1997 Mercury Sable maintenance

²Take care when using a power washer to clean
the engine. The high pressure fluid could
penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking
the engine block.
²Cover the
highlighted areas to
prevent water
damage when
cleaning the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running; water in the running engine may cause
internal damage.
Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use a vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning of plastic.
Clean with a tar remover if necessary. Do not clean
plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash the exterior
lamps with the same
detergent you used to
wash the exterior of
your vehicle. Use glass
cleaner or tar remover
if necessary.
To avoid scratching the
lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps.
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Maintenance and care
148

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

Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft,
damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the
surface with a leather and vinyl cleaner or a mild
soap.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution
recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do
not bleach or dye the belts, because these actions
may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make
sure there are no nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle
has been involved in an accident, have all the safety
restraints examined by a qualified technician.
Cleaning the built-in child seat (if equipped)
Clean the built-in child seat with mild soap and
water. Do not use household cleaning products
because they may weaken the safety belt webbing or
damage the vinyl parts of the seat.
The child seat liner is removable and may be
machine-washed and air dried.
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Maintenance and care
150

Engine data
Spark plug gap 1.07-1.17 mm
(0.042-0.046
inch)1.07-1.17 mm
(0.042-0.046
inch)
Ignition system DIS DIS
Valve clearance
cold inlet
exhaust0: Maintenance
free0: Maintenance
free
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle
dimensions
mm (in.)Sedan Wagon
(1) Overall
length5016.5 (197.5) 5069.8 (199.6)
(2) Overall
width1854.2 (73.0) 1854.2 (73.0)
(3) Overall
height1399.5 (55.1) 1463.0 (57.6)
(4) Wheelbase 2755.9 (108.5) 2755.9 (108.5)
(5) Track -
Front1564.6 (61.6) 1564.6 (61.6)
(5) Track -
Rear1559.6 (61.4) 1569.7 (61.8)
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Capacities and specifications
156

arming and disarming
the anti-theft
system ..................... 42
locking/unlocking
doors ................... 41,42
opening the trunk ... 41
panic alarm ............. 42
replacement/additional
transmitters ............. 43
replacing the
batteries .................. 43
Reporting safety
defects ..................... 162
Safety restraints
automatic locking
mode (retractor) 53,54
center rear lap belt 55
extension assembly 58
for children ............. 64
for second row bench
seats ............... 71,72,74
lap and shoulder
belts ......................... 52
maintenance ............ 60
proper use ............... 52
warning light and
chime ....................... 59
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether
straps .................. 69,70
automatic locking
mode (retractor) .... 67
tether anchorage
hardware ................. 70
Seats
adjusting the seat,
manual ..................... 48
adjusting the seat,
power ....................... 49
folding rear seats .... 50
head restraints ........ 48Servicing your
vehicle ...................... 114
precautions when
servicing ................ 114
Spare tire ................. 105
Speed control ............ 22
Speedometer ............. 10
Starting your vehicle 77
preparing to start your
vehicle ..................... 76
starting a warm
engine ...................... 78
Storage
compartments ........... 35
Tachometer
mechanical cluster . 11
Tilt steering wheel .... 27
Tires ......................... 132
changing ................ 106
checking the
pressure ................. 132
replacing ................ 133
rotating .................. 132
snow tires and
chains .................... 133
tire grades ............. 130
treadwear .............. 130
Towing your vehicle 113
Trailer towing ............ 91
tips ........................... 94
Transaxle ................... 83
automatic
operation ...... 84,85,86,
87,88,89
fluid, checking and
adding
(automatic) ... 125,126,
127
Trip odometer ........... 12
Trunk
using the remote entry
system to open ....... 34
Turn signal ................ 25
Index
165