engine oil Mercury Sable 2003 s User Guide

Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate (if equipped)
The opening for the reservoir is
located on the passenger side under
the tail lamp. Refill this reservoir
with the same fluid you use for your
windshield.
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.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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167

5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the add 1QT and FULL marks or
between the MIN and MAX marks (depending on application),
the oil level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the add
1QT or MIN mark, add enough oil
to raise the level within the
1QT-FULL or the MIN-MAX range
(depending on application).
•Oil 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.
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168

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking 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
MAX mark or the letter F in FULL on the engine oil level indicator
(dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until it stops.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline Engines”by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford specification WSS-M2C153–H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum
fuel economy and durability performance meeting all
requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
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
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169

that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
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“level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
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170

•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•Boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
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172

•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
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185

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine3.0L FFV V6
engine3.0L DOHC V6
Duratec engine
Air filter
element
1FA-1683 FA-1683 FA-1683
Fuel filter FG-1006 FG-1006 FG-1006
Battery
(standard)BXT-36R BXT-36R BXT-36R
Battery
(optional)BXT-36R N/A N/A
Oil filter FL-400-S FL-400-S FL-820-S
PCV valve EV-228 EV-228 EV-243
Spark plugs
2AWSF-32PP3AGSF-22PP3AWSF-32F
1Do not use oil-impregnated air filter elements. Failure to use the correct
air filter element may result in severe engine damage. The customer
warranty may be voided for any damage to the engine if the correct air
filter element is not used.
2Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
3If a spark plug is to be removed for inspection, it must be reinstalled in
the same cylinder. If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use only spark
plugs with the service part number suffix letter as shown on the engine
decal.
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196

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine
coolant
1Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine11.0L (11.6
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine10.0L (10.6
quarts)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)
2
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine4.25L (4.5
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine5.2L (5.5 quarts)
Fuel tank
capacityN/A All vehicles 68.1L (18.0
gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F3.0L V6 Vulcan
engineFill to line on
dipstickFill to line
on reservoir
3.0L V6 Duratec
engineFill to line on
reservoir
Automatic
transaxle -
4F50NMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT F3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine12.8L (13.5
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine12.7L (13.4
quarts)
Automatic
transaxle -
AX4SMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT F3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine11.6L (12.2
quarts)
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197

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Windshield
washer fluid -
FrontMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.8L (94.7 oz.)
Windshield
washer fluid -
RearMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateWagon 1.8L (60.9 oz.)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2Use of sythetic or sythetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil
need only meet the requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C153–H
and the API Certification mark.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemsFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Door latch,
hood latch,
auxiliary hood
latch, seat
tracks, trunk
and liftgate
latchesMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 ESR-M1C159-A
or
ESA-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders Penetrating and
Lock LubricantMotorcraft XL-1 none
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198

ItemsFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Automatic
transaxle (AX4S
and 4F50N
1)Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM
MERCONV
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
Constant
velocity jointsCV Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-5 WSS-M2C258–A1
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7–A WSS
-M97B51–A1
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcrarft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
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199