emergency Mercury Sable 2008 Owner's Manuals

other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful
authority. Other parties may seek to access the information
independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.
Cell phone use
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in-vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control,
accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that drivers use
extreme caution when using any device that may take their focus off
the road. The drivers primary responsibility is the safe operation of
their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not essential to
the driving task when it is safe to do so.
Export unique (Non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific
information
For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with
features and options that are different from the ones that are described
in thisOwner’s Guide.A market unique supplement may be supplied
that complements this book. By referring to the market unique
supplement, if provided, you can properly identify those features,
recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. This
Owner’s Guideis written primarily for the U.S. and Canadian Markets.
Features or equipment listed as standard may be different on units built
for Export.Refer to this Owner’s Guide for all other required
information and warnings.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
7

23.ILLUMINATION: Press to illuminate the remote control and
backlight all of the buttons.
Battery replacement
Batteries are supplied with the remote control unit. Since all batteries
have a limited shelf life, replace them when the unit fails to control the
DVD player.
Remove the screw and unlatch the battery cover to access the batteries.
The remote control unit uses two AAA batteries which are supplied with
the unit.
Headphones
Wireless headphones
The driver should never use the headphones while driving the
vehicle. Using headphones may prevent the driver from hearing
audible warnings such as horns or emergency sirens, which could
result in a crash causing serious injury. Give your full attention to
driving and to the road.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
55

Wired headphones
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle and do not let
children operate the system while unsupervised. If wired
headphones or auxiliary systems are used, children may become
entangled in the cords and seriously injure themselves.
The driver should never use the headphones while driving the
vehicle. Using headphones may prevent the driver from hearing
audible warnings such as horns or emergency sirens, which could
result in a crash causing serious injury. Give your full attention to
driving and to the road.
You may purchase wired headphones for your FES (Family
Entertainment System). Plug them into the 3.5 mm headphone jack(s)
located on the left and right sides of the system. (Channel A is located
on the left side and Channel B is located on the right side.) These
headphones will be active when in Dual Play mode.
To listen to the audio on wired headphones (not included), connect the
wired headphones into the headphone jacks on the sides of the DVD
system. The wired headphone jack for Channel A is located on the left
side of the FES and is labeled
A. Headphones plugged into this
headphone jack will hear audio from the audio source selected to be the
Channel A source. The wired headphone jack for Channel B is located on
the right side of the FES and is labeled
B. Headphones plugged into
this headphone jack will hear audio from the audio source selected to be
the Channel B source.
Adjust the headphone volume using
the volume control on the DVD
system.
Operation
Single play/Dual play
Your DVD and audio system work together with the infrared headphones
and wired headphones (not included) to allow the rear seat passengers
to listen to the radio (and other media sources) over the headphones.
This enables the front and rear seat passengers to listen to a variety of
sources a variety of ways.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
59

KEYS
Your vehicle is equipped with two
Integrated Keyhead Transmitters
(IKTs). The IKT functions as both a
programmed ignition key that
operates all the locks and starts the
vehicle, and a remote keyless entry
transmitter.
Your IKTs are programmed to your vehicle; using a non-programmed key
will not permit your vehicle to start. If you lose your authorized dealer
supplied IKTs, replacement IKTs are available through your authorized
dealer. Standard SecuriLock™ keys without remote entry transmitter
functionality can also be purchased from your authorized dealer if
desired.
Always carry a spare key with you in case of an emergency.
For more information regarding programming replacement IKTs, refer to
theSecuriLock™ passive anti-theft systemsection later in this chapter.
Note:Your vehicle’s IKTs were
issued with a tag on them that
provides important vehicle key cut
information. It is recommended that
you maintain the tag in a safe place
for future reference.
Recommended handling of the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter
(IKT)
To avoid inadvertently activating the remote entry functions of your
vehicle, it is recommended that the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter
(IKT) be handled properly when starting and turning off your vehicle.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
122

•Grasp the shoulder portion and
pull downward until the entire
belt is pulled out.
•Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking
sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking
mode.
How to disengage the automatic locking mode
Ford Motor Company recommends that all passenger safety belt
assemblies and attaching hardware should be inspected by an
authorized dealer after any collision to verify that the
automatic
locking retractor
feature for child seats is still working properly. Safety
belt assemblies should be inspected by an authorized dealer and must
be replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. Failure to
replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of
injury in a collision.
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract
completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the
vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
Safety belt height adjustment
Your vehicle has safety belt height
adjustments for the front outboard
seating positions.
Adjust the height of the shoulder
belt so the belt rests across the
middle of your shoulder.
To adjust the shoulder belt height,
squeeze the button and slide the
height adjuster up or down. Release
the button and pull down on the
height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
157

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 into the “L” gear
position. 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 50 miles (80 km), 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 for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are
using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment
provider.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles:
Tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or
with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer.Do
not tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with the front wheels off
the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the
ground.This will cause damage to your AWD system. If you are using a
vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the
equipment provider.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
219

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

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
227

Push the parking brake pedal
downward again to release the
parking brake. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the
brakes to wear out quickly and
reduce fuel economy.
Note:If the vehicle is driven with
the parking brake applied, a chime
will sound.
ADVANCETRAC(ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL)
(IF EQUIPPED)
The AdvanceTracsystem helps the driver maintain the stability and
steer-ability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking
system (ABS) and Traction Control™ and a more advanced function to
further enhance the stability of the vehicle.
AdvanceTracconstantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to the
driver’s intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
the vehicle. AdvanceTracdetermines whether an engine torque
reduction or brake application is needed to help control the vehicle. If
the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or right, spin out, or slide
sideways, the system will attempt to correct the excessive motion. If the
vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the system will attempt to
increase the turning response of the vehicle.
AdvanceTracenhances your vehicle’s stability during maneuvers that
require all available tire traction, like in wet/snowy/icy road conditions
and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an emergency
lane-change, the driver will experience better overall vehicle traction,
and have better control of the vehicle.
Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTracinclude:
•Accelerating on a slippery surface
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Hitting a patch of ice
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
228

•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