Mercury SABLE 2003 User Manual

Introduction 4

Instrument Cluster 10

Warning and control lights 10 Gauges 15

Entertainment Systems 18

AM/FM stereo cassette 18 AM/FM stereo with CD 24 CD changer 30

Climate Controls 35

Manual heating and air conditioning 35 Electronic automatic temperature control 38

Lights 46

Headlamps 46 Turn signal control 49 Bulb replacement 51

Driver Controls 62

Windshield wiper/washer control 62 Steering wheel adjustment 64 Power windows 65 Mirrors 66 Speed control (Cruise control) 69

Locks and Security 80

Keys 80 Locks 80 Anti-theft system 81

Table of Contents

Seating and Safety Restraints 95

Seating 95 Safety restraints 99 Air bags 115 Child restraints 122

Driving 134

Starting 134 Brakes 139 Traction control 142 Transmission operation 144 Vehicle loading 149 Trailer towing 151

Roadside Emergencies 155

Getting roadside assistance 155 Hazard flasher switch 156 Fuel pump shut-off switch 156 Fuses and relays 158 Changing tires 163 Jump starting 167 Wrecker towing 173

Customer Assistance 174

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 182

Cleaning 184

Table of Contents

Maintenance and Specifications 190

Engine compartment 192 Engine oil 195 Battery 198 Fuel information 205 Part numbers 224 Refill capacities 225 Lubricant specifications 226

Accessories 232

Index 235

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. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

Introduction

CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and

certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations on acquiring your new Mercury. Please take the time to get well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more you know and understand about your vehicle the greater the safety and pleasure you will derive from driving it.

For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the following website:

• In the United States: www.ford.com

• In Canada: www.ford.ca

• In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx

• In Australia: www.ford.com.au

Additional owner information is given in separate publications.

This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe options before they are generally available.

Remember to pass on the Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is an integral part of the vehicle.

Introduction

Fuel pump shut-off switch In the event of an accident the

safety switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the engine. The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g. collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to the Fuel pump shut-off switch in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Warning symbols in this guide

How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.

Warning symbols on your vehicle

When you see this symbol, it is imperative that you consult the relevant section of this guide before touching or attempting adjustment of any kind.

Protecting the environment

We must all play our part in protecting the environment. Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this guide with the tree symbol.

Introduction

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

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

SPECIAL NOTICES

Emission warranty

The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to the Warranty Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.

Special instructions

For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic controls.

By operating other electronic equipment (e.g. mobile telephone

without exterior aerial) electromagnetic fields can occur which can cause malfunctions of the vehicle electronics. Therefore you should observe the instructions of the equipment manufacturers.

Please read the section Air bag in the Seating and safety

restraints chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.

Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats should

NEVER be used in front of a passenger side air bag.

Introduction

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA 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 this Owner Guide; therefore, a supplement has been supplied that complements this book. By referring to the pages in the provided supplement, you can properly identify those features, recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. Refer to this Owner

Guide for all other required information and warnings.

Introduction

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Safety Alert

Fasten Safety Belt Air Bag-Front

Air Bag-Side Child Seat

Child Seat Installation Warning

Child Seat Tether Anchor

Anti-Lock Brake System

Traction Control AdvanceTrac

Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher

Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment

See Owner’s Guide

Child Seat Lower Anchor

Brake System

Brake Fluid Non-Petroleum Based

Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe

Windshield Defrost/Demist

Rear Window Defrost/Demist

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Introduction

Power Windows Front/Rear

Child Safety Door Lock/Unlock

Power Window Lockout

Interior Luggage Compartment Release Symbol

Panic Alarm Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

Engine Coolant Temperature

Do Not Open When Hot Battery

Avoid Smoking, Flames, or Sparks

Battery Acid

Explosive Gas Fan Warning

Power Steering Fluid

Maintain Correct Fluid Level

Emission System Engine Air Filter

MAX

MIN

Passenger Compartment Air Filter

Jack

Check fuel cap Low tire warning

Instrument Cluster

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

0000

000000

140

100

180

120

FUEL DOOR >

COOLANT

LOW

THEFT

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

+–

RPMx1000

ABS

BRAKE

CRUISE

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions. Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have

the respective system inspected immediately.

Service engine soon

The

light illuminates briefly to ensure the system is functional. 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.

Light turns on solid:

Temporary malfunctions may cause your

light to illuminate.

Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.

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 high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly installing and securely tightening the fuel cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the 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.

Instrument Cluster

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

Note: The with the engine running.

Never refuel vehicle with the engine running.

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.

