1997 Mercury Sable heater

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
com_engine_heater.01
com_guarding_exhaust.01
com_ventilation_info.01
Starting
79

Function Trade Number
Heater-A/CGo to Ford
authorized
dealer
Automatic climate controlGo to Ford
authorized
dealer
Rear window defrost switchGo to Ford
authorized
dealer
Rear window wiper/washer
switch (wagon)Go to Ford
authorized
dealer
Headlamps
To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in OFF position,
then open the hood. If you are replacing the driver
side headlamp, unclip the electronic module on the
right side of the battery and move it out of the way.
2. Remove the
electrical connector
from the bulb by
pulling the connector.
3. Remove the bulb
retaining ring by
rotating it
counterclockwise
(when viewed from the
rear) about an eighth
of a turn to free it from
the bulb socket, and by
sliding the ring off the
Maintenance and care
143

Aiming headlamps .. 144
Air bag supplemental
restraint system
and child safety
seats ......................... 61
description .............. 60
disposal .................... 64
indicator light ......... 63
passenger air bag ... 62
Air cleaner filter
replacing ................ 129
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system 16,17,18,
19,20
manual heating and air
conditioning
system ........... 14,15,16
Anti-theft system ...... 44
warning light ............. 8
Audio system (see
Electronic sound
system) ...................... 21
Autolamp system (see
Headlamps) ............... 13
Battery ..................... 127
servicing ................ 128
Brakes
adjustment .............. 81
anti-lock ................... 81
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 120
Brake-shift interlock . 83
Break-in period ........... 2
Cargo cover ............... 35
Cargo net ................... 35
Child safety seats ...... 66
Childproof locks ........ 31
Cleaning your vehicle 146
built-in child seat . 150engine
compartment ......... 147
fabric ...................... 149
instrument panel .. 149
plastic parts .......... 148
safety belts ............ 150
tail lamps ............... 148
washing .................. 146
waxing ................... 147
wheels .................... 147
Climate control
system ........................ 14
Console, description . 31
Daytime running light
system ........................ 14
Emission control
system ...................... 137
Engine
service points . 116,117
Engine block heater . 79
Engine coolant
checking and
adding ............. 121,122
disposal .................. 123
refill capacities ...... 124
Engine oil ................ 119
changing oil and oil
filter ....................... 119
checking and
adding .................... 118
Entry system
illumination ............. 43
Exhaust fumes .......... 79
Floor mats ................. 33
Fuel
calculating fuel
economy ................ 137
improving fuel
economy .................. 95
octane rating ......... 136
Index
163