1997 Mercury Sable ESP

To test the vehicle
sensitive (emergency)
locking mode, pull the
shoulder belt quickly to
lock.
The vehicle sensitive mode is the normal retractor
mode, adjusting shoulder belt tightness in response
to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver
brakes suddenly or turns a corner sharply or the
vehicle receives an impact of 8 km/h (5 mph) or
more, the combination safety belts would lock to
help reduce forward movement of the driver and
passengers.
Automatic locking mode
In this mode, the shoulder belt is locked in a certain
position by the occupant anddoes notadjust
tightness during vehicle movement.
The automatic locking mode is not available on the
driver belt.
When to use the automatic locking mode
²When a tight lap/shoulder fit is desired.
²Any timea child safety seat is installed in the
vehicle. Refer toChildren and infant or Child
safety seatslater in this chapter.
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Seating and safety restraints
53

If any of these things happen, even intermittently,
have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a
qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced,
the system may not function properly in the event of
a collision.
DISPOSAL OF AIR BAGS AND AIR BAG
EQUIPPED VEHICLES
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles,
see your local dealership or qualified technician. Air
bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.
IMPORTANT CHILD RESTRAINT PRECAUTIONS
You are required by law to use safety restraints for
children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children
ride in your vehicle (generally children who are four
years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs]
or less), you must put them in safety seats made
especially for children. Check your local and state or
provincial laws for specific requirements regarding
the safety of children in your vehicle.
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or
her lap while the vehicle is moving. The
passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a
collision.
Always follow the instructions and warnings that
come with any infant or child restraint you might
use.
When possible, place children in the rear seat of
your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that
children are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating
position.
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Seating and safety restraints
64

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
77

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
79

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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Maintenance and care
114

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

Adding transaxle fluid
Before adding any fluid, be sure the correct type is
being used (this is indicated on the transaxle
dipstick).
Add fluid in 250 ML (1/2 pint) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level within the
crosshatched area. If the level is above the top hole
on the dipstick, a qualified technician should remove
the excess fluid.
Always dispose of automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call your local
recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
BATTERY
If the original
equipment
maintenance-free
battery needs
replacing, it may be
replaced with a
low-maintenance
battery. For more
information on
replacement batteries, refer toMotorcraft part
numbersin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes.
An explosion could result in injury or vehicle
damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
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Maintenance and care
127

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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Maintenance and care
129