1996 Mercury Sable check oil

77 [LG04000(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000278-B
Charging system light
[LG04300(ALL)11/94]
This light comes on every time you turn your
ignition key to the ON or START position. The
light should go off when the engine starts and
the alternator begins to charge.
*
[LG04400(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
%*
[LG04800(ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
[LG04900(ALL)02/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not
the oil level. However, if the engine's oil level is
low, it could affect the oil pressure. The light
should come on every time the ignition key is
turned to the ON or START position, and
should turn off after the engine is running.
[LG04950(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001025-B
Engine oil pressure warning light
[LG05100(ALL)11/94]
If the light stays on or turns on when the engine
is running, the engine has lost oil pressure and
continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:08:13 1995

78
*
[LG05105(ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG05200(ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG05300(ALL)11/94]
2. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do
not stop the engine as soon as safely
possible, severe engine damage could result.
*
[LG05400(ALL)11/94]
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil in this Owner Guide. (SeeEngine oilin
the Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
To ensure an accurate reading, your vehicle
should be on level ground.
[LG05500(ALL)11/94]
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary to bring it to the full level before
you start the engine again. Do not overfill.
Do not operate the engine if the light is on,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your
nearest dealer for further service actions.
%*
[LG06200(ALL)01/95]
High Beam Light
*
[LG06300(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.
[LG06350(ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with Daylight
Running Lamps (DRL), the high beam light will
not come on when you flash the lights.
[LG06400(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000111-B
High beam light
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Update:Tue Aug 8 11:08:13 1995

272
*
[SV13564(ALL)02/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[SV13568(ALL)02/95]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[SV13572(ALL)02/95]
q
Excessive speed
*
[SV13576(ALL)02/95]
q
Rapid acceleration
*
[SV13581(ALL)02/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV13584(ALL)02/95]
q
Sudden stops
*
[SV13589(ALL)02/95]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[SV13591(ALL)02/95]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[SV13593(ALL)02/95]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[SV13596(ALL)02/95]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[SV13598(ALL)02/95]
q
Heavy loads
*
[SV13599(ALL)02/95]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
*
[SV13605(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[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.
*
[SV13615(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[SV13620(ALL)01/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13625(ALL)01/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
*
[SV13630(ALL)01/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13633(ALL)02/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13636(ALL)01/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

274 %
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[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:
*
[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.
*
[SV14025(ALL)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[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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Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

275
*
[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.
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
%*
[SV14700(ALL)03/95]
Adding engine oil
*
[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.
*
[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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276
*
[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.
%
*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17320(ALL)03/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17350(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[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
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

299
*
[SV29425(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.
%
*
[SV30200(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV30300(ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
%*
[SV30400(ALL)06/93]
You should check the brake fluid at every
scheduled engine oil change, but be sure to
check it at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir
on the master cylinder. (SeeThe Engine Typesin
this chapter to locate the master cylinder.) The
fluid level should be at or near the MAX mark.
*
[SV30450(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers
and polyglycols. Avoid contact with
eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after
handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes,
flush eyes with running water for 15
minutes. Get medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting.
Get medical attention immediately.
*
[SV30500(ALL)03/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the cap from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to
the MAX line with Ford High Performance DOT
3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA or equivalent
DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification
ESA-M6C25-A.
File:fcsvs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:36:55 1995

352 Index
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 276
checking hoses............ 277
preparing for storage......... 334
recovery reservoir........... 276
refill capacities............ 329
specifications............. 331
Engine coolant temperature gauge,
description............... 84
Engine fan............... 256
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 275
checking and adding......... 274
dipstick............... 274
engine oil pressure warning light..... 77
filter, specifications.......... 330
refill capacities............ 329
specifications............. 331
synthetic oil............. 273
ªbreak-inº oils............. 6
Entry system, keyless.......... 128
Exhaust fumes.............. 71
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 5
F
Flashers, hazard............. 118
Flashing the lights............ 116
Flat tire................. 221
Floor mats............... 152
Fluid refill capacities........... 329
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 238
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 239
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 5
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 243
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 243
Foreign registration........... 245
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
Fuel
calculating fuel economy........ 270
File:fcixs.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 10:58:02 1995