1997 Mercury Sable Engine

Liftgate wiper and washer (wagon only)
The liftgate
wiper/washer control is
located under the
headlamp controls.
Press the wiper control
to activate the rear
wiper. Press control
again to turn off the
wiper.
Press the washer
control to activate rear
washer. The wiper will
come on when the
washer control is
pressed, if not already
on.
AUDIO SYSTEM
Refer to theAudio Guidefor instructions on how to
operate the audio system.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
Refer to theRoadside emergencieschapter for
instructions on how to operate the fuel pump
shut-off switch.
POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION
1. ACCESSORY allows
the electrical
accessories such as the
radio and
wipers/washer to
operate while the
engine is not running.
2. LOCK locks the
steering wheel and gearshift lever and allows key
removal.
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Controls and features
21

3. OFF shuts off the ignition and accessories and
allows the gearshift and steering wheel to move.
4. ON tests the warning lights. The key must remain
here when the engine is running.
5. START cranks the engine. The key must return to
ON when running.
CRUISE CONTROL
To turn cruise control on
Press ON.
Vehicle speed cannot
be controlled until the
vehicle is travelling at
or above 48 km/h (30
mph).
Do not use the cruise control in heavy traffic or
winding, slippery or unpaved roads.
Do not shift into N (Neutral) while the cruise
control is on.
To turn cruise control off
Press OFF or turn off
the vehicle ignition.
Once cruise control is switched off, the previously
programmed set speed will be erased.
ON
OFF
COASTRESUMESET
ACCEL
ON
OFF
COASTRESUMESET
ACCEL
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Controls and features
22

Safety belt maintenance
Check the safety belt systems periodically to make
sure they work properly and are not damaged.
Check the safety belts to make sure there are no
nicks, wears or cuts. All safety belt assemblies,
including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle
assemblies (slide bar)(if equipped), shoulder belt
height adjusters (if equipped), child safety seat
tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and
attaching hardware, should be inspected after a
collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be
replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a
qualified technician finds that the belts do not show
damage and continue to operate properly, they do
not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not
in use during a collision should also be inspected
and replaced if either damage or improper operation
is noted.
Refer toCleaning and maintaining the safety
beltsin theMaintenance and Caresection.
IMPORTANT SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) PRECAUTIONS
The supplemental
restraint system is
designed to:
²work with the safety
belt to protect the
driver and right front passenger
²reduce certain upper body injuries
Failure to follow these instructions will
affect the performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal injury.
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ENGINE
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Seating and safety restraints
60

PREPARING TO START THE VEHICLE
Engine starting is controlled by the spark ignition
system. This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field
strength of radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing
the accelerator before or during starting. Only use
the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the
engine. For more information on starting the vehicle,
refer toStarting the vehiclein this chapter.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled
their safety belts. For more information on safety
belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the
headlamps and vehicle
accessories are off.
²Make sure the
parking brake is set.
²Make sure the
gearshift is in P
(Park).
3. Turn the key to the ON position (without turning
the key to START.)
P
P R N D 2 1
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76

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate
briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light
does not illuminate.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine's idle
revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine
starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine.
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked. Do not
allow the vehicle to idle for more than ten minutes.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of
fire or other damage.
CRUISE
RPMx1000
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Starting
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Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine compartment
and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage
or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes
can be toxic. Always open the garage door before
you start the engine. SeeGuarding against
exhaust fumesin this chapter for more
instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5
(Start) without
pressing the
accelerator. The key
will return to 4 (On).
2. If the engine does not start within five seconds,
wait ten seconds and try again.
3. If the engine does not start in two attempts OR
the temperature is below Ð12ÉC (10ÉF), depress
accelerator and start the engine while holding the
accelerator down. Release accelerator when engine
starts.
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Starting
78

4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake
and release the parking brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant,
which improves starting, warms up the engine faster
and allows the heater-defroster system to respond
quickly. They are strongly recommended if you live
in a region where temperatures reach Ð23ÉC
(±10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater
for longer than three hours will not harm the engine,
so the heater can be plugged in the night before
starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your
heater with ungrounded electrical systems
or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is
present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind
inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect
and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if
you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful
and could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service
²the sound of the exhaust system changes
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision
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Starting
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Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling
while the vehicle is
stopped in an open
area for long periods of
time, open the
windows at least 2.5
cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped)
to bring in fresh air.
Improve vehicle
ventilation by keeping
all air inlet vents clear
of snow, leaves and
other debris.
Starting
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