octane Mercury Sable 2000 Owner's Manuals

3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the
light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine
startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle
service is required.
If the
light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Low fuel
Illuminates as an early reminder of a
low fuel condition indicated on the
fuel gauge (refer toFuel gaugein
this chapter for more information).
When refueling, after the light
comes on, the amount of fuel that is added will be less than the
advertised capacity since there is fuel still in the tank. The ignition must
be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also
illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position regardless of the fuel level to ensure your bulb is working.
Low coolant (if equipped)
This lamp will illuminate when the
engine coolant inside the reservoir is
low. This lamp will come on when
the ignition is first turned on, but
then should turn off. If the lamp
LOW
COOLANT
Instrumentation
10

reinstall it securely. Theindicator should turn off after three
driving cycles with the fuel filler cap properly installed. A driving cycle
consists of a cold engine start-up followed by mixed city/highway driving.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel system to work improperly in a collision, which may result in
possible personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do
not recommend the use of gasolines
labeled as ªRegularº that are sold
with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and care
180

with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers issued the World-wide Fuel Charter that
recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved performance
and emission control system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that
meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when available. Ask
your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel
Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality. These gasolines may contain oxygenates up to 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²The
indicator may come on. For more information on the
ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to theInstrumentation
chapter.
Maintenance and care
181

Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill Capacities
section of theCapacities and specificationschapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of usable fuel remaining in the
fuel tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of empty reserve varies and should not be relied
upon to increase driving range. When refueling your vehicle after
the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel
the full amount of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to
the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
²Allow three automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
Maintenance and care
182

ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine3.0L DOHC V6
Duratec engine
Cubic inches 182 183
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.07-1.17 mm
(0.042-0.046 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-00.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.3:1 10.0:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Sedan mm (in) Wagon mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5 016.5 (197.7) 5 069.8 (199.6)
(2) Overall width 1 854.2 (73.0) 1 854.2 (73.0)
(3) Overall height 1 399.5 (56.1) 1 472.0 (57.9)
(4) Wheelbase 2 755.9 (108.5) 2 755.9 (108.5)
(5) Track - Front 1 564.6 (61.6) 1 564.6 (61.6)
(5) Track - Rear 1 577.0 (62.1) 1 577.0 (62.1)
Capacities and specifications
207

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

anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....11,113
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................11
cruise indicator .........................11
door ajar ......................................9
high beam ...................................8
low coolant ................................10
low fuel ......................................10
oil pressure ...............................12
safety belt ...................................9
service engine soon ....................9
speed control ............................46
traction control active ................8
turn signal indicator ...................8
Load limits .................................122
GAWR ......................................122
GVWR ......................................122
trailer towing ..........................122
Locks
autolock .....................................68
childproof ..................................53
Lubricant specifications ....206,207
Lumbar support, seats ...............75
Mirrors .........................................50
cleaning ...................................199
heated ........................................54
side view mirrors (power) .......54
Moon roof ....................................50
Motorcraft parts .................182,204
Octane rating ............................180
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................151
Overdrive ...................................118
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................60
Parking brake ............................114
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....204
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................42
Power adjustable foot pedals .....42Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................135
Power door locks ........................53
Power steering ..........................116
fluid, checking and adding ....161
fluid, refill capacity ................205
fluid, specifications ..........206,207
Radio ............................................28
Relays .................................132,137
Remote entry system ............59,60
illuminated entry ......................61
locking/unlocking doors ......59,60
opening the trunk .....................60
panic alarm ...............................60
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................61
replacing the batteries .............62
Roof rack ...................................128
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .....13,78,80
81,82,83,84,85
Safety defects, reporting ..........223
Safety
restraints ..78,80,81,82,83,84,85,86
belt minder ...............................89
cleaning the safety belts ...92,203
extension assembly ..................88
for adults ....................81,82,83,84
for children ........................99,100
lap belt ......................................86
warning light and chime ..9,13,88
Safety seats for children ..........101
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............78
Seats ............................................73
child safety seats ....................101
cleaning ............................202,203
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ....................69,70
Servicing your vehicle ..............147
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................204,207
Index
227

Item Information
Required fuel Refer to9Octane
recommendations9in the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Fuel tank capacity 68.1L (18 gallons)
Engine oil capacity (including filter
change)-3.0L V6 Vulcan engine4.25L (4.5 quarts) Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-H.
Engine oil capacity (including filter
change)-3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec
engine5.2L (5.5 quarts) Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-H.
Tire size and pressure Refer to Certification Label located
on driver's side door panel. Inflate
temporary spare to 414 kPa (60
psi).
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Coolant capacity (3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine)
111.0L (11.6 quarts)
Coolant capacity (3.0L DOHC V6
Duratec engine)
110.0L (10.6 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity-3.0L
V6 Vulcan engineKeep in FULL range on dipstick.
Power steering fluid capacity-3.0L
DOHC V6 Duratec engineFill to line on reservoir.
Automatic transaxle capacity
(AX4N)-3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
212.8L (13.5 quarts) Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
Automatic transaxle capacity
(AX4N)-3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec
engine
2
12.7L (13.4 quarts) Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
Automatic transaxle capacity
(AX4S)-3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
211.6L (12.2. quarts) Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV ATF.
Filling station information
231