1997 Mercury Sable Scheduled Maintenance Guide

190,000 KILOMETERS (114,000 MILES)
rChange engine oil and replace oil filter.
rRotate tires and adjust air pressure.
DEALER AUTHORIZATION
Date:
Mileage:
195,000 KILOMETERS (117,000 MILES)
rChange engine oil and replace oil filter.
DEALER AUTHORIZATION
Date:
Mileage:
200,000 KILOMETERS (120,000 MILES)
rChange engine oil and replace oil filter.
rReplace spark plugs (except 3.0L Duratec)
rInspect accessory drive belt(s).
rReplace air cleaner filter.
rReplace PCV valve (3.0L Vulcan and 3.0L
Flexible Fuel Vehicle - FFV only).
rInspect engine cooling system, hoses, and
clamps; check coolant strength every 25,000
km (15,000 miles) or 12 months.
rReplace passenger compartment air filter.
rInspect exhaust heat shield(s).
rInspect front and rear brakes. (1)
DEALER AUTHORIZATION
Date:
Mileage:
Severe duty schedule
25

(1) If your driving habits include continuous
stop-and-go driving or driving in hilly areas, more
frequent intervals may be required.
(2) At 96,000 km (60,000 miles) your dealer will
replace the PCV valve at no cost on 3.0L Vulcan and
3.0L Flexible Fuel Vehicle - FFV engines except
California and Canada vehicles.
(3) At 160,000 km (100,000 miles) your dealer will
replace the PCV valve at no cost on 3.0L Duratec
engines except California and Canada vehicles.
Severe duty schedule
26

Owner maintenance checks
Listed below are vehicle maintenance checks and
inspections that should be performed by the owner
or qualified service technician at the indicated
intervals. Service information and supporting
specifications are provided in the ªOwner Guideº.
Any adverse conditions should be brought to the
attention of your dealer or qualified service
technician for expert service advice as soon as
possible.
The owner maintenance checks are generally not
covered by warranties and you may be charged for
labor, parts and lubricants used.
WHEN YOU STOP FOR FUEL:
rCheck the engine oil level.
rCheck coolant level in the recovery bottle.
rCheck the windshield washer fluid level.
rLook for low or under-inflated tires.
WHILE OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE:
rNote any changes in the sound of the exhaust or
any smell of exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
rCheck for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice
any increased steering effort or looseness in the
steering wheel.
rNotice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or
ªpullsº to one side of the road.
rWhen stopping, listen and check for strange
sounds,pulling to one side, increased brake
pedal travel or ªhard to pushº brake pedal.
rIf any slipping or changes in the operation of your
transaxle occur, check the transaxle fluid level.
Owner maintenance checks
27

rCheck automatic transaxle PARK function.
rCheck parking brake.
rCheck for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water
dripping from the air conditioning system after
use is normal.
AT LEAST MONTHLY:
rCheck the tire pressure - check tires when cold,
not after a long drive.
rCheck coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir.
rCheck the operation of all exterior lamps,
including the brake lamps, turn signals and
hazard warning flashers.
AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR: (I.E., EVERY SPRING
AND FALL)
rCheck radiator, heater and air-conditioning hoses
for leaks or damage.
rCheck windshield washer spray and wiper
operation. Check and replace worn wiper blades.
rCheck for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
rCheck muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
rCheck headlamp alignment.
rCheck the lap-shoulder belts for wear and
function.
rCheck air pressure in the spare tire.
rInspect halfshaft dust boots.
Owner maintenance checks
28

AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR:
rLubricate all hinges, checks, latches, and all
outside key locks.
rLubricate door rubber weatherstrips.
rClean the body water drain holes.
rCheck the air conditioning system before the
warm weather season.
rCheck the power steering fluid level.
rInspect engine cooling system, hoses and clamps;
and check coolant strength
rCheck the brake fluid level.
rCheck the battery connections.
rLubricate the transaxle controls and linkage.
If any of these conditions are noted, bring them to
the attention of your dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
Owner maintenance checks
29