1996 Mercury Sable light

255
Servicing Your Sable
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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When possible, we design parts Ð such as
the headlamp bulbs Ð that can be replaced
without tools.
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
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This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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If your vehicle needs professional servicing, see
theCustomer Assistancechapter.
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Check yourWarranty Information Bookletto find
out which parts are covered.
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Ford Motor Company recommends that you
perform the Owner Maintenance Checks listed in
theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
These services are important for the proper
operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance
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RWARNING
The fuel system may be under
pressure. If the fuel cap is venting
vapor or if you hear a hissing sound,
wait until it stops before completely
removing the cap. Otherwise, fuel
may spray out and injure you or
others.
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2. Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and
put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe.
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NOTE: To help reduce early nozzle shutoffs
and fuel spillage, park your vehicle so
that the fuel filler door is not
downhill. Do not tilt or turn the nozzle
upside down when filling. Avoid
excessively fast fuel dispensing rates
(over 10 gallons [38 liters] per minute).
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3. If you spill any fuel on the body of your
vehicle, clean it off immediately. The fuel
may dull or soften the paint if you do not
wash it off.
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4. To replace the fuel cap, align the tabs on the
cap with the notches on the filler pipe. Turn
it clockwise until it stops.
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5. Push the fuel door closed.
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If the Service Engine Soon warning light comes
on and stays on when you start the engine, the
fuel cap may not be properly seated. Turn off
the engine, remove the fuel cap and replace it,
being careful to align the cap properly. For more
information, seeWarning lightsin the Index.
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266
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one inch art:0060001-C
Typical octane rating label
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We do not recommend gasolines labeled
ªregularº that are sold with octane ratings of 86
or even less in high altitude areas.
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Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane rating fuel, see your dealer
or a qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
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272
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The following decrease fuel economy:
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Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
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Excessive speed
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Rapid acceleration
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Driving with your foot on the brake
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Sudden stops
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Extended engine idling
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Using speed control in hilly terrain
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Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
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Underinflated tires
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Heavy loads
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Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
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Self-Service Pointers
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If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
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The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
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Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
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Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
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Check windshield washer fluid
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Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
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Check the tire pressure at least monthly
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
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Checking the engine oil level:
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1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
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2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
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3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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one inch art:0001397-A
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Vulcan)
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one inch art:0001398-B
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Duratec)
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6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
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7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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Adding engine oil
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It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
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Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
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Change the engine oil and oil filter per the
following, whichever occurs first.
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277
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
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The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
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one third page art:0000305-E
The engine coolant reservoir (3.0L Vulcan shown Ð 3.0L
Duratec similar)
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The coolant level in the reservoir should be
maintained within the cold fill range.
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There may be a low coolant warning light in the
instrument cluster which will light when the
coolant level is low.
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Checking hoses
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Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Repair or replace
with Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
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Help Us Protect Our Environment
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Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
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one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
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Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
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Washer Fluid
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Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
washer fluid is located on the passenger's side of
the engine compartment and is highlighted with
a washer symbol.
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one third page art:0000308-B
The windshield washer fluid reservoir
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995