
wash the vehicle on a regular basis. Large quantities
of dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and also
cause damage to the vehicle.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas,
before entering a car wash. If you have wax applied
to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described inCleaning the wiper
blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry
them.
Maintenance and care
167

Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This
could be every three or four months, depending on
operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use
cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth to remove
any bugs and tar before waxing vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield. If you have
wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described inCleaning the wiper
blades and windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris
may be repaired with touch-up paint, repair foil or
aerosol paint spray from the Ford accessory line.
Observe the application instructions on the
products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap,
insect remains, tar spots, road salt and industrial
fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your
vehicle. Do not use acid-based or alcohol-based
wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong detergents.
Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of
special wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove
grease and tar.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean
because grease and dirt buildup keep the engine
warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean
the engine. The high pressure fluid could
penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
Maintenance and care
168

Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a
tar remover if necessary. Do not clean plastic parts
with thinners, solvents or petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of
your vehicle. Use glass cleaner or tar remover if
necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry
paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades and windshield
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the
wiper blade rubber element with undiluted
windshield washer solution or a mild detergent. To
avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel,
kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could
be caused by substances on the windshield such as
tree sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes. Clean the outside of the
windshield with a non-abrasive cleanser such as the
non-abrasive Bon-Amitpowder. Rinse thoroughly
with clean water.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on
glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield is
clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with
water. The windshield and wiper blades should be
cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of
the upper portion of the instrument panel. The dull
finish in this area helps protect the driver from
undesirable windshield reflection.
Maintenance and care
170

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........ 66
and child
safety seats ............. 69
description .............. 67
disposal .................... 72
indicator light ......... 72
passenger air bag ... 70
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control
system . 21,22,23,24,26
Anti-theft system ...... 47
arming the system .. 47
Automatic transaxle . 93
driving
with ........... 96,97,98,99
Brakes ........................ 89
anti-lock ................... 89
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning
light .......................... 90
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 133
shift interlock .......... 93
Break-in period ........... 3
Cargo cover .......... 41,42
Cargo net ................... 41
Cellular telephone
(see your Cellular
Phone Guide) ............ 39
Child safety seats
attaching with tether
straps ....................... 78
in rear seat ......... 76,78
tether anchorage
hardware ................. 79
Cleaning your
vehicle ...................... 167
built-in child
seat ..................... 80,83engine
compartment ......... 168
exterior lamps ....... 170
plastic parts .......... 170
washing .................. 167
waxing ................... 168
wheels .................... 168
wiper blades .......... 170
Console ...................... 38
Controls
power seat ............... 55
Coolant ............. 137,138
checking and
adding .................... 135
refill capacities ...... 137
Defrost
rear window ............ 17
Doors
central unlocking 36,37
Emission control
system ...................... 158
Engine
coolant ................... 134
idle speed control . 142
service points . 129,130
starting after a
collision ................. 108
Engine block heater . 87
Engine oil
checking and
adding .................... 132
dipstick .................. 130
specifications . 130,132
Exhaust fumes .......... 87
Floor mats ................. 39
Fuel
choosing the
right fuel ................ 156
detergent in fuel ... 157
filling your vehicle
with fuel ......... 153,155
quality .................... 156
Index
182

Windshield washer fluid
and wipers
checking and
cleaning ................. 147operation ................. 32
replacing wiper
blades .................... 148
Index
185