tow Mercury Sable 2004 s Service Manual

Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35 mph) point
indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only cable type chains offered by Ford as an accessory or
equivalent. SAE class“S”or other conventional link type chains may
cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house and/or body.
•Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and cables.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
228

spare tire .................................158
terminology .............................217
tire grades ...............................217
treadwear ........................216, 226
Towing .......................................143
recreational towing .................146
trailer towing ..........................143
wrecker ....................................168
Traction control ........................134
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
lubricant specifications ..........233
Transmission .............................136
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....136
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................214
lubricant specifications ..........231
Trunk ...............................68, 70, 73
remote release ....................68, 76
Turn signal ..................................32
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................233Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................236
Vehicle loading ..........................140
Ventilating your vehicle ...........132
W
Warning chimes .........................134
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................189
Water, Driving through .............140
Windows
power .........................................48
rear wiper/washer .....................45
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................45
checking and adding fluid .....189
liftgate reservoir .....................190
replacing wiper blades .............46
Wrecker towing .........................168
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
246