automatic transmission fluid Mercury Sable 1999 Owner's Manuals

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