Page 116 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 89 [LG15800(ALL)04/95]
Low Fuel Light (If equipped)
[LG15900(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when your fuel gauge
indicates approximately 1/16 of a tank. The
ignition must be turned to the ON position Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 89 [LG15800(ALL)04/95]
Low Fuel Light (If equipped)
[LG15900(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when your fuel gauge
indicates approximately 1/16 of a tank. The
ignition must be turned to the ON position](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-115.png)
89 [LG15800(ALL)04/95]
Low Fuel Light (If equipped)
[LG15900(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when your fuel gauge
indicates approximately 1/16 of a tank. The
ignition must be turned to the ON position for
this light to come on. This light will glow
steadily.
[LG16000(ALL)04/95]
one inch art:0000116-C
Low fuel light
[LG16100(ALL)02/95]
Rear Lamp Out Indicator (If equipped)
[LG16200(ALL)02/95]
This light indicates that a rear tail lamp or
brakelamp is not functioning. It comes on
momentarily when the ignition is turned to the
START position, then goes out.
[LG16220(ALL)02/95]
This light will come on to show a rear tail lamp
burnout when the light switch is turned to the
parking lamp or headlamp position.
[LG16260(ALL)04/95]
This light will come on to show a brakelamp
burnout only when the brake pedal is pressed.
[LG16280(ALL)02/95]
The light will stay on until the ignition is turned
to the OFF position.
[LG16300(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000117-B
Rear lamp out light
[LG16400(ALL)12/91]
NOTE: The warning light may not work or
you may get a false reading if you use
trailer lights or use improper
replacement bulbs.
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Page 134 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 107 [IP25250(ALL)02/89]
To change your headlamps from low to high
beam, push the turn signal lever away from you.
To change them back to low beam, pull the
lever toward you.
*
[IP25300(ALL)03/93]
For Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 107 [IP25250(ALL)02/89]
To change your headlamps from low to high
beam, push the turn signal lever away from you.
To change them back to low beam, pull the
lever toward you.
*
[IP25300(ALL)03/93]
For](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-133.png)
107 [IP25250(ALL)02/89]
To change your headlamps from low to high
beam, push the turn signal lever away from you.
To change them back to low beam, pull the
lever toward you.
*
[IP25300(ALL)03/93]
For more information about how the high beam
headlamps work, seeSteering column controlsin
the Index.
%*
[IP25605(ALL)01/95]
Daytime Running Light System
[IP25610(ALL)03/95]
(Canadian and fleet vehicles only)
*
[IP25615(ALL)03/95]
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system is
designed to turn the high beam headlamps on,
with a reduced light output and without
illuminating the high beam indicator lamp in the
instrument panel. The DRL system operates
when all of the following conditions are met:
*
[IP25620(ALL)03/95]
q
The vehicle is ªrunning.º
*
[IP25625(ALL)01/95]
q
The vehicle has a fully released parking
brake.
*
[IP25630(ALL)03/95]
q
The headlamp system is in the OFF position.
*
[IP25635(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If you have a vehicle with an
automatic lighting system, the DRL
system is active until the automatic
system turns on the headlamps.
*
[IP25636(ALL)10/94]
NOTE: The high beam indicator will not turn
on in the flash-to-pass mode during
nighttime driving.
[IP25637(ALL)01/95]
You may notice that the lights flicker when the
vehicle is turned on or off. This is a normal
condition.
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Page 150 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 123 [SC09350(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: When driving uphill, especially with a
heavy load, you may notice your speed
decreasing even if you have the speed
control set. If the speed drops more
than 8 to 14 mph ( Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 123 [SC09350(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: When driving uphill, especially with a
heavy load, you may notice your speed
decreasing even if you have the speed
control set. If the speed drops more
than 8 to 14 mph (](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-149.png)
123 [SC09350(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: When driving uphill, especially with a
heavy load, you may notice your speed
decreasing even if you have the speed
control set. If the speed drops more
than 8 to 14 mph (13-23 km/h) it is
normal for the automatic speed control
feature to be cancelled. You may need
to use the accelerator pedal to help
your vehicle maintain the selected
speed when driving up steep grades.
%*
[SC09400(ALL)01/95]
Resetting the Speed Control
*
[SC09410(ALL)03/95]
To reset the speed control to alower speed, use
one of the following procedures:
*
[SC09415(ALL)03/95]
q
COASTÐ Press and hold the COAST switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.
*
[SC09420(ALL)03/95]
q
Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle
attains the desired speed, press the SET
ACCEL switch and release it immediately.
[SC09425(ALL)11/94]
q
TAP-DOWNÐ Press and then quickly
release the COAST switch. Each time you
ªtapº the switch, the set speed will decrease
by 1 mph (1.6 km/h). Multiple taps will
cause the set speed to decrease in increments
of 1 mph (1.6 km/h). For example, if the
current set speed is 60 mph (96 km/h) 5 taps
of the COAST switch will decrease the
vehicle speed and SET it at 55 mph
(88 km/h).
*
[SC09430(ALL)04/95]
If vehicle speed is reduced below 30 mph
(50 km/h) by any of the above methods, then
you must manually accelerate to a speed over
30 mph (50 km/h) and reset the system.
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:05:58 1995
Page 227 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 200
*
[DR06802(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
*
[DR06804(ALL)01/95]
With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position,
the vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
posi Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 200
*
[DR06802(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
*
[DR06804(ALL)01/95]
With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position,
the vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
posi](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-226.png)
200
*
[DR06802(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
*
[DR06804(ALL)01/95]
With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position,
the vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
position.
