brakes Mercury Sable 2004 s User Guide

Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
145

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transaxle cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
146

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from
your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
214

A
Accessory delay ..........................48
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................107–108, 113
and child safety seats ............109
description ......................108, 113
disposal ....................................115
driver air bag ..........108, 110, 114
indicator light .........................113
operation .................108, 110, 114
passenger air bag ...108, 110, 114
side air bag ..............................113
Air cleaner filter .......................229
Air conditioning ..........................25
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................196
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................133
Anti-theft system ........................85
arming the system ....................85
disarming a triggered system ..86
Audio system (see Radio) ...15, 18
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................214
fluid, checking ........................214
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
fluid, specification ..................233
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................138
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........231
B
Battery .......................................194acid, treating emergencies .....194
jumping a disabled battery ....162
maintenance-free ....................194
replacement, specifications ...229
servicing ..................................194
BeltMinder .................................102
Brakes ........................................132
anti-lock ...................................133
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................133
fluid, checking and adding ....214
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
fluid, specifications .........231, 233
lubricant specifications ..231, 233
parking ....................................134
shift interlock ..........................136
Bulbs ............................................34
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....230
Cargo area shade ........................69
Cargo cover .................................69
Cargo net ...............................68–69
CD changer .................................20
CD-single premium ...............15, 18
Cell phone use ............................67
Certification Label ....................235
Changing a tire .........................157
Child safety restraints ..............116
child safety belts ....................116
Child safety seats ......................118
attaching with tether straps ..123
in front seat ............................120
in rear seat ......................120, 122
Cigar lighter
Power Point ..............................47
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
241

Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................182
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................30
J
Jack ............................................157
positioning ...............................157
storage .....................................157
Jump-starting your vehicle ......162
K
Keyless entry system .................80
Keys
positions of the ignition .........128
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................29
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................34
daytime running light ...............29
fog lamps ...................................29
headlamps .................................29
headlamps, flash to pass ..........30
instrument panel, dimming .....30
interior lamps .....................32–35
replacing
bulbs ..................34, 36, 38–41, 43
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................32
Liftgate ........................................68
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........133
Load limits .................................140Locks
childproof ..................................73
doors ..........................................72
Lubricant specifications ...231, 233
Luggage rack ...............................71
Lumbar support, seats ...............88
M
Message center ...........................57
english/metric button ...............62
system check button ................63
warning messages .....................63
Mirrors ...................................47–48
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................48
heated ........................................49
side view mirrors (power) .......49
Moon roof ....................................53
Motorcraft parts ................206, 229
O
Octane rating ............................204
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................190
Overdrive ...................................137
P
Parking brake ............................134
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....229
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................92
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................50
Power adjustable foot pedals .....50
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................154
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
244