transmission Mercury Sable 2004 s User Guide

Cargo Weight–includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)–is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear)–including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)–is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the driver’s door or door pillar. The total load on each
axle must never exceed its GAWR.
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling, performance,
engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer towingfound in
this chapter or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
dealership.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)–is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
141

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)–is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle (including all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo).
The GVWR is shown on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the driver’s
door or door pillar. The GVW
must never exceed the GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling, performance,
engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
GCW (Gross Combined Weight)–is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)–is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer–including all cargo and
passengers–that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing
vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.The
GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight–is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
142

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

All Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
It is not recommended to tow front wheel drive vehicles with the front
drive wheels on the ground. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with
the drive wheels on a dolly or two wheel car hauling trailer.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following
conditions:
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
147

Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPassenger compartment fuse
panel description
17 15A Stop lamp, Speed control deactivation
switch
18 15A Parklamps, PWM (backlighting),
Autolamps
19 10A Heated mirrors, Rear defrost switch
indicator
20 10A Restraints (air bag module/OCS
module)
21 15A Transmission range sensor
(transmission position switch)
22 15A Front washer pump, Electrochromatic
mirror, Compass, Cluster (RUN/ACC),
Integrated Control Panel (ICP) logic,
Rear wiper (wagon only), Rear
washer (wagon only)
23 30A Front wiper motor
24—Not used
25 20A Power point
26 20A Power locks, Liftgate (wagon)/Trunk
(sedan) release
27 10A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Speed
control, Traction control, Brake-shift
interlock, A/C function switch
(manual A/C only), Temperature
blend door (manual A/C only),
Defrost coil
28 15A Turn signals, Back-up lamps
29 20A Cigar lighter
30 10A Courtesy lighting, Battery saver,
Power mirrors, Decklid lamp, Power
antenna (wagon only), Pulse
stretching module (wagon only)
31 10A Blower motor relay coil, Puddle lamp
relay coil, Electronic Automatic
Temperature Control (EATC) logic
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
153

Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPower distribution box
description
13 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
module pump feed
14—Not used
15 20A* ABS module valve solenoid
16 20A* Fuel pump relay
17 20A* CD
18 10A* A/C clutch relay, PCM keep alive
power
19—Not used
20—Not used
21—Not used
22 5A* Heated PCV valve
23—Starter motor relay
24—Fan relay
25—Wiper speed relay
26 10A* Alternator
27 5A* Rear control unit, Antenna
28 15A* HEGO sensor, Transmission shift
solenoid, Canister vent, A/C
clutch relay
29—Wiper park relay
30—Fuel pump relay
31—PCM power relay
32—Fan relay
33—A/C clutch relay
* - Mini Fuses ** - Maxi Fuses CB - Circuit breaker
Relays
Relays are located in the power distribution box and should be replaced
by qualified technicians.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
156

Wheel lug nut torque specifications
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 800 km (500 miles)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
N•m lb-ft
M12 x 1.5 136 100
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.
When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or
foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel
or the surface of the front disc brake hub and rotor that contacts the
wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the
wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the
wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of
control.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; doing so may
damage the catalytic converter.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
162

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
786543
912
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
187

3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
188

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.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
209