Mercury Sable 1999 User Manual

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2

Instrumentation 4

Controls and features 16

Seating and safety restraints 70

Starting and driving

Starting 96

Driving 101

Roadside emergencies 118

Servicing

Maintenance and care 135

Capacities and specifications 180

Customer assistance 189

Reporting safety defects 204

Index 205

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company.

Copyrightr1998 Ford Motor Company

Introduction

ICONS

Indicates a safety alert. Read the following section on Warnings.

Indicates vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow.

Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards protecting the environment.

Indicates a message regarding child safety restraints. Refer to

Seating and safety restraints for more information.

Indicates that this Owner Guide contains information on this subject. Please refer to the Index to locate the appropriate section which will provide you more information.

WARNINGS

Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

Introduction

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

Instrumentation

Headlamp control (pg. 16)

Trunk release — sedan only (pg. 53)

Rear window wiper and washer — wagon only (pg. 46)

Parking brake release (pg. 103)

FUEL DOOR>

EFC

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

LOW

COOLANT

Driver side air bag (pg. 83)

Turn signal and wiper/washer control (pg. 45)

THEFT

Instrument cluster (pg. 6)

50 60

122

100

120

00013

140

160

180

MPH km/h

110

P R N D D 1

Speed control (pg. 41)

+–

RPMx1000

100

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

BRAKE

CRUISE

ABS

O/D OFF

Electronic sound system (pg. 29)

Instrumentation

Passenger side air bag (pg. 84)

FM 12 AMC

BL RF

VOL

PUSH-ON

SEEK

SCAN

TUNE

BASS

EJECT

OFF

VENT

A/C

MAX A/C

TREB

REW

BAL

FADE

TAPE SIDE

TAPE

R-DEF

Climate control systems (pg. 18)

Gearshift (pg. 105)

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES Standard instrument cluster

50 60

122

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

00013

100

120

FUEL DOOR>

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

LOW

THEFT

COOLANT

+–

140

160

100

180

110

O/D OFF

RPMx1000

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

ABS

BRAKE

CRUISE

Optional instrument cluster

000

FUEL DOOR>

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

LOW

THEFT

COOLANT

100

140

00000

MPH km/h

P R N D 2 1

+–

100

110

180

120

O/D OFF

345

RPMx1000

PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL RECOMMENDED

BRAKE

CRUISE

ABS

Turn signal

Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If one or both of the indicators stay on continuously or flash faster, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer to Exterior bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Instrumentation

Safety belt

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Door ajar

Illuminates when the ignition is in the ON or START position and any door is open.

Service engine soon

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). The OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.

What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

Instrumentation

Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.

3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

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.

Low fuel

Illuminates as an early reminder of a low fuel condition indicated on the fuel gauge. The light comes on when there is approximately 1/16th

Instrumentation

of a tank indicated on the fuel gauge (refer to Fuel gauge in this chapter for more information). The

ignition must be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON position regardless of the fuel level.

Low coolant (if equipped)

This lamp will illuminate when the engine coolant inside the reservoir is low. This lamp will come on when the ignition is first turned on, but then should turn off. If the lamp stays on, you should check the coolant level inside the reservoir. For instructions on adding coolant, see Engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Anti-theft system (if equipped)

Refer to Perimeter alarm system (if equipped) and SecuriLocky passive anti-theft system in the Controls and features

chapter.

LOW

COOLANT

THEFT

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.

ABS

Instrumentation

Speed control (if equipped)

This light comes on when either the SET/ ACCEL or RESUME controls are pressed. It turns off when the speed control OFF control is pressed, the brake is applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF position.

Brake system warning

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position, the engine is off and the parking brake is engaged. If the brake warning lamp does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately.

Engine oil pressure

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the oil level and add oil if needed. Refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and Care chapter.

CRUISE

BRAKE

Charging system

Illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly, requiring electrical system service.

Instrumentation

Air bag readiness

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned ON. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

Safety belt warning chime

Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For information on the safety belt warning chime,

refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime

For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Key-in-ignition warning chime

Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime

Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

Instrumentation

GAUGES Standard instrument cluster gauges

50 60

122

00013

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

100

120

FUEL DOOR>

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

LOW

THEFT

COOLANT

+–

140

160

100

180

O/D

110

OFF

Optional instrument cluster gauges

000

FUEL DOOR>

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

LOW

THEFT

COOLANT

100

140

00000

MPH km/h

P R N D 2 1

+–

100

110

180

O/D

120

OFF

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

• Standard instrument cluster

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

RPMx1000

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

ABS

345

RPMx1000

PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL RECOMMENDED

ABS

50 60

000

00000

BRAKE

CRUISE

BRAKE

CRUISE

100

120

140

160

100

180

110

Instrumentation

• Optional instrument cluster

000

100

00000

MPH km/h

P R N D 2 1

140

Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.

