1997 Mercury Sable engine coolant

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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79

2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3.0L Duratec engine
1. Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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Maintenance and care
117

CHECKING AND ADDING WASHER FLUID
Check the washer fluid
whenever you stop for
fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
washer symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid to fill the
reservoir. In very cold weather, do not fill the
reservoir all the way.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the
liftgate (wagon only)
The opening for the reservoir is located on the
passenger side under the tail lamp. Refill this
reservoir with the same fluid you use for your
windshield.
CHECKING AND ADDING ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the
coolant in the reservoir
at least once a month.
Be sure to read and
understand
Precautions when
servicing your vehicle
in this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time, the engine coolant reservoir may
eventually empty. If this occurs, add engine coolant
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Maintenance and care
121

to the coolant reservoir. For more information on
engine coolant maintenance, refer toAdding engine
coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not
use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer
fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the reservoir to the
engine coolant recovery reservoir-DO NOT ADD
DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water
only in an emergency, but you should replace it with
a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as
soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough of a 50/50 mixture of coolant
and water to bring the liquid level to the fill line on
the reservoir.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow
these steps to avoid personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off
and let it cool.
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Maintenance and care
122

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise to
the first stop.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been
released, use the cloth to press the cap down, turn
it counterclockwise and remove it.
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid
E2FZ-19549±AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8±B)
or an equivalent premium engine coolant that meets
Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A. Ford Premium
Engine Coolant is an optimized formula that will
protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in
Ford cooling systems for four years or 80,000 km
(50,000 miles).
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. The use of an improper
coolant may void your warranty of your vehicle's
engine cooling system.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes. Not all
coolant recycling processes produce coolant which
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A, and use of
such coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
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Maintenance and care
123

Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling
system can hold, refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system
for leaks if you have to add more than a liter (quart)
of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates [less than
±36ÉC (±34ÉF)], it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to the chart
on the coolant container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is such that the
coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter months. Never
increase the engine coolant concentration above
60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power
steering fluid at least
twice a year. If adding
fluid is necessary, use
only MercontAT F
power steering fluid.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches
normal operating temperature (the engine coolant
gauge will be near the center of the NORMAL band).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
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Maintenance and care
124

Cleaning the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do
not wipe properly,
clean both the
windshield and wiper
blades using undiluted
windshield wiper
solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse
thoroughly with clean
water. To avoid
damaging the blades,
do not use fuel,
kerosene, paint thinner
or other solvents.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry
with a dry cloth.
Any cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the
upper portion of the instrument panel should be
avoided. The dull finish in this area is to help
protect the driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a
vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately.
Follow the directions that come with the cleaner.
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Maintenance and care
149

Component Part number
Passenger
compartment air filter
(if equipped)FP-6
Oil filter FL-820-S
PCV valve EV-152
Spark plug AWSF-32F
REFILL CAPACITIES
3.0L Vulcan engine
Fluid Ford Part
NameVehicle
TypeCapacity
Brake
fluidHigh
performance
DOT 3
brake fluidAll Fill to line
in reservoir
Engine
coolantPremium
cooling
system fluidAll 11.0 (11.6)
Engine oil
(with
filter
change)Motocraft
motor oil
5W30 super
premiumAll 4.25 (4.5)
Fuel tank
capacityN/A All 60.6 (16.0
gallons)
Power
steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONt
AT FAll Fill to line in
reservoir
Automatic
transaxle
- AX4NMotorcraft
MERCONt
AT FAll 12.8 (13.5)
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Capacities and specifications
152