1998 Mercury Sable coolant temperature

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by
filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or
properly installing and securely tightening the gas
cap. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, theService
Engine Soonlight should turn off. (A driving cycle
consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is
required.
If theService Engine Soonlight remains on, have
your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate
fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration)
and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive
exhaust temperatures could damage the
catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Low fuel
Illuminates when the
fuel tank has
approximately eight
liters (two gallons)
remaining. The lamp will also illuminate when the
ignition key is turned to ON and the engine is off.
Low coolant (if equipped)
This lamp will
illuminate when the
engine coolant inside
the reservoir is low.
LOW
COOLANT
Instrumentation
8

Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the
temperature of the
engine coolant. At
normal operating
temperature, the
needle remains within
the normal area (the
area between the ªHº
and ªCº). If it enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine immediately and let
the engine cool. Refer toEngine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine
coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at
its proper level the gauge indication will not be
accurate.
Odometer
Registers the total
kilometers (miles) of
the vehicle.
C H
102030405060
70
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
110
Instrumentation
13

5. Turn the key to 4
(ON) without turning
the key to 5 (START).
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
(
) will not illuminate.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5
(START) without
pressing the
accelerator pedal and
release as soon as the
engine starts. The key
will return to 4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12É C (10É F) and
the engine does not start within five seconds on the
first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten seconds and
try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12ÉC (10ÉF) and the
engine does not start in fifteen seconds on the first
try, turn the key OFF and wait ten seconds and try
1
23
4
5
CRUISE
RPMx1000
0 1234
5
6
7EFC H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONP!
BRAKEABS
+ –
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
THEFT LOW
COOLANTO/D
OFF102030405060
70
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
110
1
23
4
5
Starting
86

again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
depress the accelerator and start the engine while
holding the accelerator down to the floor. Release
the accelerator when the engine starts.
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. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where
temperatures reach -23ÉC (-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.
Starting
87

Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to the chart
on the coolant container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is such that the
coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter months. Never
increase the engine coolant concentration above
60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power
steering fluid. Refer to
the ªService Guideº for
the service interval
schedules. If adding
fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches
normal operating temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be near the center
of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
Perform steps 4 and 5 following the procedure for
your engine.
Maintenance and care
138

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........ 66
and child
safety seats ............. 69
description .............. 67
disposal .................... 72
indicator light ......... 72
passenger air bag ... 70
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control
system . 21,22,23,24,26
Anti-theft system ...... 47
arming the system .. 47
Automatic transaxle . 93
driving
with ........... 96,97,98,99
Brakes ........................ 89
anti-lock ................... 89
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning
light .......................... 90
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 133
shift interlock .......... 93
Break-in period ........... 3
Cargo cover .......... 41,42
Cargo net ................... 41
Cellular telephone
(see your Cellular
Phone Guide) ............ 39
Child safety seats
attaching with tether
straps ....................... 78
in rear seat ......... 76,78
tether anchorage
hardware ................. 79
Cleaning your
vehicle ...................... 167
built-in child
seat ..................... 80,83engine
compartment ......... 168
exterior lamps ....... 170
plastic parts .......... 170
washing .................. 167
waxing ................... 168
wheels .................... 168
wiper blades .......... 170
Console ...................... 38
Controls
power seat ............... 55
Coolant ............. 137,138
checking and
adding .................... 135
refill capacities ...... 137
Defrost
rear window ............ 17
Doors
central unlocking 36,37
Emission control
system ...................... 158
Engine
coolant ................... 134
idle speed control . 142
service points . 129,130
starting after a
collision ................. 108
Engine block heater . 87
Engine oil
checking and
adding .................... 132
dipstick .................. 130
specifications . 130,132
Exhaust fumes .......... 87
Floor mats ................. 39
Fuel
choosing the
right fuel ................ 156
detergent in fuel ... 157
filling your vehicle
with fuel ......... 153,155
quality .................... 156
Index
182