• Standard instrument cluster

• Optional instrument cluster

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL RECOMMENDED

RPMx1000

100

110

180

120

Driving with your tachometer pointer in the red zone may damage the engine.

Instrumentation

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area between the “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot.

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication will not be accurate.

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

000

100

00000

MPH km/h

P R N D 2 1

140

100

110

180

120

Trip odometer

Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

000

100

00000

MPH km/h

P R N D 2 1

140

100

110

180

120

Instrumentation

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling the vehicle from empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.

A minimum of six gallons must be added or removed from the fuel tank in order for the gauge to instantaneously update. If less than six gallons is the change, the gauge will take between five to ten minutes to update.

Controls and features

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Rotate the headlamp control to the first position to turn on the parking lamps. Rotate to the second position to also turn on the headlamps.

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output. To activate:

• the engine must be running and

• the headlamp control is in the OFF or Parking

lamps position.

Always remember to turn on your

headlamps at dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.

PANEL

DIM

AUTO LAMP

High beams

Push forward to activate.

Controls and features

Flash to pass

Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate.

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel during headlamp and parklamp operation.

• Rotate up to brighten.

• Rotate down to dim.

• Rotate to full down position to turn off.

PANEL

DIM

AUTO LAMP

AUTOLAMP CONTROL

The autolamp system provides light sensitive

PANEL

DIM

AUTO LAMP

automatic on-off control of the exterior lights normally controlled by the headlamp control.

The autolamp system also keeps the lights on for a preselected period of time after the ignition switch is turned to OFF.

Controls and features

• To turn autolamps on, rotate the control up. The preselected time lapse is adjustable up to approximately three minutes by continuing to rotate the control upward.

• To turn autolamps off, rotate the control down until it clicks.

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER

Clears the rear window of thin ice and fog. To operate:

1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.

2. Press and release

the control once to turn on. The light will be lit while the rear window defroster is on.

3. Press and release the control again to turn off.

The defroster will automatically turn off after fifteen minutes.

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM Manual heating and air conditioning system

(if equipped)

R-DEF

OFF

VENT

A/C

MAX A/C

R-DEF

Controls and features

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle.

Mode selector control

OFF

Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes except VENT and

. However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or above.

Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you have stopped the vehicle.

Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet duct.

• MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle.

MAX A/C is noisier than A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode can also be used to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

VENT

A/C

MAX

A/C

Controls and features

• A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is

quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

• VENT-Distributes outside air through the

instrument panel registers. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not

operate. For short periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

•

(Panel and floor)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers.

(Floor)-Allows for maximum heating by distributing outside air through the floor ducts. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

(Floor and defrost)-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

Controls and features

• -

Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats.

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood).

• If the air conditioner works well in MAX A/C, but not in A/C, this may indicate that the cabin air filter (if equipped) needs to be replaced.

• If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during hot weather, the air conditioner will do a much faster job of cooling if you drive for two or three minutes with the windows open. This will force most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle. Then operate your air conditioner as you would normally.

When placing objects on top of your instrument

•

panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

Controls and features

Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) system (if equipped)

VENT

OFF

MAX

AUTO

A/C

TEMP

OUT SIDE

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

—+

TEMP

AUTO

The EATC system will maintain a selected temperature and automatically control airflow. You can override automatic operation with any of the override controls or the fan speed control.

Turning the EATC on

VENT

OFF

MAX

AUTO

A/C

TEMP

OUT

SIDE

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

—+

TEMP

AUTO

Press AUTO, any of the override controls or the fan speed control. The EATC will only operate when the ignition is in the ON position.

Turning the EATC off

Press OFF. The Outside Temperature function will continue to operate until the ignition is turned off.

VENT

OFF

MAX

AUTO

A/C

TEMP

OUT

SIDE

Controls and features

Automatic operation

Press AUTO and select the desired temperature. The selected temperature and the word AUTO will appear in the display window. The EATC system will either heat or cool to achieve the selected temperature. The system will automatically determine fan speed, airflow location and if fresh outside air or recirculated air is required. Fan speed remains automatic unless the fan speed control is pressed.

When in AUTO and weather conditions require heat, air will be sent to the floor. However, if the engine is not warm enough to provide heat, the fan will be at a low speed and the air will be directed to the windshield. In 3 start to increase and the airflow location will change to the floor area.

If unusual conditions exist (i.e.-window fogging, etc.), the manual override controls allow you to select airflow locations and the fan control allows you to adjust fan speed as necessary.

