1997 Mercury Sable fuel

If you have a sedan,
the fuel pump shut-off
switch is located on
the right side of the
trunk behind the trunk
liner.
If you have a wagon,
the switch is located
behind the service
panel on the right side
of the cargo area.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical
components in the
vehicle are not
working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are identified by a broken
wire. Check the appropriate fuses before replacing
any electrical components.
Always replace a fuse with one that has the
specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with
a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
7 40A* Rear defroster
8 30A* Thermactor air
pump
9 40A* Engine cooling
fans
10 20A* Fuel pump
11 40A* Blower motor
12 - Not used
13 40A* Anti-lock brake
module
14 - Not used
15 15A** Daytime
running lamps
16 10A** Air bag
diagnostic
monitor
17 20A** Radio, amplifier,
CD changer
18 30A** Anti-lock brake
module
19 15A** Horn
20 15A** Park lamps
21 - Not used
22 30A** Headlamps
23 - Blower motor
24 - Intermittent
wiper control
25 - Wiper relay
26 30A** Alternator
27 - Not used
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103

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
²As possible, we design parts that can be replaced
without tools.
²We provide you with a ªService Guideº which
makes tracking routine service for your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary parts and service.
Check your ªWarranty Information Bookletº to find
out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and
service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Precautions when servicing your vehicle
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle. Here are some general precautions for
your safety:
²Do not work on a hot engine.
The cooling fan is automatic and may come
on at any time. Always disconnect the
negative terminal of the battery before working
near the fan.
²If you must work with the engine running, avoid
wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts. Take precautions with
long hair.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
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114

²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit
material away from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained inBatteryin this
chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking
brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is
securely latched is P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine
and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels
fully to prevent the
vehicle from moving
unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking
brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is
securely latched is P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels
fully to prevent the
vehicle from moving
unexpectedly.
P R N D 2 1
P R N D 2 1
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115

9. Power steering fluid reservoir
CHECKING AND ADDING ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your
vehicle.
To check the oil:
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground. If the
engine is warm, turn the engine off and wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully
remove the engine oil
dipstick.
5. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully,
then remove it again. The oil level should be in the
range shown on the dipstick.
6. If the oil level is below the MIN line or the ADD 1
QUART line, add oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the MAX or FULL line, engine damage or
high engine oil consumption may occur and some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully
seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to
Checking the engine oilin this chapter.
ADD 1 QTFULL
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118

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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121

²Always dispose of automotive batteries in a
responsible manner. Follow your communities
standards for disposal. Call your local recycling
center to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
CHANGING YOUR AIR FILTER
To replace your air
filter, unclip the two
latches, separate the
housing and remove
the old filter. Wipe the
interior clean before
inserting new air filter.
Lock the two latches.
Do not use oil-impregnated air filters. Filters other
than the ones specified in this owner guide can
cause serious damage. Your warranties may not
apply if your vehicle is damaged because you use
the wrong air filter. Refer toMotorcraft part
numbersin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
CHECKING AND CHANGING WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when
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.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not clean properly, clean the
windshield and wipers. Use an undiluted windshield
washer solution or a mild detergent, then rinse
thoroughly with clear water. Do not use fuel,
kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents to clean
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Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when
the wear band is
visible through the tire
treads.
Failure to follow these precautions may
adversely affect the handling of the vehicle
and make it easier to lose control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's
original tires may also affect the accuracy of your
speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to
provide traction in rain and snow. However, in some
climates, you may need to use snow tires and
chains. Follow these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or
bang against your vehicle, stop and re-tighten the
chains. If this does not work, remove the chains
to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels.
²Do not use tire chains if your vehicle is equipped
with P225/55VR16 tires.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer
needed. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
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