1996 Mercury Sable trailer

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.
File:fclgs.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 11:08:13 1995

122 [SC09011(ALL)02/95]NOTE: If your speed increases above your set
speed while driving inj(Overdrive)
on a downhill grade, you may want to
shift to D (Drive) to reduce vehicle
speed (or, turnj[Overdrive] off by
depressing the O/D OFF switch on the
gearshift lever). The speed control
cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it
goes above your set speed on a
downhill grade. For the best fuel
economy during normal driving
conditions, leave the gearshift inj
(Overdrive), or resume as soon as
practical.
*
[SC09100(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
To keep control of your vehicle, do
not use the speed control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding,
slippery, or unpaved.
%*
[SC09200(ALL)03/95]
Accelerating With the Speed Control
Operating
*
[SC09300(ALL)03/95]
You can use the accelerator pedal to speed up
momentarily. When you take your foot off the
accelerator, the vehicle will return to the set
speed.
[SC09340(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: When driving in hilly terrain, at high
altitudes, or when pulling a trailer, you
may want to drive in D (Drive) (or
turnj[Overdrive] off by depressing
the O/D OFF switch). This will
improve speed control performance.
File:fcscs.ex
Update:Tue Aug 8 11:05:58 1995

210
*
[DR21900(ALL)01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limit than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR22000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified
on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label is exceeded, your
vehicle may be damaged or you may
lose control and injure someone.
*
[DR22005(ALL)01/95]
Limiting Your Vehicle's Load
*
[DR22010(ALL)01/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Decal attached to the
left front door pillar.
*
[DR22015(ALL)01/95]
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add
the weights of:
*
[DR22020(ALL)01/95]
q
the driver and passengers
*
[DR22025(ALL)01/95]
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
*
[DR22030(ALL)01/95]
q
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
*
[DR22035(ALL)01/95]
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered
to your dealer
*
[DR22040(ALL)01/95]
If you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
*
[DR22045(ALL)01/95]
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take
your vehicle to a shipping company or an
inspection station for trucks.
File:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

212
%*
[DR22100(ALL)04/95]
Trailer Towing
[DR22125(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the type of engine in
your vehicle. See the following charts:
[DR22150(ALL)04/95]
sixteen pica chart:0000489-H[DR22190(ALL)04/95]
fourteen pica chart:0001436-BFile:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

213
*
[DR22200(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory
fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are
available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
*
[DR22300(ALL)01/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on
your vehicle, you must follow certain
precautions for your safety and the good of your
vehicle:
*
[DR25800(ALL)11/92]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
(SeeKnowing Your Vehicle's Load Limits.)
*
[DR25900(ALL)01/95]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR26000(ALL)01/95]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[DR26100(ALL)01/95]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[DR26150(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
*
[DR26500(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight
exceeds the limits of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage,
transaxle damage, structural damage,
loss of control, and personal injury.
File:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

214
*
[DR26580(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when the
temporary spare tire is being used.
Tire failure, loss of vehicle control,
and possible injury to vehicle
occupants could result.
*
[DR26600(ALL)01/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[DR28500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR28600(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR28700(ALL)01/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
%*
[DR28750(ALL)01/95]
Using the hitch
*
[DR28800(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle uses a load carrying hitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a
trailer on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you
must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on
the tongue.
*
[DR28900(ALL)01/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will
prevent damage to your vehicle and make your
vehicle easier to handle.
File:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

215 %
*
[DR28950(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[DR29000(ALL)01/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
*
[DR29100(ALL)01/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[DR29200(ALL)01/95]
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and attach them to your vehicle's frame or
hook retainers. Never attach the safety
chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper
is not designed to bear the weight of a
trailer.
*
[DR29300(ALL)01/95]
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in
the chains to allow you to turn corners.
*
[DR29400(ALL)01/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
%*
[DR29450(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[DR29500(ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
*
[DR29600(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. If you do,
your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of
having a collision greatly increase.
File:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995

216 %
*
[DR29650(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR29700(ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
*
[DR29800(ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting system.
*
[DR29900(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR30000(ALL)08/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR30175(ALL)04/95]
When you tow in steep hills, move the
automatic transaxle to 1 (First) (vehicles without
O/D OFF switch) or 2 (Second) (vehicles with
O/D OFF switch) when descending. This will
give more engine braking on downgrades. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift
to the proper gear on upgrades.
[DR30200(ALL)04/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, move the
gearshift to D (Drive) (column shift without
O/D OFF switch) or push the O/D OFF switch
(column or console shift). This will also give
better braking going down hills.
%*
[DR30300(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[DR30400(ALL)04/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle When You Tow
*
[DR30500(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
File:fcdrs.ex
Update:Wed Dec 20 09:31:15 1995