open hood Mercury Sable 1999 Owner's Manuals

²-Distributes outside air through the windshield
defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog
from the windshield. If the temperature is about
10ÉC (50ÉF) or higher, the air conditioner will
automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.
Operating tips
²In humid weather, selectbefore driving. This
will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a
few minutes, select any desired position.
²To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle,
don't drive with the climate control system in the
OFF position.
²Don't put objects under the front seat that will
interfere with the airflow to the back seats.
²Remove any snow,
ice or leaves from
the air intake area
(at the bottom of
the windshield under
the hood).
²If the air conditioner works well in MAX A/C, but
not in A/C, this may indicate that the cabin air
filter (if equipped) needs to be replaced.
²If your vehicle has been parked with the windows
closed during hot weather, the air conditioner will
do a much faster job of cooling if you drive for
two or three minutes with the windows open. This
will force most of the hot, stale air out of the
vehicle. Then operate your air conditioner as you
would normally.
²
When placing objects on top of your instrument
panel, be careful to not place them over the
defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow
and reduce your ability to see through your
windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top
of your instrument panel. These objects can fall
down into the defroster outlets and block airflow
and possibly damage your climate control system.
Controls and features
21

3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle,
pull the hood release
handle located under
the bottom of the
instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of
the vehicle and release
the auxiliary latch that
is located under the
front center of the
hood.
3. Lift the hood until
the lift cylinders hold it open.
Maintenance and care
136

3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully
remove the engine oil
indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully,
then remove it again.
²If the oil level isbetween the ADD and FULL
marks or between the MIN and MAX marks
(depending on application),the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is
below the ADD or
MIN mark, add
enough oil to raise
the level within the
ADD-FULL or within
the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil levels above the F in FULL or above the MAX
mark, may cause engine damage. Some oil must
be removed from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully
seated.
ADD 1 QTFULL
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
139

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

Horizontal aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle on a
level surface.
2. With the hood open,
locate the horizontal
indicator and the
adjusting screw.
Remove the protective
cap to access the 7 mm
adjusting screw head.
3. Turn the horizontal
adjusting screw in the
direction of the arrow
to change the
horizontal aim as
shown.
4.Usea7mmwrench
or socket to turn the
horizontal adjusting screw until the ª0º reference
mark on the view dial is aligned with the rearward
facing tab (as shown) on the plastic housing.
Vertical aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. With the hood open,
locate the bubble level
the vertical aim
indicator. It is visible
when viewed from
above center rear of
the headlamp. Locate
the vertical adjusting
screw, located on the
outboard side of the headlamp adjacent to the
headlamp upper outboard attachment.
Maintenance and care
174