1998 Mercury Sable fuel pump

Pull the release lever
to release the brake.
Driving with the
parking brake on will
cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and
reduce fuel economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help steer
the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or the extreme left for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power
steering pump fluid level.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the
engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could
be caused by any of the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
Driving
92

HAZARD LIGHTS CONTROL
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle
breakdown, approaching danger, etc. The hazard
flashers can be operated when the ignition is off.
²The hazard lights
control is located on
top of the steering
column.
²Depress hazard
lights control to
activate all hazard
flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not
start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to
stop the electric fuel pump when your vehicle has
been involved in a substantial jolt.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch by pushing in the button on the
switch.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a
few seconds and return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
Roadside emergencies
108

If your vehicle is a
sedan, the fuel pump
shut-off switch is
located on the right
side of the trunk
behind the trunk liner.
If your vehicle is a
wagon, the fuel pump
shut-off switch is
located behind the
service panel on the
right side of the cargo
area.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical
components in the
vehicle are not
working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown
fuses are identified by a broken wire within the fuse.
Check the appropriate fuses before replacing any
electrical components.
Always replace a fuse with one that has the
specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with
a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
1515
Roadside emergencies
109

Fuse/
Relay
LocationFuse
Amp
RatingDescription
7 40A** Rear Window Defrost Relay
8 30A** Thermactor Air ByPass
Solenoid, EAM Solid State
Relay
9 40A** High Speed Cooling Fan Relay,
Low Speed Cooling Fan Relay
10 20A** Fuel Pump Relay
11 40A** Blower Motor Relay
12 Ð Not Used
13 40A** Anti-Lock Brake Module
14 Ð Not Used
15 15A* Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) Module
16 10A* Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor
17 20A* Rear Control Unit, CD Changer
18 30A* Anti-Lock Brake Module
19 15A* Horn Relay, Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)
20 15A* Headlamp Switch, Autolamp
Park Relay
21 Ð Not Used
22 30A* Autolamps Relay,
Multi-Function Switch,
Headlamp Switch
23 Ð Blower Motor Relay
24 Ð Starter Relay
25 Ð A/C Clutch Relay
26 30A* Generator/Voltage Regulator
27 10A* A/C Clutch Relay
28 15A* Heated Oxygen Sensors,
Canister Vent
29 Ð Fuel Pump Relay
Roadside emergencies
114

try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded gasoline.
ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended
(particularly in the United States) because it may
cause these problems to become more pronounced.
If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association
(AAMA) issued a fuel specification to provide
information on high quality fuels that optimize the
performance of your vehicle. We recommend the use
of fuels that meet the AAMA specification if they are
available.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket
products to your fuel tank if you continue to use a
high-quality fuel.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air
quality, including reformulated gasolines that contain
oxygenates up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol, which can
damage critical fuel system components. Damage
resulting from the use of methanol may not be
covered by your warranty.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may
have an adverse affect on modern powertrain
components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to crank the engine several times
before the system starts to pump fuel from the
tank to the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº light may come on.
For more information on the ªService Engine
Soonº light, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Maintenance and care
157