brakes Mercury Sable 2005 s User Guide

When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
Your automatic overdrive transaxle
provides fully automatic operation in
either
(Overdrive) or D (Drive).
Driving with the gearshift lever
in
(Overdrive) gives the best
fuel economy for normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start
in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
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1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Control
system off. This will allow
the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more
information, refer toTraction Control
(if equipped)in this chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may
stall.Driving through deep water where the transmission vent
tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and
cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
232

A
Accessory delay ..........................49
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................108–109, 115
and child safety seats ............111
description ......................109, 115
disposal ....................................117
driver air bag ..........109, 111, 116
indicator light .........................115
operation .................109, 111, 116
passenger air bag ...109, 111, 116
side air bag ..............................115
Air cleaner filter .......................234
Air conditioning ..........................25
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................214
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................165
Anti-theft system ........................85
arming the system ....................85
disarming a triggered system ..86
Audio system (see Radio) ...15, 18
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................232
fluid, checking ........................232
fluid, refill capacities ..............235
fluid, specification ..................237
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................170
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........236
B
Battery .......................................212acid, treating emergencies .....212
jumping a disabled battery ....182
maintenance-free ....................212
replacement, specifications ...234
servicing ..................................212
BeltMinder .................................103
Brakes ........................................164
anti-lock ...................................165
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................166
fluid, checking and adding ....232
fluid, refill capacities ..............235
fluid, specifications .........236–237
lubricant specifications ..236–237
parking ....................................166
shift interlock ..........................168
Bulbs ............................................34
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....235
Cargo area shade ........................70
Cargo cover .................................69
Cargo net .....................................69
CD changer .................................20
CD-single premium ...............15, 18
Cell phone use ............................67
Certification Label ....................239
Changing a tire .........................135
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................121
attaching with tether straps ..125
in front seat ............................122
in rear seat ......................122, 125
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Index
Index
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J
Jack ............................................135
positioning ...............................135
storage .....................................135
Jump-starting your vehicle ......182
K
Keyless entry system .................80
Keys
positions of the ignition .........160
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................29
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................35
daytime running light ...............30
fog lamps ...................................29
headlamps .................................29
headlamps, flash to pass ..........30
instrument panel, dimming .....31
interior lamps .....................33–34
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) ..........166
Load limits .................................150
Locks
childproof ..................................73
doors ..........................................72
Lubricant specifications ...236–237
Lug nuts ....................................140
Luggage rack ...............................71Lumbar support, seats ...............88
M
Message center ...........................57
english/metric button ...............63
system check button ................63
warning messages .....................63
Mirrors ...................................47, 49
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................49
heated ........................................50
side view mirrors (power) .......49
Moon roof ....................................53
Motorcraft parts ................224, 234
O
Octane rating ............................222
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................208
Overdrive ...................................169
P
Parking brake ............................166
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....234
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................93
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................179
Power door locks ........................72
Power mirrors .............................49
Power point .................................47
Power steering ..........................168
fluid, checking and adding ....230
fluid, refill capacity ................235
fluid, specifications .........236–237
Power Windows ...........................48
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