key Mercury Sable 2000 s Owner's Guide

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and 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 lever,
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 while stopping between shifts, in
a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. If
necessary, try turning the Traction Controlysystem off. This will allow
the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more
information, refer toTraction Controly(if equipped)in this chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transaxle may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transaxle and tires may occur 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
117

If your vehicle is a sedan, the fuel
pump shut-off switch is located on
the right side of the trunk behind
the trunk liner.
If your vehicle is a wagon, the fuel
pump shut-off switch is located
behind the service panel on the
right side of the cargo area.
Use the following procedure to reset the fuel pump shut-off switch.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump shut-off switch by
pushing in on the reset button.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a few seconds and
return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
Roadside emergencies
131

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake, and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
park.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
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.
Maintenance and care
147

improving fuel economy ........182
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating ....................180,207
quality ......................................181
running out of fuel .................181
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................177
Fuses ...................................132,133
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............179
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................182
Gauges .........................................13
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................14
fuel gauge ..................................15
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................13
tachometer ................................14
trip odometer ............................15
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....122
definition .................................122
driving with a heavy load ......122
location ....................................122
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............122
calculating ...............................122
definition .................................122
driving with a heavy load ......122
location ....................................122
Hazard flashers .........................130
Head restraints ...........................73
Headlamps ...................................16
aiming ......................................196
autolamp system .......................17
bulb specifications ..................194
daytime running lights .............16
flash to pass ..............................16
high beam ..............................8,16
replacing bulbs .......................188
turning on and off ....................16
warning chime ..........................13Heating ........................................18
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................18
Hood ..........................................148
Ignition ..................................43,207
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................101
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................186
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................202
cluster ...................................8,202
lighting up
panel and interior .....................17
location of components ..............8
Jump-starting your vehicle ......141
Keyless entry system .................66
autolock .....................................68
keypad .......................................66
locking and unlocking doors ....67
programming entry code .........66
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........43
Lamps
autolamp system .......................17
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................194
cargo lamps ...............................17
daytime running light ...............16
fog lamps ...................................17
headlamps .................................16
headlamps, flash to pass ..........16
instrument panel, dimming .....17
interior lamps ...............48,49,194
replacing
bulbs ............187,188,190,191,192
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................46
Liftgate ...................................56,60
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................12
Index
226