Check fuel cap

Illuminates when the fuel cap is not installed correctly. Check the fuel cap for proper installation. When the fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a period of normal driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle with the check fuel cap light on, or a mis-installed fuel cap can activate the Service Engine Soon/Check Engine warning light.

It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an improperly installed fuel filler cap.

For more information, refer to Fuel filler cap in the Maintenance and specifications chapter.

light will illuminate if vehicle refueling is conducted

Brake system warning

To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the ON position (alternatively for some vehicles

BRAKE

Instrument Cluster

when the ignition is moved from the ON position to START position, the light will momentarily illuminate prior to reaching the START position). It also illuminates if the parking brake is engaged. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate as described, seek service immediately. Illumination after the parking brake is released indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction and the brake system should be serviced immediately by a qualified technician.

Refer to Brakes in the Driving chapter for more information.

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

To confirm the anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light is functional it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the ON position (alternatively for some vehicles when the ignition is moved from the ON position to the START position, the light will momentarily illuminate just prior to reaching the START position). If the light remains on, continues to flash or fails to illuminate, have the ABS serviced immediately. If the ABS light remains on, it means the anti-lock brake system has malfunctioned and is disabled, however, the normal brake system will still function unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated and parking brake is off. Refer to Brakes in the Driving chapter for more information.

ABS

Safety belt

Illuminates to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Air bag readiness

Illuminates to confirm that the air bags (front or side) are operational. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

Instrument Cluster

Charging system

Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly.

Engine oil pressure

Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range. Check the oil level and add oil if needed. Refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and specifications chapter.

Low coolant (if equipped)

Illuminates when the coolant level in the coolant reservoir is low and more needs to be added. For more information on adding engine coolant, refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and specifications chapter.

Traction Control姟 active (if equipped)

Illuminates when the Traction Control娂 system is active. It will be lit for a minimum of four seconds or for the duration of the Traction Control娂 event.

For more information, refer to the Driving chapter.

Low fuel

Illuminates when the fuel level in the fuel tank is at, or near, empty (refer to Fuel gauge in this chapter for more information).

Speed control (if equipped)

Illuminates when the speed control is activated.

CRUISE

Instrument Cluster

Check transaxle

Illuminates when a transaxle problem has been detected and shifting may be restricted. If this lamp remains on, have your vehicle serviced immediately.

Turn signals

Illuminates when the turn signals or the hazard lights are turned on. If the lights stay on continuously or flash faster, check for a burned-out bulb.

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Door ajar

Illuminates when any door is open (or not fully closed).

Anti-theft system (if equipped)

Refer to Perimeter alarm system (if equipped) and SecuriLock娂 passive anti-theft system in the Locks and Security chapter.

Safety belt warning chime

Sounds to remind you to fasten your safety belts.

BeltMinder姟 chime

Sounds intermittently to remind you to fasten your safety belts.

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime

Sounds when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system (front or side airbags) has been detected. Have the supplemental restraint system inspected immediately.

Instrument Cluster

Headlamps on warning chime

Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the key is removed from the ignition and the driver’s door is opened.

Key-in-ignition warning chime

Sounds when the key is left in the ignition and the driver’s door is opened.

Park brake warning chime

Sounds when the parking brake is set, the engine is running and the transaxle is not in P (Park) or N (Neutral). The chime will shut off when the parking brake is disengaged.

GAUGES

0000

000000

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

FUEL DOOR >

COOLANT

LOW

THEFT

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 specifications chapter.

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot. Steam and scalding liquid from a hot cooling

system can burn you badly.

140

100

180

120

+–

RPMx1000

ABS

BRAKE

CRUISE

Instrument Cluster

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.

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade.

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.

The FUEL DOOR icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

0000

100

000000

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

140

100

180

120

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

P R N D D 1

0000

100

000000

MPH km/h

140

100

180

120

Trip odometer

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

Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.

Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale may damage the engine.

Instrument Cluster

0000

140

100

180

120

000000

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

Entertainment Systems

MACH姞 AUDIO SYSTEM WITH AM/FM STEREO/CASSETTE

Volume/power control

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

Turn control to raise or lower volume.

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

Bass/treble adjust

• The bass adjust control allows

you to increase or decrease the audio system’s bass output.

• The treble adjust control allows

you to increase or decrease the audio system’s treble output.

Speaker balance/fade adjust

• Speaker sound distribution can be

adjusted between the right and left speakers.

• Speaker sound can be adjusted

between the front and rear speakers.

Seek function

The seek function control works in radio, tape or CD mode.

Seek function in radio mode

• Press

to find the next listenable station down the frequency band.

to find the next listenable station up the frequency band.

