1996 Mercury Sable ignition

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.
File:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

218 %
*
[RE00700(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
Be careful when lifting a battery that
is in a plastic case. If you put too
much pressure on the ends, you
could spill acid from the vent caps,
causing serious damage to the vehicle
and injury to yourself. Lift the
battery with a carrier or with your
hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[RE00800(ALL)01/95]
Do not let children touch the battery.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which
burns skin, eyes, and clothing. If the
acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area
with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him
or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a
beaten egg, or vegetable oil. Call a
doctor immediately.
*
[RE00900(ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
*
[RE01000(ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[RE01100(ALL)03/95]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
File:fcres.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 11:02:29 1995

221 %
*
[RE03900(ALL)03/95]
Removing jumper cables
*
[RE04000(ALL)03/95]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order.Remove the negative (s) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[RE04100(ALL)03/95]
2. Remove the negative (s) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[RE04200(ALL)03/95]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[RE04300(ALL)03/95]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[RE04400(ALL)04/95]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
You may need to use a battery charger to fully
recharge the battery.
*
[RE04450(ALL)03/95]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theServicing Your Vehiclechapter.
%
*
[RE04500(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
[RE04610(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Tire sealants that are injected through
the valve stem are not to be used to
service punctured tires because they
can produce wheel rust and tire
imbalance.
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:02:29 1995

234
*
[RE18000(ALL)03/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle
*
[RE18100(ALL)03/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle
behind another vehicle, such as a recreational
vehicle, a car, or a truck.
*
[RE18200(ALL)03/95]
Before you have your vehicle towed:
*
[RE18300(ALL)03/95]
q
Release the parking brake.
*
[RE18400(ALL)03/95]
q
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[RE18500(ALL)01/95]
q
Turn the key in the ignition to OFF.
*
[RE18600(ALL)03/95]
q
Unlock the steering wheel.
[RE18700(ALL)01/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than
35 mph (56 km/h) or for a distance greater than
50 miles (80 km), unless the drive wheels are
placed on dollies.
*
[RE19000(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to
the bumper when you tow your
vehicle. You could damage the
bumper and cause an accident.
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:02:29 1995

257
*
[SV01900(ALL)03/95]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[SV02000(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[SV02100(ALL)01/95]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported by a jack only. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[SV02200(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02250(ALL)03/95]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
*
[SV02550(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
*
[SV02600(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV02625(ALL)03/95]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[SV02650(ALL)03/95]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02800(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV02825(ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

268 %
*
[SV10185(ALL)01/95]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
*
[SV10195(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious
injury or death if misused or
mishandled. To minimize the risk
that you will be injured, please read
the following information carefully
and observe the recommended
precautions.
*
[SV10200(ALL)01/95]
Gasoline and other automotive fuels are
extremely flammable. Turn your vehicle off and
do not smoke while refueling your vehicle. Keep
sparks and other sources of ignition away from
fuels.
*
[SV10205(ALL)03/95]
Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if
swallowed.Never attempt to siphon any fuel
by mouth.
*
[SV10210(ALL)03/95]
If any fuel is swallowed, call a physician or
poison control center immediately.Do not delay
calling a physician merely because no adverse
effects are noticed at first; the toxic effects of
fuels may not become apparent for many
hours.
*
[SV10213(ALL)03/95]
If gasoline is swallowed, do not induce
vomiting. If a gasoline-methanol blend is
swallowed, induce vomiting under the direction
of a physician or poison control center.
*
[SV10215(ALL)03/95]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small
amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene.
Long-term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors
has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Excessive inhalation of fuel vapors can cause
headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of coordination,
and other symptoms which could interfere with
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

285
solution you use for your windshield. To find
out how much washer fluid the reservoir holds,
seeRefill Capacitieslater in this chapter.
%*
[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV23300(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[SV23400(ALL)03/95]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[SV23500(ALL)03/95]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn
your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF
position. Do not move the wipers manually.
Manually moving the wipers across the
windshield may damage them.
*
[SV23600(ALL)03/01]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[SV23700(ALL)03/95]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly
after you clean them, you may need to replace
the wiper blade assembly or the blade element.
When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent. To replace the blades, follow the
instructions that come with them.
[SV23705(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle uses a 24" wiper on the driver side
and a 20" wiper on the passenger side.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

304
[SV32910(ALL)02/95]
Fuses and Relays
[SV32915(ALL)04/95]
Fuses (conventional and high current) and relays
protect your vehicle's wiring system from
overloading. If electrical parts in your vehicle are
not working, the system may have been
overloaded and blown a fuse. Before you replace
or repair any electrical parts, check the
appropriate circuit protector. High current fuses
should only be repaired or replaced by your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
[SV33400(ALL)02/95]
The following charts tell you which circuit
protector protects each electrical part of your
vehicle. If a fuse blows, all the parts of your
vehicle that use the circuit will not work.
*
[SV33410(ALL)02/95]
Once you have determined which fuses to check,
follow the procedures underChecking and
replacing fuseslater in this chapter.
*
[SV33500(ALL)05/93]
RWARNING
Always remove the key from the
ignition before working on or
replacing fuses. Failure to do so
could result in injury.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995