Page 321 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 294
*
[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tires ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured u Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 294
*
[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tires ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured u](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-320.png)
294
*
[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[SV28299(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
File:fcsvs.ex
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Page 322 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 295
*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28600(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 295
*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28600(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-321.png)
295
*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28600(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[SV28700(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use snow tires, make sure that
they are the same size and grade as
the tires you now have on your
vehicle. If they are not, your vehicle
may not handle safely.
*
[SV28775(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[SV28825(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE
CHAINS ARE INSTALLED ON STEEL
WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before
using tire chains to avoid scratches or
damage.
*
[SV28925(ALL)11/94]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
*
[SV28950(ALL)08/94]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995
Page 323 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 296
*
[SV28975(ALL)08/94]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturers recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the c Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 296
*
[SV28975(ALL)08/94]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturers recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the c](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-322.png)
296
*
[SV28975(ALL)08/94]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[SV29025(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[SV29150(ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29160(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29170(ALL)04/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage the protective coatings. Use tar and road
oil remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29180(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
*
[SV29220(ALL)04/95]
Air Filter
[SV29240(ALL)02/95]
To replace the engine air filter, unclip the two
latches, separate the housing and remove the old
filter. Wipe the interior of the housing clean
before inserting the new filter. Lock the two
latches.
[SV29260(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Do not use oil-impregnated air filters.
Filters other than the ones specified in
this Owner Guide can cause engine
damage. Your warranties may not
apply if your vehicle is damaged
because you used the wrong air filter.
SeeMotorcraft partsin the Index.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995
Page 328 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 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 a Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 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 a](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-327.png)
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.
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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995
Page 345 of 391
318 [SV40050(ALL)04/95]Position the vehicle on a surface that is level on
the front-to-rear direction.
[SV40075(ALL)04/95]
If the vehicle cannot be placed on a true level
surface, the headlamps still can be adjusted
using the VHAD if the slope of the surface is
accurately known and does not differ by more
than 1.2" from true level. A difference of 2.27
inches in height of the surface between the front
and rear wheels corresponds to 1.2" slope.
[SV40100(ALL)04/95]
If the vertical adjuster is within +/s4
graduations about zero, the vertical headlamp
aim is within specification; and if the horizontal
adjuster is within +/s2 graduations about zero,
the horizontal headlamp aim is within
specification.
[SV40125(ALL)04/95]
half page art:0001425-AFile:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995
Page 347 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 320 [SV40800(ALL)02/95]Each 0.1 inch difference in surface height
between the front and the rear wheels
corresponds to0.053Ê ofsurface slope; each0.19Ê
of surface slope corresponds to 0.36 inches
di Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 320 [SV40800(ALL)02/95]Each 0.1 inch difference in surface height
between the front and the rear wheels
corresponds to0.053Ê ofsurface slope; each0.19Ê
of surface slope corresponds to 0.36 inches
di](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-346.png)
320 [SV40800(ALL)02/95]Each 0.1 inch difference in surface height
between the front and the rear wheels
corresponds to0.053Ê ofsurface slope; each0.19Ê
of surface slope corresponds to 0.36 inches
difference in surface height between the front
and rear wheels.
[SV40820(ALL)02/95]
Replacing the High-Mount Brakelamp Bulb
[SV40830(ALL)04/95]
If you have the sedan, your vehicle has a
brakelamp mounted in the rear window, called a
high-mount brakelamp. The wagon has a
high-mount brakelamp on the outside. You may
need to remove this lamp to replace the
brakelamp bulb.
[SV40832(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0000623-D
Parts of the high-mount brakelamp (sedan)
[SV40835(ALL)11/94]
Sedan
*
[SV40840(ALL)03/95]
To remove the brakelamp:
[SV40842(ALL)11/94]
1. Remove the package tray trim.
[SV40844(ALL)11/94]
2. Push the attachment toward the rear
window.
[SV40846(ALL)11/94]
3. Slide the brakelamp up and away from the
rear window to remove it from the tabs that
hold it down.
[SV40849(ALL)11/94]
4. Disconnect the bulbs.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995
Page 359 of 391
![Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 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 t Mercury Sable 1996 Owners Manuals 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 t](/manual-img/33/11168/w960_11168-358.png)
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
Page 377 of 391

350 Index
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
engine compartment.......... 263
exterior................ 7
headlamps.............. 108
instrument panel............ 91
mirrors................ 154
plastic parts.............. 8
polishing................ 7
rustproofing.............. 8
safety belts............... 23
tail lamps.............. 108
washing................ 7
wheels................ 296
windows............... 105
Clock.................. 114
Cold engine starting............ 65
Compact disc player (see Electronic sound
system)................ 181
Console, description........... 156
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 276
drain and flush............ 281
preparing for storage......... 334
refill capacities............ 281
specifications............. 331
temperature gauge........... 84
Cooling fan............... 256
Cruise control (see Speed control)..... 120
Cupholder(s).............. 157
Customer Assistance Center,
Ford (U.S.).............. 238
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada............ 238
D
Daytime running light system...... 107
Defrost
rear window and side view mirrors. . . 104
windshield............ 95,102
Dispute Settlement Board........ 239
File:fcixs.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 10:58:02 1995