Entertainment Systems

Seek function in tape mode

• Press

Seek function in CD mode

• Press

selection has been playing for three seconds or more and you press beginning.

• Press

the last track has been completed, the first track of the current disc will automatically replay.

to listen to the previous selection on the tape.

to listen to the next selection on the tape.

to seek to the previous track of the current disc. If a

, the CD changer will replay that selection from the

to seek forward to the next track of the current disc. After

Entertainment Systems

Scan function

The scan function works in radio, tape or CD mode.

Scan function in radio mode

Press the SCAN control to hear a brief sampling of all listenable stations on the frequency band. Press the control again to stop the scan mode.

Scan function in tape mode

Press the SCAN control to hear a short sampling of all selections on the tape. (The tape scans in a forward direction. At the end of the tape’s first side, direction automatically reverses to the opposite side of the tape.) To stop on a particular selection, press the control again.

Scan function in CD mode

Press the SCAN control to hear a short sampling of all selections on the CD. (The CD scans in a forward direction, wrapping back to the first track at the end of the CD.) To stop on a particular selection, press the control again.

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio, tape and CD modes (if equipped). Press the AM or FM control to enter into radio mode.

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.

Pressing the AM or FM controls when the ignition is turned on will also engage the radio.

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.

Entertainment Systems

Radio station memory preset

The radio is equipped with six station memory preset controls. These controls can be used to select up to six preset AM stations and twelve FM stations (six in FM1 and six in FM2).

Setting memory preset stations

1. Select the frequency band with the AM/FM select control.

2. Select a station. Refer to Tune adjust or Seek function for more information on selecting a station.

3. Press and hold a memory preset control until the sound returns, indicating the station is held in memory on the control you selected.

Setting the clock

To set the hour, press and hold the hour (H) control. When the desired hour appears, release the control.

To set the minute, press and hold the minute (M) control. When the desired minute appears, release the control.

Your vehicle is equipped with a special feature that allows you to access clock mode when the vehicle is not running. Press the H or M control to engage the clock at this time.

Tune disc adjust

The tune control works in radio or CD mode.

Entertainment Systems

Tune adjust in radio mode

• Press

not a listenable station is located there). Hold the control to move through the frequencies quickly.

• Press

a listenable station is located there). Hold for quick movement.

Tune adjust for CD mode

• Press the

begin on the first track of the disc unless the CD changer is in shuffle mode. Refer to Shuffle feature for more information. Hold the control to continue reversing through the disc.

• Press

to fast-forward through the remaining discs.

Inserting a tape

Push only slightly when inserting a cassette tape (with the open edge to the right). A cassette deck loading mechanism pulls the tape in the rest of the way.

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

to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or

to move to the next frequency up the band (whether or not

to select the previous disc in the CD changer. (Play will

to select the next disc in the CD changer. Hold the control

Tape/CD select

• Pressing the TAPE or CD control

when the ignition is on will engage the system if a tape or CD is present in the audio system.

• To begin tape play (with a tape loaded into the audio system) while in

the radio or CD mode, press the TAPE control. Press the control during rewind or fast forward to stop the rewind or fast forward function.

• To begin CD play (if CDs are loaded in the CD changer), press the CD

button. The first track of the first disc will begin playing. After that CD play will begin where it stopped last.

Entertainment Systems

Rewind

The rewind control works in tape and CD modes.

In tape mode, radio play will

•

continue until rewind is stopped (with the TAPE or REW control) or the beginning of the tape is reached.

• In CD mode, pressing the REW control for less than three seconds

results in a slow reverse. Pressing the control for more than three seconds results in fast reverse.

Fast forward

The fast forward control works in tape and CD modes.

• In the tape mode, tape direction

will automatically reverse when the end of the tape is reached.

• In CD mode, pressing the control for less than three seconds results in

slow forward action. Pressing the control for more than three seconds results in fast forward action.

• You can cancel the fast forward mode by pressing TAPE, or the FF

control.

Tape direction select

Press SIDE 1–2 to play the alternate side of a tape.

Dolby姞 noise reduction

Dolby威 noise reduction operates only in tape mode. Dolby威 noise reduction reduces the amount of hiss and static during tape playback.

Press the

Dolby威 noise reduction system is manufactured under license from Dolby威 Laboratories Licensing Corporation. “Dolby威” and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby威 Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

control to activate (and deactivate) Dolby威 noise reduction.

Entertainment Systems

Compression adjust

Compression adjust brings soft and loud CD passages together for a more consistent listening level.

Press the COMP control to activate and deactivate compression adjust.

Shuffle feature

The shuffle feature operates in CD mode and plays all tracks on the current disc in random order.

