automatic transmission Mercury Sable 1999 Owner's Manuals

modulation.º Signal modulation is a process radio
stations use to increase their strength/volume
relative to other stations.
²Terrain.Hills, mountains and tall buildings
between your vehicle's antenna and the radio
station signal can cause FM reception problems.
Static can be caused on AM stations by power
lines, electric fences, traffic lights and
thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering
structure (out of its ªshadowº) returns your
reception to normal.
²Station overload.Weak signals are sometimes
captured by stronger signals when you pass a
broadcast tower. A stronger signal may
temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play
while the weak station frequency is displayed.
The audio system automatically switches to single
channel reception if it will improve the reception of
a station normally received in stereo.
Audio system warranties and service
Refer to the ªWarranty Guideº for audio system
warranty information.
If service is necessary, see your dealer or a qualified
technician.
POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION
1. ACCESSORY, allows
the electrical
accessories such as the
radio to operate while
the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the
steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift lever and allows
key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories
without locking the steering wheel.
1
23
4
5
Controls and features
40

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock
feature that prevents the gearshift from being moved
from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park)
with the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to
LOCK, then remove the key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake
pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to
move the gearshift, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating
properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify
that the brakelamps are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be
rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern.
Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few
minutes. The transmission and tires may be
damaged or the engine may overheat.
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
105

10. Return the flat tire,
jack and lug wrench to
their proper storage
locations. Make sure
the jack is fastened so
it does not rattle when
you drive.
11. Unblock the
wheels.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An
explosion could result in injury or vehicle damage.
Do not push start your vehicle. You could
damage the catalytic converter.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can
burn skin, eyes, and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push start your vehicle.
Automatic transmissions do not have
push-start capability.
Preparing your vehicle
1.
Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle as this could damage the vehicle's electrical
system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the
disabled vehicle making sure the two vehiclesdo
nottouch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles
and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
Roadside emergencies
129

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
3.0L V6 Vulcan 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. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
12
3
4567
8
9
Maintenance and care
137

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 the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for 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
138

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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide 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.
MINMAX
Maintenance and care
147

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 transaxle component
damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint)
increments through the filler tube until the level is
correct.
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 Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service
interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
ªlevel indicatorº. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
149

changing ................ 126
checking the
pressure ................. 155
replacing ................ 156
rotating .................. 155
snow tires
and chains ............. 157
tire grades ............. 154
treadwear .............. 153
Towing ..................... 112
114,115,116
wrecker .................. 134
Transaxle
fluid,
refill capacities ...... 181
Transmission
fluid, checking and
adding (automatic). 147
148,149
Trunk
remote
release lever ............ 53Vehicle dimensions . 185
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ......... 188
Vehicle loading ........ 110
Ventilating
your vehicle ............. 100
Warning chimes ......... 11
Washer fluid ............ 142
Water,
Driving through ....... 112
Windows ............... 48,49
rear wiper/washer ... 46
Windshield washer fluid
and wipers
checking
and cleaning .......... 152
operation ................. 45
replacing
wiper blades .......... 152
Index
208

Item Information
Automatic transaxle
capacity (AX4N)-3.0L
V6 Vulcan engine
2
12.8L (13.5 quarts) Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F.
Automatic transaxle
capacity (AX4N)-3.0L
V6 Duratec engine
2
12.7L (13.4 quarts) Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F.
Automatic transaxle
capacity (AX4S)-3.0L V6
Vulcan engine
2
11.6L (12.2. quarts) Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F.
1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in
color). DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine
Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure 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 Scheduled Maintenance Guide to
determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
216