brake light Mercury Sable 2008 Owner's Manuals

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
8

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap (if equipped):
Illuminates when the fuel cap may
not be properly installed. Continued
driving with this light on may cause
the Service engine soon warning
light to come on, refer toFuel filler
capin theMaintenance and Specificationchapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a
brake system malfunction and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended distances with
the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
11

Function Number of bulbsTrade
number
* High-mount brake lamp N/A LED
Fog lamp (if equipped) 2 H11
Map lamp 2 12V6W
Dome/reading lamp 6 578
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your authorized dealer.
*To replace these lamps - see your authorized dealer.
Replacing the interior bulbs
Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Replacing headlamp (low beam and high beam) bulbs
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the OFF position, then open the
hood.
2. Reach in behind the headlamp assembly to access the bulbs and
connectors.
3. Locate the outboard (low beam)
or inboard (high beam) electrical
connector and remove it by
releasing the locking tab and pulling
it straight down.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
turning it counterclockwise and
pulling it straight out.
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
88

•(1)Backup lamp
•(2)Turn signal lamp
•(3)Stop/tail lamp (LED)
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position and open the
trunk.
2. Remove the cargo net fastener.
Carefully pull the carpet away to
expose the backside of the tail lamp
assembly.
3. Remove the nut and washer assemblies, then pull the lamp assembly
away from the vehicle.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating it counterclockwise, then
pulling it out of the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb straight from the
socket.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing brake and tail lamp bulbs
These must be replaced by your authorized dealer.
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs
This must be replaced by your authorized dealer.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position.
2. Remove the two screws from the
license plate lamp assembly.
3. Remove bulb socket by turning
counterclockwise.
4. Carefully pull the bulb out from
the socket.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
1
2
3
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
90

3. Press the SET + control and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The indicator
light on the
instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
Disengaging speed control
To disengage the speed control:
•Depress the brake pedal or press CNCL (Cancel).
Disengaging the speed control will not erase previous set speed.
Resuming a set speed
Press the RES control and release
it. This will automatically return the
vehicle to the previously set speed.
SET
SET
RSM CNCLON
OFF
SET
SET
RSM CNCLON
OFF
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
102

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. Do not
connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. See your authorized dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
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.
•It is recommended to select the L (Low) gear position when additional
engine braking is needed. In situations such as prolonged downhill
driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in mountainous areas), additional
engine braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular
brake system to prevent them from overheating.
•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 yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
218

Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS is disabled due to a malfunction and needs to be serviced.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
226

•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Hitting a curb while turning
•Cornering at excessive speeds while towing a heavily loaded trailer
(refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter)
The AdvanceTracsystem automatically turns on when the engine is
started. However, the system does not function when the vehicle is
traveling in R (Reverse).
If you are operating the speed control system and road conditions
change causing the AdvanceTracto activate, the AdvanceTracwill
disengage the speed control. When driving conditions permit, you can
return to speed control by pressing the RES control. Refer toSpeed
controlin theDriver controlschapter.
The AdvanceTracbutton allows the
driver to control the availability of
the AdvanceTracsystem.
AdvanceTracsystem status is
indicated by the AdvanceTrac
indicator light in the instrument
cluster when the system is deactivated.
The AdvanceTracsystem cannot be deactivated when the vehicle speed
is above 45 mph (70 km/h) even though the AdvanceTracindicator light
may be illuminated in the instrument cluster.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTracsystem, the AdvanceTrac
indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. Have the vehicle
system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand,
switching off the AdvanceTracsystem may be beneficial so the wheels
are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac
stability enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will
enhance momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTracperforms a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac
operation you may experience the following:
•A rumble or grinding noise
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The AdvanceTracindicator light will illuminate
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
229

•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
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 your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control™, it may be beneficial
to disengage the Traction Control™ system while attempting to rock the
vehicle.
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 few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
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 authorized dealer.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
239

Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, AWD system components or axles are submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
241