If equipped with the CD changer, the shuffle feature continues to the next disc after all tracks are played.

Press the SHUFFLE control to start this feature. Random order play will continue until the SHUFFLE control is pressed again.

AUDIO SYSTEM WITH AM/FM STEREO/SINGLE CD PLAYER

Entertainment Systems

Volume/power control

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

Turn control to raise or lower volume.

Bass/treble adjust

• The bass adjust control allows

you to increase or decrease the audio system’s bass output.

• The treble adjust control allows

you to increase or decrease the audio system’s treble output.

Speaker balance/fade adjust

• Speaker sound distribution can be

adjusted between the right and left speakers.

• Speaker sound can be adjusted

between the front and rear speakers.

Entertainment Systems

Seek function

The seek function control works in radio or CD mode.

Seek function in radio mode

• Press

to find the next listenable station down the frequency band.

• Press

Seek function in CD mode

• Press

selection has been playing for three seconds or more and you press beginning.

• Press

the last track has been completed, the first track of the current disc will automatically replay.

Scan function

The scan function works in radio or CD mode.

Scan function in radio mode

Press the SCAN control to hear a brief sampling of all listenable stations on the frequency band. Press the control again to stop the scan mode.

Scan function in CD mode

to find the next listenable station up the frequency band.

to seek to the previous track of the current disc. If a

, the CD changer will replay that selection from the

to seek forward to the next track of the current disc. After

Entertainment Systems

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio, and CD modes (if equipped). Press the AM or FM control to enter into radio mode.

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.

Pressing the AM or FM controls when the ignition is turned on will also engage the radio.

AM/FM select in CD mode

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

Radio station memory preset

The radio is equipped with six station memory preset controls. These controls can be used to select up to six preset AM stations and twelve FM stations (six in FM1 and six in FM2).

Setting memory preset stations

1. Select the frequency band with the AM/FM select control.

2. Select a station. Refer to Tune adjust or Seek function for more information on selecting a station.

3. Press and hold a memory preset control until the sound returns, indicating the station is held in memory on the control you selected.

Entertainment Systems

Setting the clock

To set the hour, press and hold the hour (H) control. When the desired hour appears, release the control.

To set the minute, press and hold the minute (M) control. When the desired minute appears, release the control.

Your vehicle is equipped with a special feature that allows you to access clock mode when the vehicle is not running. Press the H or M control to engage the clock at this time.

Tune disc adjust

The tune control works in radio or CD mode.

Tune adjust in radio mode

• Press

not a listenable station is located there). Hold the control to move through the frequencies quickly.

• Press

a listenable station is located there). Hold for quick movement.

Tune adjust for CD mode

• Press the

begin on the first track of the disc unless the CD changer is in shuffle mode. Refer to Shuffle feature for more information. Hold the control to continue reversing through the disc.

• Press

to fast-forward through the remaining discs.

to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or

to move to the next frequency up the band (whether or not

to select the previous disc in the CD changer. (Play will

to select the next disc in the CD changer. Hold the control

CD select

• Pressing the CD control when the

ignition is on will engage the system if a CD is present in the audio system.

• To begin CD play, press the CD control. The first track of the first disc

will begin playing. After that CD play will begin where it stopped last.

Entertainment Systems

• Press the CD control again to toggle between single CD mode and CD

changer mode (if available).

Do not insert any promotional (odd shaped or sized) discs, or discs with removable labels into the CD player as jamming may occur.

Rewind

The rewind control works in tape and CD modes.

• Pressing the REW control for less

than three seconds results in a slow reverse. Pressing the control for more than three seconds results in fast reverse.

Fast forward

The fast forward control works in tape and CD modes.

• Pressing the control for less than

three seconds results in slow forward action. Pressing the control for more than three seconds results in fast forward action.

• You can cancel the fast forward mode by pressing TAPE, or the FF

control.

Compression adjust

Compression adjust brings soft and loud CD passages together for a more consistent listening level.

Press the COMP control to activate and deactivate compression adjust.

Shuffle feature

The shuffle feature operates in CD mode and plays all tracks on the current disc in random order.

If equipped with the CD changer, the shuffle feature continues to the next disc after all tracks are played.

Press the SHUFFLE control to start this feature. Random order play will continue until the SHUFFLE control is pressed again.

Entertainment Systems

CD CHANGER (IF EQUIPPED)

Your CD changer is either located in the trunk, the console or the right side cargo area storage compartment.

1. Slide the door to access the CD changer magazine.

2. Press

3. Turn the magazine (A) over.

4. Using the disc holder release knob (C), pull the disc holder (B) out of the magazine.

to eject the magazine.

+ 210 hidden pages