*
[DR06805(ALL)01/95]
Driving
%*
[DR06825(ALL)01/95]
When to use D (Overdrive)
[DR06830(ALL)11/94]
D (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for
an automatic overdrive transaxle. It
automatically upshifts or downshifts as the
vehicle speeds or slows.
[DR06835(ALL)11/94]
However, D (Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth
gear Ð an overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at a consistent speed for any length of
time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy when you travel at cruising speeds.
[DR07025(ALL)04/95]
When to use D (O/D OFF)
[DR07050(ALL)04/95]
You will notice that there is only one drive
position on your gearshift indicator (instead of
Drive and Overdrive). However, you will find a
switch labeled O/D located on the gearshift
lever. Push in the switch and the O/D OFF light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate. With
the O/D OFF light illuminated, the transaxle
will operate in first, second and third gears and
will not shift into fourth gear. Operating in D
(O/D OFF) eliminates the excessive shifting
between third and fourth gears that your vehicle
sometimes does when you are traveling through
hilly terrain in D (Overdrive). It also provides
more engine braking than D (Overdrive) for
descending hills or city driving.
[DR07075(ALL)04/95]
To return the transaxle to the normal Overdrive
operation, press the O/D OFF switch again. Use
this switch to select Overdrive or D (O/D OFF)
whenever you drive your vehicle.
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Page 229 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 202
*
[DR10175(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not use the P (Park) position in
place of the parking brake. Always
set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 202
*
[DR10175(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not use the P (Park) position in
place of the parking brake. Always
set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-228.png)
202
*
[DR10175(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not use the P (Park) position in
place of the parking brake. Always
set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
*
[DR10225(ALL)03/95]
Always turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Do
not leave your vehicle unattended
while the engine is running.
*
[DR10250(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
[DR10275(ALL)11/94]
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot move
it without pushing in the thumb button.
*
[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
[DR15970(ALL)11/94]
Your vehicle has variable-assist steering. This
system provides light power steering efforts for
parking and heavier power steering efforts for
highway driving. If you notice that the power
steering effort does not change according to the
speed you are traveling, or if the power steering
system is not working, have the system checked.
%*
[DR16100(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
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Page 231 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 204 %
*
[DR17100(ALL)03/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequen Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 204 %
*
[DR17100(ALL)03/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequen](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-230.png)
204 %
*
[DR17100(ALL)03/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
[DR17350(ALL)02/95]
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
(If equipped)
[DR17450(ALL)11/94]
If your vehicle is equipped with the anti-lock
brake system (ABS), the wheels will not lock and
slide when you press down hard on the brake
pedal. The ABS automatically starts releasing
and reapplying the front brakes independently
and the rear brakes together whenever your
vehicle's wheels start to lock. When this
happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulsate.
This is an indication that the ABS is working
correctly and is normal.
*
[DR17500(ALL)10/93]
If the brake pedal is applied while the vehicle is
driven over uneven road surfaces, the ABS may
cycle and the driver may sense a pulsation in
the brake pedal, accompanied by a slight up and
down movement of the pedal height and a
clicking sound. This may also happen when
driving on an inclined surface such as a
driveway while making a sharp turn. This is a
normal condition.
[DR17600(ALL)04/95]
Each time you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, the ABS will function through one test
cycle. When this happens, the ABS light will
come on for up to five seconds. If the light stays
on longer than five seconds, shut off the engine
and restart. If it remains on, it means the ABS is
disabled and should be serviced immediately to
restore the benefits of the anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the red
BRAKE system warning light is also lit.
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Page 232 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 205 [DR17650(ALL)11/94]
ABS has self-check capabilities. As described
above, the system turns on the ABS light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is
started and the ABS light turns off, Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 205 [DR17650(ALL)11/94]
ABS has self-check capabilities. As described
above, the system turns on the ABS light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is
started and the ABS light turns off,](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-231.png)
205 [DR17650(ALL)11/94]
ABS has self-check capabilities. As described
above, the system turns on the ABS light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is
started and the ABS light turns off, the system
performs another test the first time the vehicle
reaches 4-9 mph (6-15 km/h). The system turns
on the ABS pump motor for approximately 1/2
second. At this time, a mechanical noise may be
heard. This is a normal part of the self-check
feature. If a malfunction is found during this
check the ABS light will come on.
[DR17675(ALL)02/95]
Vehicles with ABS are identified with a label on
the front door pillar.
*
[DR17700(ALL)12/93]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
negative effects of mobile radio transmitting
equipment installed on vehicles with the ABS
system providing that the radio is installed
according to the radio manufacturer's
instructions. However, if you have had a mobile
radio transmitter installed and the check ABS
light comes on (at any time other than
immediately after turning the key to the ON
position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is
activated other than during maximum braking,
have your mobile radio installation checked.
%*
[DR17800(ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
*
[DR17900(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[DR18000(ALL)01/95]
This brake is suspended just below the bottom
of the instrument panel to the left of the brake
pedal.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995
Page 233 of 391
206 [DR18300(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0001391-AThe parking brake and parking brake release
*
[DR18420(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
Do not use the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set the
parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released,
but the Brake Warning Light remains
on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be
working properly.
*
[DR18750(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
To avoid personal injury when
manually releasing the parking
brake, make sure the gearshift
selector is securely latched in P
(Park) and do not release the parking
brake from outside the vehicle.
File:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995