1997 Mercury Sable catalytic converter

the key, send the registration card to the
manufacturer (not the dealer) to get a replacement
key. If the lug wrench/lug nut key assembly is lost,
see your nearest Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer
who has access to the master set of keys.Do not
use an impact wrench with the anti-theft key.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes.
An explosion could result in injury or vehicle
damage.
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could
damage the catalytic converter. For further
information, seeJumper Cablesin the Index.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
CONNECTING THE JUMPER CABLES
1. Position the vehicles so that they do not touch
one another.
2. Switch off the engine. Switch off any unnecessary
electrical equipment.
com_jump-starting.01
com_connecting_cables.01
Roadside emergencies
110

Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air
quality, including reformulated gasolines, that
contain oxygenates such as a maximum of 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no more
than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives to
protect the fuel system.
Calculating fuel economy
To accurately calculate your vehicle's fuel economy:
1. Fill the tank completely and record the initial
odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of
fuel added (in liters or gallons).
3. After at least three to five fuel tank fill-ups, fill
the fuel tank and record the current mileage
reading.
4. Use one of the following equations to calculate
fuel economy.
Liters used x 1004Total kilometers traveled
Total miles traveled4Total gallons used
Keep a record for at least one month. This will
provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with catalytic converters
which enable your vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission requirements.
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment. Under extreme conditions
excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the
fuel system, the interior floor covering, or other
vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
com_calculating_economy.01
dno_emission-control-info
Maintenance and care
137

To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is
moving, especially at high speeds.
²Have the services listed in yourService Guide
performed according to the specified schedule.
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the
Service Guideare required because they are
considered essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford
replacement parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft
parts or Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for the service of
components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford
Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
It is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
Warranty Information Booklet for complete warranty
information.
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.
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of
oil pressure, the charging system warning light, the
service engine soon light or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emissions
system is not working properly.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
Maintenance and care
138