1996 Mercury Sable Owner's Manuals

270 %
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[SV11300(ALL)01/95]
Running Out of Fuel
[SV11500(ALL)05/91]
If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on
level ground away from traffic. Add at least one
gallon (four liters) of fuel to start your vehicle
again. If your vehicle is not on level ground,
you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters)
of fuel to start it.
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[SV11550(ALL)02/95]
You may need to crank the engine several times
before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from
the tank to the engine.
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[SV11575(ALL)03/95]
If the engine does not start, check the fuel pump
shut-off switch and reset as required. SeeFuel
pump shut-off switchin the Index.
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[SV11580(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in fire and personal
injury.
%*
[SV13505(ALL)01/95]
Calculating the Fuel Economy
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[SV13510(ALL)04/95]
Fuel economy is an estimate. It tells you
approximately the distance you can drive for
each gallon (liter) of fuel that your vehicle uses.
Do not calculate the fuel economy during your
vehicle's break-in period. This would not be an
accurate estimate of how much fuel your vehicle
will normally use.
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[SV13515(ALL)04/95]
To calculate fuel economy:
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[SV13521(ALL)04/95]
1. Make sure the fuel tank is full when you
record the first odometer reading.
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[SV13526(ALL)04/95]
2. Then, every time you buy fuel, fill the tank
completely and write down the number of
miles (kilometers) that you have driven and
the number of gallons (liters) of fuel that
you buy.
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[SV13530(ALL)04/95]
Keep a record for at least a month. This will
give you a more accurate estimate than
figuring the fuel economy based on only one
or two readings.
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[SV13535(ALL)04/95]
3. Divide the total number of miles that you
have driven by the total number of gallons
that your vehicle has used. In metric,
multiply the number of liters used by 100
and divide the answer by the number of
kilometers traveled. This will give you the
number of liters used per 100 km.
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[SV13540(ALL)01/95]
Comparisons With EPA Fuel Economy
Estimates
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[SV13545(ALL)03/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and thus are estimates which may not reflect the
actual conditions you experience or your style of
driving. In addition to your individual driving
habits, optional equipment such as air
conditioning can have substantial effects on fuel
economy. Other factors that may affect fuel
economy include vehicle load and tire inflation
pressure. The EPA fuel economy estimate is not
a guarantee that you will achieve the fuel
economy shown.
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[SV13555(ALL)03/95]
Improving Fuel Economy
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[SV13561(ALL)02/95]
Fuel economy is affected by a number of
variables which can reduce efficiency. You can
improve fuel economy by understanding these
variables and minimizing their effect.
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[SV13564(ALL)02/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
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[SV13568(ALL)02/95]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
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[SV13572(ALL)02/95]
q
Excessive speed
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[SV13576(ALL)02/95]
q
Rapid acceleration
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[SV13581(ALL)02/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
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[SV13584(ALL)02/95]
q
Sudden stops
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[SV13589(ALL)02/95]
q
Extended engine idling
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[SV13591(ALL)02/95]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
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[SV13593(ALL)02/95]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
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[SV13596(ALL)02/95]
q
Underinflated tires
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[SV13598(ALL)02/95]
q
Heavy loads
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[SV13599(ALL)02/95]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
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[SV13605(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
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[SV13611(ALL)01/95]
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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[SV13615(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
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[SV13620(ALL)01/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
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[SV13625(ALL)01/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
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[SV13630(ALL)01/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
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[SV13633(ALL)02/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
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[SV13636(ALL)01/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
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[SV13638(ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
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[SV13639(ALL)04/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
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[SV13650(ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
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[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
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[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
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[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
[SV13710(ALL)02/95]
Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13770(ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
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274 %
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[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
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.
%*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[SV14000(ALL)02/95]
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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[SV14025(ALL)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
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[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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[SV14300(ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001397-A
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Vulcan)
[SV14475(ALL)08/95]
one inch art:0001398-B
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Duratec)
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[SV14500(ALL)03/95]
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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[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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[SV14700(ALL)03/95]
Adding engine oil
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[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
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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[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
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.
%*
[SV16300(ALL)01/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
[SV16400(ALL)04/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filter per the
following, whichever occurs first.
[SV16500(ALL)04/95]
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[SV16550(ALL)04/95]
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record
Booklet for additional information.
[SV16600(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
[SV16700(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor
oil has caused cancer in laboratory
mice. Protect your skin by washing
with soap and water.
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[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
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[SV17320(ALL)03/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
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[SV17350(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
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[SV17400(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Your vehicle is equipped with two
automatic cooling fans. It may come
on at any time without warning. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative terminal of the battery
before working near the fan.
%*
[SV17600(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
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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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[SV17650(ALL)08/95]
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.
[SV17700(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0000305-E
The engine coolant reservoir (3.0L Vulcan shown Ð 3.0L
Duratec similar)
[SV17750(ALL)04/95]
The coolant level in the reservoir should be
maintained within the cold fill range.
[SV17900(ALL)02/95]
There may be a low coolant warning light in the
instrument cluster which will light when the
coolant level is low.
%*
[SV18000(ALL)11/94]
Checking hoses
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[SV18050(ALL)11/94]
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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