check oil Mercury Sable 1999 Owner's Manuals

Speed control (if equipped)
This light comes on
when either the SET/
ACCEL or RESUME
controls are pressed. It
turns off when the
speed control OFF control is pressed, the brake is
applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF position.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position, the engine is
off and the parking brake is engaged. If the brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at this time, seek
service immediately. Illumination after releasing the
parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position and the engine
is off. Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below
the normal range. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine immediately.
Check the oil level and add oil if needed. Refer to
Engine oilin theMaintenance and Carechapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the
ignition is turned to
the ON position and
the engine is off. The
light also illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring electrical system
service.
CRUISE
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
10

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

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 Scheduled
Maintenance Guide.
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.
Maintenance and care
140

It is recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be
checked and refilled as
needed. Refer to the
Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for
the service interval
schedules:
1. Clean the reservoir
cap before removal to prevent dirt or water from
entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the
fluid level.
3. If necessary, add
brake fluid until the
level reaches MAX. Do
not fill above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet
Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3,
you will cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
MAX
Maintenance and care
141

²Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling at 105 km/h
[65 mph] uses 15% more fuel than traveling at
88 km/h [55 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may
reduce fuel economy.
²Use of the air conditioner or defroster may reduce
fuel economy.
²Use of speed control (if equipped) may improve
fuel economy. Speed control can help maintain a
constant speed and reduce speed changes. You
may want to turn off the speed control in hilly
terrain as unnecessary shifting between third and
fourth gears may occur and could result in
reduced fuel economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not
required and may reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving
may reduce fuel economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go
driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only
recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of
alignment will reduce fuel economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant
Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance
items. Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and owner maintenance checks found in
your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may
reduce fuel economy at any speed.
Maintenance and care
165

EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps
frequently:
²Headlamps
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Turn signals
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamp
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be
replaced immediately. If a bulb is removed for an
extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully
and keep out of children's reach. Grasp the
bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the
glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb
to break the next time the headlamps are
operated.
If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be
cleaned with rubbing alcohol before being used.
To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in OFF position,
then open the hood. If you are replacing the driver
side headlamp, unclip the electronic module on the
right side of the battery and move it out of the way.
2. Locate the headlamp bulb through the hole in the
upper radiator support assembly.
Maintenance and care
169

finish in this area helps protect the driver from
undesirable windshield reflection.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a
vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately. Do
not use household or glass cleaners. These agents
can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap
and water solution if necessary.
Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with
water and a mild soap. Wipe the leather again with a
damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry with a soft
cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford
recommends using the leather cleaning kit
F8AZ-19G253±AA, which is available from your Ford
Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the
leather and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the
instructions on the cleaner label. Regular cleaning of
your leather upholstery helps maintain its resiliency
and color.
Do not use household cleaning products,
alcohol solutions, solvents or cleaners intended
for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution
recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do
not bleach or dye the belts, because these actions
may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make
sure there are no nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle
has been involved in an accident, refer to theSafety
belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Maintenance and care
179

Emission
control system ......... 166
Engine
coolant ................... 143
idle speed control . 149
service points . 137,138
starting after a
collision ................. 118
Engine block heater . 99
Engine oil
checking
and adding ............ 140
dipstick .................. 138
specifications . 138,140
Exhaust fumes .......... 99
Floor mats ................. 52
Fuel
choosing
the right fuel ......... 160
comparisons with
EPA fuel economy
estimates ............... 166
detergent in fuel ... 161
filling your vehicle
with fuel ......... 157,159
quality .................... 161
running out of fuel 162
safety information
relating to
automotive fuels ... 157
Fuses ................. 119,120
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ................. 162
163,164,165
Gauges ....................... 12
engine coolant
temperature gauge . 14
fuel gauge ................ 15
odometer ................. 14
speedometer ........... 12
tachometer .............. 13
trip odometer .......... 14Hazard flashers ....... 118
Head restraints ......... 70
Headlamps
aiming ............. 173,174
bulb specifications. 172
high beam ............ 6,16
Heating ...................... 18
heating and air
conditioning
system ........... 18,19,21
Hood ........................ 136
Ignition ..................... 184
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ............ 168
Instrument panel ........ 6
cleaning ................. 178
Keyless entry system
autolock ................... 65
keypad ..................... 62
locking and
unlocking doors ...... 64
programming entry
code .................... 63,64
Keys
positions of the
ignition .................... 40
Lamps
autolamp system ..... 17
daytime
running light ........... 16
headlamps ............... 16
headlamps, flash to
pass .......................... 17
instrument panel,
dimming ................... 17
interior lamps .. 47,172
replacing
bulbs ........ 169,171,172
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...... 45
Liftgate ...................... 57
remote release ........ 53
Index
206

Lights, warning and
indicator ...................... 6
air bag ...................... 11
anti-lock brakes
(ABS) ........................ 9
anti-theft ................... 9
brake ........................ 10
charging system ...... 10
cruise indicator ....... 10
door ajar .................... 7
low coolant ................ 9
low fuel ...................... 8
oil pressure ............. 10
safety belt ................. 7
service engine soon .. 7
speed control .......... 44
turn signal indicator . 6
Locks
childproof ................ 51
Lumbar support,
seats ...................... 72,73
Mirrors ....................... 48
heated ...................... 51
side view mirrors
(power) ................... 50
Moon roof .................. 48
Motorcraft parts ...... 162
Octane rating .......... 161
Overdrive ................. 106
Parking brake .......... 103
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ............. 123
Power door locks ...... 50
Power steering ........ 104
fluid, checking and
adding ............. 146,147
Radio ................ 29,30,31
32,33,34,35,36
Relays ............... 119,125
Remote entry
system ................... 56,58
illuminated entry .... 58locking/unlocking
doors ........................ 57
replacement/additional
transmitters ............. 59
replacing the
batteries .................. 59
Roof rack ................. 117
Safety Compliance
Certification Label .. 187
Safety defects,
reporting .................. 204
Safety restraints ........ 80
cleaning the safety
belts .................. 83,179
extension
assembly .................. 82
for children ........ 88,89
lap belt ............... 78,79
warning light and
chime ....................... 82
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ............. 74,75
76,77,78
Seats .......................... 70
child safety seats .... 90
cleaning ................. 179
Servicing your
vehicle ............... 135,136
Spark plugs,
specifications ........... 180
Specification chart,
lubricants ................. 183
Speed control ............ 41
Starting your
vehicle .............. 96,97,98
jump
starting .... 129,130,132
preparing to start
your vehicle ....... 66,68
Steering wheel
tilting ....................... 46
Tires ........... 153,154,155
Index
207