1996 Mercury Sable light

301
%*
[SV31200(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV31300(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV31400(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[SV31500(ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV31700(ALL)01/95]
3. Then turn the engine off.
[SV31800(ALL)04/95]
3.0L Vulcan engine:
%*
[SV31900(ALL)03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[SV32100(ALL)07/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

314
*
[SV37500(ALL)03/95]
The Lights
*
[SV37600(ALL)01/95]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
q
headlamps
*
[SV37800(ALL)01/95]
q
tail lamps
*
[SV37900(ALL)01/95]
q
brakelamps
*
[SV37950(ALL)02/95]
q
high-mount brakelamp
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]
q
hazard flasher
*
[SV38100(ALL)01/95]
q
turn signals
*
[SV38200(ALL)01/95]
q
side markers
*
[SV38300(ALL)01/95]
q
license plate lamp
%*
[SV38400(ALL)01/95]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[SV38500(ALL)01/95]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[SV38600(ALL)01/95]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[SV38700(ALL)11/92]
q
the headlamps are not aligned so that they
point slightly down and to the right.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

326 [SV41900(ALL)04/95]Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charging system warning
light, the service engine soon light, or the
temperature warning light. These sometimes
indicate that the emissions system is not
working properly.
*
[SV42000(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV42100(ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[SV42200(ALL)02/92]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[SV42300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV42400(ALL)02/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

332
%*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV44100(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV44150(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[SV44200(ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV44300(ALL)01/95]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV44400(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV44500(ALL)01/95]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[SV44600(ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV44700(ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[SV44800(ALL)01/95]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[SV44900(ALL)01/95]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[SV45000(ALL)01/95]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
[SV45100(ALL)04/95]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk latches
with a light grade oil.
[SV45150(ALL)04/95]
q
Lubricate trunk lid or wagon liftgate hinges
with a light grade oil. (Do not lubricate hood
and door hinges.)
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

334 %
*
[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV46600(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[SV46650(ALL)02/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is
maintained for quick starting. NOTE: If
battery cables are disconnected, it will be
necessary to reset any memory features (eg.
radio presets).
%*
[SV46700(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV46800(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[SV46900(ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV47000(ALL)01/95]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV47100(ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV47200(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV47300(ALL)08/95]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

Index 347
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 83
Accessory position on the ignition..... 61
Additives, engine oil.......... 273
Air bag supplemental restraint system
description............... 23
disposal................ 32
driver air bag............. 23
indicator light............. 79
operation............... 28
proper seating............. 24
tone generator............. 31
wearing safety belts........... 23
Air cleaner filter
location............... 261
replacing............... 296
Air conditioning
electronic automatic temperature control
system............... 95
manual heating and air conditioning
system............... 93
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 135
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 276
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 204
warning light.............. 83
Anti-theft lug nuts and key....... 230
Anti-theft system
triggering.............. 137
warning light.............. 90
Audio system
(see Electronic sound system)..... 169
Autolamp system (see Headlamps).... 108
File:fcixs.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 10:58:02 1995

348 Index
Automatic transaxle
driving with...........191, 196
fluid, adding............. 298
fluid, checking............ 297
fluid, refill capacities......... 329
fluid, specification........... 331
B
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery
acid, treating emergencies....... 218
battery saver............. 113
charging system warning light...... 76
disconnecting............. 282
jumping a disabled battery....... 217
proper disposal, recycling....... 283
replacement, specifications....... 330
servicing............... 282
when storing your vehicle....... 334
Brake fluid
brake warning light........... 75
checking and adding......... 299
specifications............. 331
Brakelamp
high-mount brakelamp........ 320
lamp out warning light......... 89
Brakes
anti-lock............... 204
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light.......... 83
applying the brakes.......... 203
brake warning light........... 75
fluid, checking and adding....... 299
fluid, refill capacities......... 329
fluid, specifications.......... 331
new brake linings............ 5
noise................. 204
parking............... 205
trailer................ 215
when storing your vehicle....... 334
File:fcixs.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 10:58:02 1995

Index 349
Brake-shift interlock.........192, 197
Break-in period.............. 5
Bulbs, replacing
headlamps.............. 315
high-mount brakelamp........ 320
specifications............. 323
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 243
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 244
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 329
Carbon monoxide in exhaust........ 71
Cargo cover.............. 162
Cargo net............... 162
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 34
Catalytic converter........... 324
CD player
(see Electronic sound system)..... 181
Changing a tire............. 221
Charging system warning light....... 76
Childproof locks............ 125
Child safety restraints........... 32
child safety belts............ 59
child safety seats............ 34
Child safety seats
and air bags.............. 34
attaching with tether straps....... 46
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 13
in front seat.............. 37
in rear outboard seat.......... 37
Chime
headlamps on............. 79
key in ignition............. 62
safety belt............... 75
Cleaning your vehicle
built-in child seat............ 59
CD player and discs......... 186
chrome and aluminum parts....... 8
File:fcixs.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 10:58:02 1995