1999 Mercury Sable coolant level

of a tank indicated on the fuel gauge (refer toFuel
gaugein this chapter for more information). The
ignition must be in the ON position for this lamp to
illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several
seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position regardless of the fuel level.
Low coolant (if equipped)
This lamp will
illuminate when the
engine coolant inside
the reservoir is low.
This lamp will come on
when the ignition is first turned on, but then should
turn off. If the lamp stays on, you should check the
coolant level inside the reservoir. For instructions on
adding coolant, seeEngine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer toPerimeter
alarm system (if
equipped)and
SecuriLockypassive
anti-theft systemin theControls and features
chapter.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned on and the
engine is off. If the
light does not illuminate momentarily at start up,
remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to
be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal braking is still
effective unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released.
LOW
COOLANT
THEFT
ABS
Instrumentation
9

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.
Trip odometer
Registers the
kilometers (miles) of
individual journeys. To
reset, depress the
control.
C H
102030405060
70
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
110
102030405060
70
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
110
Instrumentation
14

3.0L V6 Duratec engine
1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain into the oil pan.
8912
3
4
56
7
Maintenance and care
138

Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid
whenever you stop for
fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add
enough fluid to fill the
reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the
reservoir all the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the
liftgate (if equipped)
The opening for the reservoir is located on the
passenger side under the tail lamp. Refill this
reservoir with the same fluid you use for your
windshield.
Maintenance and care
142

ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the
engine coolant in the
reservoir. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for service
interval schedules. Be
sure to read and
understand
Precautions when
servicing your vehicle
in this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the
recommended interval, the engine coolant reservoir
may become empty. If this occurs, add engine
coolant to the reservoir. For more information on
engine coolant maintenance, refer toAdding engine
coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not
use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer
fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant in the reservoir
for the windshield washer fluid.
Do not mix conventional green coolant, orange
coolant or recycled coolants together in your
vehicle. Use only the type of coolant with which
your vehicle was originally equipped. If you are
unsure which type of coolant your vehicle
requires, contact your local dealer.
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
Maintenance and care
143

When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the engine coolant
reservoir.
Plain water may be added in an emergency, but you
MUST replace it with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and
distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the
next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary,
add enough of a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water
to bring the liquid level into the cold fill range on
the reservoir.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow
these steps to avoid personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off
and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise
until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been
released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise
and remove the cap.
Change your engine coolant according to the
appropriate schedule listed in the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide.
Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549±AA
(in Oregon, F5FZ-19549±CC, in Canada, Motorcraft
CXC-10) or an equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A.
DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine
Coolant F6AZ-19544±AA, meeting Ford
specification WSS-M97B44±D (orange in color).
Do not add recycled coolant to your vehicle.
Maintenance and care
144

Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. The use of an improper
coolant may void the warranty of your vehicle's
engine cooling system.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant
which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A, and
use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling
system can hold, refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system
for leaks if you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0
quart) of engine coolant per month.
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.
Maintenance and care
145

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power
steering fluid. Refer to
the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide 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.
3.0L Vulcan engine
4. Check the fluid level
on the dipstick. It
should be between the
arrows in the FULL
HOT range. Do not add
fluid if the level is
within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the dipstick back
in the reservoir.
FULL HOT
Maintenance and care
146