Temperature selection

The display window indicates the selected temperature, function (AUTO or one of the override controls) and manual control of fan speed ( automatic fan speed is not desired.

To control the temperature, select any temperature between 18°C (65°F) and 29°C (85°F) by pressing the temperature control.

⁄2minutes or less, the fan speed will

AUTO

FAN

)if

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

• • •

—+

TEMP

Controls and features

For continuous maximum cooling, push the temperature control until 16°C (60°F) is shown in the display window. The EATC will continue maximum cooling (disregarding the displayed temperature) until a warmer temperature is selected by pressing the temperature control.

For continuous maximum heating, push the temperature control until 32°C (90°F) is shown in the display window. The EATC will continue maximum heating (disregarding the displayed temperature) until a cooler temperature is selected by pressing the temperature control.

Temperature conversion

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

—+

TEMP

AUTO

VENT

OFF

MAX

AUTO

A/C

TEMP

OUT

SIDE

Press MAX A/C and F-DEF at the same time (until the display changes) to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

Fan speed ( )

When AUTO is pressed, fan speed is adjusted automatically for existing conditions. You can override fan

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

—+

TEMP

speed at any time. To control fan speed manually, press the fan control to cancel automatic fan speed operation. Press the control up for higher fan speed or down for lower fan speed.

Controls and features

The display will show

and a bar graph to

AUTO

indicate manual fan operation and relative speed.

FAN

• • •

To return to automatic fan operation, press AUTO.

Manual override controls

VENT

OFF

MAX

AUTO

A/C

TEMP

OUT

SIDE

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

—+

TEMP

AUTO

The override controls are located at the bottom of the EATC and allow you to determine where airflow is directed. To return to full automatic control, press AUTO.

The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes except

and VENT. It will also operate only when required when AUTO has been selected. However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or above.

Controls and features

• MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle.

The temperature will remain unchanged and air will be cooled based on the selected temperature. To exit, press AUTOMATIC or any other override controls. MAX A/C is noisier than normal A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster. Airflow is from the instrument panel registers. This mode can also be used to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

• VENT-Distributes outside air through the

instrument panel registers. However, the air cannot be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

•

-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. The air will be heated or cooled based on the temperature selection. For added customer comfort, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers.

-Allows for maximum heating by distributing outside air through the floor ducts. However, the air cannot be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. The air will be heated or cooled based on the temperature selection. For added customer comfort, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the windshield defroster ducts. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

Controls and features

• F- DEF -Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the outside air temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. For short periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

Displaying outside temperature

Press OUTSIDE TEMP to display the outside air temperature. It will be displayed until OUTSIDE TEMP is pressed again or until any other control is pressed. When the EATC system is off and OUTSIDE TEMP is pressed, the outside temperature will only be displayed for four seconds.

The outside temperature reading is most accurate when the vehicle is moving. Higher readings may be obtained when the vehicle is not moving. The readings that you get may not agree with temperatures given on the radio due to differences in vehicle and station locations.

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select F-DEF before driving. This will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats.

VENT

OFF

MAX

AUTO

A/C

TEMP

OUT

SIDE

Controls and features

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield).

• If the air conditioner works well in MAX A/C but not in normal A/C, this may indicate that the cabin air filter (if equipped) needs to be replaced.

• When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

Controls and features

USING YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM AM/FM Stereo/Cassette/Ford MACH Audio

System with CD DJ Compatibility

FM 12 AMC

BL RF

VOL

PUSH-ON

TUNE

DISC 1-6

SHUFFLE

SCAN

SEEK

COMP

Volume/power control

Press the control to turn the audio system on or off.

Turn control to raise or lower volume.

EJECT

SIDE 1-2

DOLBY B ®

REW

VOL

PUSH-ON

BASS

TREB

TAPE

BAL

FADE

VOL

PUSH-ON

If the volume is set above a certain level and the ignition is turned off, the volume will come back on at a “nominal” listening level when the ignition switch is turned back on. If you wish to maintain

Controls and features

your preset volume level, turn the audio system off with the power control before switching off the ignition.

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio, tape and CD modes (if equipped).

VOL

PUSH-ON

AM/FM select in radio mode

This control allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands. Press the control to switch between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations.

AM/FM select in tape mode

Press this control to stop tape play and begin radio play.

AM/FM select in CD mode

Press this control to stop CD play and begin radio play.

You can switch from CD play to tape play by simply inserting a tape into the cassette deck.

Tune adjust

The tune control works in radio or CD mode.

TUNE

DISC 1-6

Tune adjust in radio mode

• Press to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold the control to move through the frequencies quickly.

• Press

to move to the next frequency up the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold for quick movement.

+ 186 hidden pages